Tomorrow (2/14) many of us will celebrate tapaalintioni kiišikahki ‘a day of love.’ Regardless of how you celebrate, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to remind those around you how much you appreciate and care for them. 

Megan Sekulich, graphic designer at the Myaamia Center, with help from the Language Research office, has created Valentine’s cards to print and share with friends, family, and loved ones. 

Printed on the cards, you will find two phrases; 

Wiiyaakiteeheelo tapaalintioni kiišikahki which means ‘Celebrating a day of love’ or ‘Happy Valentine’s Day.’ 

and 

teepaalilaani meaning ‘I love you.’ 

These cards are available to print on Aacimotaatiiyankwi’s Virtual Library or Šaapohkayoni, the Myaamia education portal. 

We’ve also pulled together the following list of phrases, to help you address your card to a specific family member or friend. 

iinka | Mother! (or mother’s sisters) (addressing form)

noohsa | Father! (or father’s brothers) (addressing form)

noohkwa | Grandmother! (addressing form)

mehša | Grandfather! (addressing form)

noohse | My grandchild! (addressing form)

niwiiwe | My wife! (addressing form)

ninaapeeme | Husband! (addressing form)

niihka | Friend! (of same gender) (addressing form)

Remember – if you’d like to use a term or phrase not found on this list, be sure to explore the Myaamia dictionary on ILDA or contact the Myaamia Center to learn more.