Mashteuiatsh36(c) Tourisme Autochtone Québec
Mashteuiatsh36(c) Tourisme Autochtone Québec

Words of native origin

Definitions of Words of Native Origin

The following is a list of words of native origin. You will find in parentheses what each word refers to in everyday life (town, river, etc.), followed by the translation.

Ashuapmushuan

Where one waits for a moose.

Babiche

Strips of rawhide, sinew, or gut used for sewing, lacing, or fastening: making snowshoes for example.

What is the meaning of the word Canada?

Canada means: The village where I live.

Chibougamau

Lake crossed from edge to edge by a river. (source: Commission de toponymie du Québec)
Meeting place.

What Does the Name Chicoutimi Mean?

The meaning is interesting as it refers to where sea water and fresh water meet.

Where Does the Name Esquimaux Mean?

“They eat raw”

Ilnu / Ilunatsh

Name of the Montagnais in their language meaning “Human being”.

Kénogami

Long lake.

Kiwanis

This word is used to refer to someone who is restless or too noisy.

What is a Manitou?

Manitou refers to the spirit of spirits or a superior being.

Mashteuiatsh

Where there is a point of land.

Métabetchouan

Current coming out of the lake.

Mistassini

Large rock.

Ouananiche

Lost / away from its normal place.
(Typical local fish, sea trout which would have evolved following the disappearance of the salt water.)

Ouiatchouan

Winding path, full of curves.

Papinachois

He tells jokes / he laughs a lot.

Péribonka

The water of the river is scrambled.

Pichou

Lynx.

Piékuagami

Flat lake.

What is the definition of Quebec?

Quebec means a narrowing or escarpment.

What Does Saguenay Mean?

Exiting water / where the water exits.

Ship”shaw

River enclosed.

Definition of Tadoussac

Bosom, it refers to the capes on either side of the mouth of the Saguenay River, where the whales come to feed.)

What is a Windigo?

A Windigo is the forest ogre (a giant cannibal).

We thank the Mashteuiatsh Society of History and Archeology for their invaluable assistance in writing this article.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.