We first prepared this collection of essential phrases for families at home in March 2020, when we were all staying home wondering what might happen next. I just discovered that the embedded video and PDF had gone missing when we re-published in 2022.
Since these phrases are still really helpful for families settling into another school year, I’m re-posting now, with the audio and PDF links restored. Our inspiration came from Charlie Venne’s “Simple Commands in Woodlands Cree.”
Sol and I expanded Charlie’s list to include a whole, long list. (Yes, it’s long: Sol was even getting a little “crouchy” towards the end!)
- What we say to children (or anyone, really)
- What parents (or caregivers) say to children
- What children say (Things kids are gonna be saying anyway, so they may as well learn to say them in Cree)
- Click to download this EssentialPhrases PDF. You might like to have it as you read along, or stick to the fridge as a handy reference!)
- Scroll down for video.
Of course, this selection is only a sample of the endless real-life list. Sol no sooner had the list recorded than somebody thought of more. namôya niya! It wasn’t me!
Special thanks to Destiny Bison for allowing us to share this 2022 photo of the Bison family – all dressed up for a special occasion – as our “poster kids”! Of course, in September 2025, Miss Hunter (who hadn’t quite joined the party) is now almost ready for Head Start!
Don’t let the white screens on the video fool you: Sol provides 8 minutes’ worth of lists for different situations. The printable list follows the audio.
