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Sekwan

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Sekwan Pronunciation

Sekwan is pronounced SEH-kwan

Meaning: first stage of spring; early spring

In 30 seconds: Sekwan is the Northern Cree (nêhiyawêwin) word for 'springtime' — the season's first stirring after winter — contrasting with miyoskamin, the Plains Cree term for the same season.

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Origin Cree, Native American

Meaningfirst stage of spring; early spring

History & Origin

Sekwan (Northern Cree spelling) or sîkwan means 'it is springtime' in nêhiyawêwin. The Online Cree Dictionary (creedictionary.com) records it as the Northern Cree term, with miyoskamin as the Plains Cree alternative for the same season. Community speakers note that sîkwan and miyoskamin name distinct spring stages — the early thaw and the full greening respectively. Spring in Cree tradition marks the return of geese and the movement across the land after winter, celebrated through seasonal moons like mikiswi pîsim (eagle moon) and niski pîsim (goose moon). As a name, Sekwan carries the promise of renewal, warmth, and the awakening of the natural world.

Did you know? In the Cree seasonal calendar, sîkwan transitions into miyoskamin — two distinct spring stages, one of snowmelt and one of full greening — showing the fine-grained Cree understanding of seasonal change.

Online Cree Dictionary (creedictionary.com) — sekwan ᓭᑲᐧᐣ — It is springtime (Northern). Alt. miyoskamin (Plains).

If you like Sekwan…

Nipin— Plains Cree name meaning summer, the season that follows sekwan in the nêhiyawêwin seasonal cycle

Pisim— Cree name meaning sun/moon, from the same seasonal calendar tradition

Kimiwan— Cree name meaning rain, a defining feature of the spring season

Biidaaban— Ojibwe name meaning dawn or it is becoming day, parallel seasonal-renewal theme in an Algonquian language

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Sekwan?

Sekwan is pronounced SEH-kwan. Press play above to hear Sekwan said aloud.

How do you say Sekwan?

Sekwan is said SEH-kwan. Press play above to hear Sekwan said aloud.

What does Sekwan mean?

Sekwan means 'it is springtime' or 'spring (season)' in nêhiyawêwin (Northern Cree). It is the Northern dialect form; Plains Cree uses miyoskamin for the same season.

Is Sekwan the same word in all Cree dialects?

No. Sekwan is the Northern Cree form; Plains Cree speakers use miyoskamin. The two terms may also refer to slightly different stages of spring — early thaw versus full greening.

What language is Sekwan from?

Sekwan comes from nêhiyawêwin (Cree), an Algonquian language spoken across the northern Plains and boreal forests of Canada, with dialects spanning from Alberta to Quebec.