Chipewyan

English

Etymology

From Plains Cree ᒌᐘᔮᐣ (Cīpwayān, “pointed skin”), from ᒌᐚᐤ (cīpwāw, “to be pointed”) + ᐘᔮᐣ (wayān, “skin, hide”) — a reference to the cut and style of Chipewyan parkas.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /t͡ʃɪp.əˈwaɪ.ən/

Noun

Chipewyan (plural Chipewyans or Chipewyan)

A member of a Native American tribe of Central Canada, in the regions of Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan.
- 2006, Carl Waldman, Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (page 65)
  In addition to their leatherwork, woodwork, stonework, and bonework, the Chipewyan also worked in metal.

Proper noun

Chipewyan

The Northern Athabascan language spoken by this tribe.

Usage notes

Many Chipewyan consider this term derogatory, as it does not originate from Dene, but is a name provided by their historical enemies.

Synonyms

Dene
Dene Suline
Denesuline
Denésoliné

Translations

language

Chipewyan: ᑌᓀᓱᒼᕄᓀ, Dëne Sųłiné
Galician: chipewyan (gl)
Russian: чипевиа́н m (čipevián)