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Words Matter: Everyday Phrases with Indigenous Roots (and What to Say Instead)
- Kiera Brant-Birioukov
- Nov 3
- 1 min read
Have you ever caught yourself saying a phrase and wondered where it really came from?
Many expressions we use in everyday conversation have deep roots in Indigenous knowledge, history and relationship building; some are appropriate and deeply historical, for example, did you know the phrase"Bury the hatchet" is from the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy when we buried our weapons beneath the Tree of Peace? And yet, there are many other phrases that are deeply harmful and inappropriate.
At Ridge Road, we believe that language shapes relationships. Speaking with intention is one small but powerful way we can all contribute to justice, reconciliation, and respect in our daily lives.
Our new resource, Words Matter: Everyday Phrases with Indigenous Roots (and What to Say Instead), explores some of the most common expressions - like “Let’s have a pow wow,” “It’s my spirit animal,” or “Bottom of the totem pole” (do many of these sound familiar??) - and instead we offer thoughtful alternatives that honour the spirit of the words without appropriating their cultural significance.
This booklet, just like all of our resources, are not about policing language or political correctness; it’s about learning, reflecting, and speaking in ways that align with our values.
Download the free booklet and start your own reflection:
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