KIKSKITITAN SERIES
KIKSKITITAN BUNDLE SERIES ‘LET’S KNOW’
Kikskititan: ‘Let’s Know’ is a sacred mission, woven by Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School, its Knowledge Keepers, and its Nêhiyawawin Keepers, to guide our most valued treasures—our children—through the circle of Reconciliaction and towards a life of Pimatsowin (Living a Good Life).
The series comprises a central book, “Kikskititan,” and an accompanying bundle of Ayinanew additional books. This bundle series serves as both a gateway and a connector, bridging generations through the enduring wisdom of Nêhiyawak teachings and the transformative power of storytelling. Together, they provide a comprehensive journey into the foundational principles of Nêhiyawak Iyinisiwin.
Our children are our most sacred beings, and it is our duty to nourish their spirits with the teachings of our ancestors. As we walk this path of actioning Reconciliation, we impart to them our seven grandmother / grandfather sacred teachings: Sakihitowin (Love), Manacihtowin (Respect), Sohkitehewin (Courage), Kwayaskitatsowin (Honesty), Iyinisiwin (Wisdom), Tapahteyimisowin (Humility), and Tapwewin (Truth).
Embark on a transformative journey through forests, plains, and waters. Meet the animal keepers of these teachings as they guide us in understanding these foundational virtues. Each book in this bundle series is a step in a much larger, lifelong journey—a sustained commitment to walking the Nêhiyawak way of life.
Book (1): Kihew’s Skyward Teachings of Sakihitowin: Heartbeats Above the Forest – Above the forest, where whispers of ancestral stories float through the air, the Piwiyis (birds) gathered as ototimak (friends); led by Kihew (eagle), the mysterious Ahasiw (raven), the musical Waskahikan Piwayisis (sparrow), the curious Kehkehk (hawk), and the wise Oho (owl). Together, under the canopy of trees, they prepare to learn a special lesson about the magic of Sakihitowin (Love).
Sakihitowin – Kihew tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw sakihitowin kisnawmakonow tanisi ta isi miyo pimacihoyah, tanihsoh kamakoyah kihmamtonicikanaw ekwa miyo otinikewin ekwa sakihitowin
Sakihitowin (Love) – Eagle carries and gives us the gift of love, teaches us how to make a good life, to help us think good and to show others respect and love.
Book (2): Sakawmostos’s Tale of Manacihitowin: The Spirit’s Gaze – In the heart of the plains around the forest, Sakawmostos (Buffalo) gathered the pisiskowak (animals); Apisimosos (Deer), Mistatim (Horse), Moswa (Moose) and Wawaskesiw (Elk). Together, they congregated under the towering trees, ready to uncover the powerful essence of Manacihitowin (Respect).
Manacihitowin – Sakawmostos tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw manacihtowin tamanacihiyakwaw ki totimnawahk kispin kintawitin ekosi ti sih kanawapimkawiyin maka kispin ki miyinikan ka miytotahson ekwa ka maytotin kitaskiy
Manacihitowin (Respect) – Buffalo carries and gives us the gift of respect, to respect others so that they see you respect them. If you do harm and only do good for yourself, you harm yourself and our land.
Book (3): Muskwa’s Tale of Sohkitehewin: The Courage Within – Amidst the tranquil forest, Muskwa (Bear) gathered the pisiskowak (animals): Kihkwahahkew (Wolverine), Kakwa (Porcupine), Mistahiya (Grizzly Bear) and Sikak (Skunk). They convened under the wisdom of ancient trees, eager to explore the essence of Sohkitehewin (Courage).
Sohkitehewin – Muskwa tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw sohkitehewin – kimikonow tanisi ti sih nipowistamahk oma kikwiy ka kostamahk
Sohkitehewin (Courage) – Bear carries and gives us the gift of courage, shows us how to stand up in the face of fear and be brave.
Book (4): Mistapew’s Tale of Kwayaskitatsowin: The Honesty Within – In the sanctuary of the forest, Mistapew the sasquatch summoned a council of pisiskowak (animals): Pisiw (Lynx), Mistanask (Badger), Pisiskis (Raccoon), and Wapistan (Marten). United under the shelter of ancient trees, they committed themselves to exploring the meaning of Kwayaskitatsowin (Honesty).
Kwayaskitatsowin – Mistapew tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw kwayaskitatsowin – ki kisnaw mako sinaw tanisi ti sih nisoka mahsoyah kwasyask ti sah yah yahk ekwa kayas okih kitotimnawahk kapisih pimahcihotwaw
Kwayaskitatsowin (Honesty) – Sasquatch carries and gives us the gift of honesty, teaches us how to stand up respectfully and be considerate. It also teaches us how well our ancestors lived and survived.
Book (5): Amisk and the Gift of Iyinisiwin: The River of Wisdom – In the sanctuary of the edge of the forests around the muskeg marshy area, Amisk (Beaver) convened the pisiskowak (animals): Kinepik (Snake), Kinosiw (Fish), Nikik (Otter) and Wacask (Muskrat). They gathered under the waters, streams in the forest committed to understanding Iyinisiwin (Wisdom).
Iyinisiwin – Amisk tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw Iyinisiwin – kisnawmakosinaw oma katotamahk kikwiy kikskitinaw manacihtowin ekwa niso kamahtowin ihmi ya sihkihka ta miywiciwat kichi ayisiniw
Iyinisiwin (Wisdom) – Beaver carries and gives us the gift of wisdom, teaches us the way we understand how to love and helps us learn how we relate to others.
Book (6): Mahikan and the Echo of Tapahteymisowin: The Path of Goodwill – In the sanctuary of the forest, Mahikan’s (wolf) convened the pisiskowak (animals) friends: Mahkesis (Fox), Mescacakanis (Coyote), Pisiw (Lynx) and Wapos (Rabbit). They gathered under ancient trees, committed to understanding Tapahteyimosowin (Humility).
Tapahteyimisowin – Mahikan tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw tapahteyimisowin ispayo ka miyo totawat ayisiniw kwayask ki pimatisinaw kakiyaw
Tapahteymisowin (Humility) – Wolf carries and gives us the gift of humility, it goes to show us to treat others well and to live good with everyone.
Book (7): Miskinahk’s Slow Dance of Tapwewin: Embracing Truth – In the sanctuary of the forest, Miskinahk (turtle) convened the pisiskowak (animals) friends: Niska (Goose), Sisip (Duck), Miyokatay (Frog) and Mohkahosiw (Heron). They gathered under ancient trees, committed to understanding Tapwewin (Truth).
Tapwewin – Miskinahk tahkonam ekwa kimikonaw tapwewin ispayo maka tah kam atoskatamihk pohko tapwewin piyahtik ipihspihk maka ki miyo wahpah tihkosinaw kikwiy kawi ispahyihk pahpiyatihk
Tapwewin (Truth) – Turtle carries and gives us the gift of truth, it takes work and patience to gain truth but the truth lives only if we let things happen slowly.
