Wolastoqey Kinship terms are rarely used anymore due to colonial policies that obstructed its intergenerational transmission to future generations. The term used for mother is Nikuwoss which literally means “my first home”, another significant loss to our identity are the words associated with maternal and paternal aunts and uncles. These were used to respect the family lineage. Older siblings also had ancestral roles with titles to coach their younger siblings. The only surviving kinship terms left are those for “son” and “daughter” that preserves our communal role to love each child as our own referring to the belief “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Kinship Terms audio
Nkisi Tehc / Can Do's
Upon completion of this lesson...
Tpostomun Latuwewakon/ Listening to the language
Wolastoqewatu/ Speaking in the language
Okitomon Latuwewakon/ Reading the language
Wikhomon Latuwewakon/ Writing the language
- I can hear various kinship terms
- I can distinquish between first, second and third persons
Wolastoqewatu/ Speaking in the language
- I can practice reciting kinship terms that apply to their family
- I can appreciate learning the dialogue
Okitomon Latuwewakon/ Reading the language
- I can begin to recognize and read vocabulary in songs
- I can practice reading short and long stories
Wikhomon Latuwewakon/ Writing the language
- I can write short invitations, or announcements
- I can write their personal gratitude for each family member
