Too Oozhrii above Vashraii K’oo
Dachanlee gwa’an nirindii dai’, shoo ihłii
Geedee deetrya’ kwaii neet’aa dai’, shoo ihłii
Vadzaih ddhah kat gwak’aa dai’, shoo ihłii
Too datthak ch’araadzaa dai’, shoo ihłii
Diich’anjaa naii diinagahtan dai’, shoo ihłii
At’ohju’ T’eedriitsik oohootan gwiizhik, geh zhoo k’it ahsii
Datthak tsinehdan goo’aii, shindee anganałjii
Ginihłyaa gwiizhik Vashraii K’oo gwee’an ddhah kwaii nał’in
Dachanlee, Vyuh Zhraii, Nitsii Ddhaa, Avii, Kiiviteiinlii, Ddhaa’eetsii,
Steven Vantsih, Nitsii Ddhaa Zhuu, Tsuk Nadhat
The English translation:
When we camp at Dachanlee, I am happy
When ravens circle overhead, I am happy
When the caribou return, I am happy
When we dance into the night, I am happy
When the elders teach us, I am happy
When the Chandalar freezes over and the snow comes down like rabbit fur and all is peaceful,
I close my eyes and dream of the mountains surrounding Vashraii K’oo:
Dachanlee, Vyuh Zhraii, Nitsii Ddhaa, Avii, Kiiviteiinlii, Ddhaa’eetsii,
Steven Vantsih, Nitsii Ddhaa Zhuu, Tsuk Nadhat
*Mahsi’choo Allan Hayton for helping to translate this poem! Neet’ihthan! To the community of Vashraii K’oo and our Ancestors — you remain the source of so much inspiration, strength, and beauty. Also, Tsyaa Tsal Too Oozhrii Gwizhit is a traditional story worth reading!
