Words of Welcome

Words of Welcome

As we approach the one month mark before the start of the 21st annual American Indian Tourism Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we look forrward to welcoming delegates from many of the sovereign nations around the United States.

With so many tourism professionals and cultural heritage experts in one place, we want to be sure to extend a warm welcome to our attendees in as many languages as possible.

We queried our tribal partners and other experts and asked how they say “Hello” or “Welcome” in their Native languages. (Thanks to all who participated, and as always, it’s never too late to submit your own additions.)

 

Abenaki Language, Penobscot Nation, Maine
I greet, welcome him məpehkʷíhlαmα  
Hello! kkʷēyˊ  

 


Alutiiq (Suqpiaq), Alaska
How are you? / Hello Cama’i (Cha-My)  
Thank you Quyanaa (Coy-yana)  

 


Arikara Language, Three Affiliated Tribes; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; North Dakota
Hello Geed  

 


Chickasaw, Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Hello hallito  

 


Cherokee, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina
Hello Siyo  

 


Eyak Language, Eyak Village, Alaska
Hello Iishuh  
Welcome Awa’ahdah aanda’IAXshA’a’chL  

 


Hidatsa Language, Three Affiliated Tribes; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; North Dakota
Hello Dosha-  

 


Mahican Dialect, Stockbridge – Munsee Tribe of Wisconsin
How are you? Koonumunthe  
I am fine Noonumunthe
Glad you made it to morning (When addressing a group, add “hima”) Kwãapunuxeen  
Glad you made it to evening (When addressing a group, add “hima”) Koonnãakxeen  
How are all of you? Koonumutheʔmã  

 


Mandan Language, Three Affiliated Tribes; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; North Dakota
Hello Du shka sha-  

 


Miccosukee Language, Seminole Tribe of Florida
How are you?; how’s it going?
A form of greeting but the meaning varies depending on how it’s used
Che-hen-ta-mo?  

 


Mohawk Language, Akwesasne (St. Regis Mohawk Tribe), New York
“Do you still have the Great Peace?” “Shé:kon skennenkó:wa ken”  
Today the greeting is shortened in Akwesasne “Shé:kon!”  

 


Northern Paiute, Nevada
How are you? Hau u  

 


Ojibwemowin (Ojibwe) Language; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wisconsin
Greeting Boozhoo  
Hello Aanii  

 


‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language)
Hello Aloha  
Welcome, to say to people Welina  
Welcome, as in a warm greeting Heahea  

 


Osage Nation, Oklahoma
Hello Hawey  

 


Shawnee, Shawnee Tribe, Oklahoma
Hello Aho  
Welcome Picfako  

 


Sugcestun Language, Eyak Village, Alaska
Hello Camai  
Welcome Tai ggut itra  

 


Twulshootseed, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Washington
How are you? ʔəsx̌id čəxʷ  
Good day haʔł sləx̌il
We are joyful that you folks have arrived ʔəsǰuʔil čəł ʔə ti sułəčilləp  
We are joyful to see you folks ʔəsǰuʔil čəł ʔə ti səslaʔbdubułəd  

 


Unangax (Aleut) Language, St. Paul Island, Alaska
Hello & Welcome. Aang (Pronounce like ‘song’)
 

 

Unangam tunuu (the Aleut language), Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Alaska
Hello & Welcome. Aang  
Hello. Aang Aang  

 

Note: The words and phrases in this post were provided by members of the tribes listed. Spellings and translations may vary. Some words may be missing accents or symbols due to limited characters on a keyboard.

We’re happy to add your language and/or hear corrections and suggestions on spellings and translations, so feel free to contact us at info@aianta.org.

Year of Indigenous Languages

Learn more about the year of Indigenous Languages and view more posts in AIANTA’s Native Greetings series here.

 

Photo credits: Top image: Oneida Nation of Wisconsin; Canoe image: Tulalip Tribes.