Terminology
- Kim Henrie
- Jun 12, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 30, 2023
As a linguist and language teacher, I know that words have power, and how we use them matters. I’ve been very fortunate to have multiple opportunities to learn correct terminology in general, as well as terminology that’s more specific to the area where I reside. Being able to address people using the correct and respectful terms is important. I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn more about the origins of specific terms and how they are received by different groups of people. In the land acknowledgement that I have created for myself, I have incorporated specific terms to show that I am currently on a journey to learn more.
In professional development training provided by the former Indigenous Education Teaching & Learning consultant at Mohawk College Johanne, I was introduced to the term ‘Ohkwehonwe’ which is a Mohawk word meaning ‘original people.’ Johanne explained that the commonly used word Iroquois which was applied to the Cree and Haudenosaunee had negative connotations. She explained that this word means ‘Black Adder’ which by association unfairly confers the meanings of both killer and snake to the Woodland peoples. The term Ohkwehonwe in contrast is a term that has been chose rather than assigned, and by using this term, it denotes an attempt to recognize truth and show respect. I try to use the correct, and more importantly, the terms preferred by specific groups. In INDG 100: An Introduction to Indigenous Studies, I also learned more about the importance of correct terminology.
The other term that I have incorporated into my land acknowledgement is ‘boozhoo’ which I first learned from Eddy Robinson in a presentation called Indigenous Cultural Awareness in March 2022. He explained that ‘boozhoo,’ an Anishinaabemowin-Ojibway word which means, “I’m going to learn from you, and you can learn from me. I’m going to respect you, and you can respect me.” The intention of this phrase appeals to me as it signals meeting from a place of respect where both teaching and learning occur. As an educator, I feel that effective teaching can only happen when it is combined with learning. The two represent complimentary processes.
I have been introduced to two specific resources which I have found useful, and that I think can help other educators.
The first is the SABAR Key Terminology Guidebook for Reporting on Aboriginal Topics (2012). This resource not only defines key terms but also provides useful links that provide information to key concepts.
The Indigenous Ally Toolkit (2019) is another resource that touches on terminology but which also goes further to discuss how to be an ally and provides some important dos and don’ts. https://segalcentre.org/common/sitemedia/201819_Shows/ENG_AllyTookit.pdf
Fiddler, M. (2021). INDG 100: Introduction to Indigenous studies, Reconciliation,
Indigenous studies, and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge. [Module 1 content]. LMS.
McCarthy, J. (2020). In did you know series: 1 place. [PowerPoint slides]. Mohawk
Robinson, E. (2022). Indigenous cultural awareness. [PowerPoint slides]. Mohawk College.
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