marten
A forest-dwelling, weasel-like mammal hunted for its fur in many Northern countries.
wemistikoshiw
Cree word for a non-Cree, and more specifically white, person; literally, “he who has a wooden boat.”
hookimaw
Cree word referring to the shaman and spiritual leader of a clan.
Fritz
The Allied nickname for German troops throughout World War I.
askihkan
Cree word for a moss hut.
wawahtew
Cree word for the Northern Lights.
windigo
Cree word for a cannibal or evil spirit that exists in the bush.
manitou
Algonquian word for a deity with power over nature; or any spirit or object that possesses supernatural power.
ampoule
A sealed glass capsule containing a liquid, especially a measured quantity ready for injecting—used throughout the novel in morphine needles.
ashtum
Cree word meaning “Come here.”
ahcahk
Cree word for spirit.
estaminet
A French word for a small café that serves alcoholic drinks.
bannock
Flat bread; or any large, round article baked or cooked from grain.
trenchfoot
Rotting of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet or cold environments. The name of the condition originated from the trench warfare common in World War I, since it was frequently caused by standing water and damp, unsanitary conditions in the trench.
matatosowin
Cree word for a sweat lodge; steaming rocks are placed inside to create a hot, even burning, environment used for spiritual and physical healing.
cordon
A barrier formed by soldiers surrounding a building or area.
grouse
A ground-dwelling bird, usually reddish-brown in color, with feathered legs; an important kind of game bird.
tikonaggan
Cree word for a baby carrier attached to the carrier’s back.
awawatuk
Cree word for a hunter.
mukluk
a high, soft boot traditionally made from sealskin.
