ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Kitchi-at'Husis and Weewilmekq

Okay kiddo, let's talk about something called "kitchi-at'husis" and "weewilmekq". These are words from the Passamaquoddy Native American language that is spoken by some people in Maine and New Brunswick.

Kitchi-at'husis means "big house" in Passamaquoddy. It is a traditional longhouse that was used by Native American tribes for many years. The longhouse was made of wooden poles and covered with a roof made of bark or thatch. Inside the longhouse, there were small rooms for families to live in and a bigger room for gatherings and ceremonies. Imagine a really big cabin where lots of families could live together and have space for important events.

Weewilmekq is a Passamaquoddy word that means "leadership". It refers to the qualities and actions of someone who is a good leader in the Native American community. A good leader is someone who listens to people, makes fair decisions, and helps others when they need it. Imagine a grown-up who you trust and who always tries to do what is right and fair for everyone.

So, kitchi-at'husis and weewilmekq are important parts of the Passamaquoddy culture and history. They help us understand how the Native American people lived and worked together in the past and how they continue to celebrate their heritage today.