Crow Place Names

Many Montana places, like the "Yellowstone River," had a name in the Crow (Apsaalooke) Language long before fur trappers or settlers from the east arrived to give it a French or English name.

Do you know (or can you guess) these familiar Montana places from their Crow name?

1.   Iichi'ilikaashaashe  / Elk River

2.   Bisho'ochaashe / Mussel River

3.   Aashisee / Big River

4.   Bilii'liikasshe / Swift Current  (creek)

5.   Chi'ilpawaxaawe / Bull Mountain

6.   Daxpitcheeihte' / Bear's Teeth (mountains)

7.   Iishi'iaassaao / Mountain lion's home

8.   Ammalapa'shkuua / Where they cut wood (city)

9.   Ashhi'shalahaawiio / Where the red lodge was destroyed (town)

10. Ammaa'hpawaalaatuua / Where there is writing on the cliffs (town) 




Learn some words in the Crow and Cheyenne Languages at:
http://www.ywhc.org/index.php?p=46


ANSWERS to Crow Place Names:
1.  Yellowstone River
2.  Musselshell River
3.  Missouri River
4.  Rock Creek
5.  Bull Mountains
6.  Beartooth Mountains
7.  Pompey's Pillar
8.  Billings
9.  Red Lodge
10. Joliet