Kelina Lobo

Kuláawut


Kuláawut
Konóknishum pomáawun
Sáalaq, ‘áawq, hayá’aq
‘Otá$kish ‘néy kwáavichuma
Yawáywish

Tree
It’s green branches
Growing, living, reaching
Your shade protects me
Beautiful


Haqwáachiim


Haqwáachiim, haqwáachiim,
haqwáachiim, yawáywichi!

Haqwáachiim, haqwáachiim,
haqwáachiim, no’áachishki!

Nóon ‘óy má’maq.
Nóon ‘óy má’maq.
Nóon ‘óy má’maq.
…má’mama!

Nóon ‘óy má’maq.


Come here, come here,
come here, beautiful!

Come here, come here,
come here, my crazy one!

I love/want you.
I love/want you.
I love/want you.
…always love!

I love/want you.

Kelina Lobo (Acjachemem) is a linguist and educator working with her tribal language, Chamtéela. The Acjachemem language is a language without fluent speakers and she is working to bring the language into the modern world where it can be used in daily life. A living language is an essential part of language and cultural revitalization. We do not intend to go back in time, but to bring our culture into the present time. Technology is central to reaching tribal members so you will find her language materials on SoundCloud, Instagram, and Facebook.

Next poem

Previous poem

Winter 2021