APCAW Name Change Notice

APCAW changing lab name spelling to “Waponahkik” from “Wabanakik”

During the community review process for an emerging mapping project, we heard questions from language speakers, community members, and a Tribal historic preservation officer who asked us why we chose to use the spelling “Wabanakik” to refer to the land of the dawn. We didn’t have a good answer, just that we’d seen it written like that in other places. Two reviewers shared with us that there is no “b” consonant in the written Peskotomuhkati-Wolastoqey alphabet or in the Panawahpskewi alphabet. Two other informants suggested using the Peskotomuhkati-Wolastoqey spelling “Waponahkik,” as it is recorded in the Peskotomuhkati-Wolastoqey Language Portal. 

Representation of Wabanaki languages in written form is relatively recent. We recognize there is no one “correct” way to spell land of the dawn in written Wabanaki languages, and there are many different spellings depending on the writing system and language that is being used. We choose to change the word in our lab name to Waponahkik, instead of Wabanakik, in consultation with language keepers. We are grateful to be in conversation with those who can help us grow; If you have any thoughts or more feedback about this word, feel free to be in touch with a member of our lab.