Language Program
Our new language program is funded by two grants from the Administration for Native Americans.
In 2021-2022 we surveyed tribal members to see their readiness for a language program. The one year grant included documenting our local language resources. We cataloged local and regional resources. We are completing a strategic plan for local language revitalization.
In 2022-2025 we will be implementing our first steps towards language revitalization with the launching of the Tricky Raven Language Program, where families will be invited to participate in an intensive immersion class two days each week and an online lab for at least 5 hours per week. The classes will be taught by fluent speaker Marsha Hotch and language apprentice Jessie Morgan.
Because it is essential we build our base of Lingít language speakers within Haines, so that we can hire more local language teachers and eventually provide immersion school opportunities, we are starting by teaching a multi-generation group. Families will become language ambassadors within our community, helping to spread language through signage and social gatherings.
Family Lingít language classes commenced October 12, 2022 and are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30-7:00 p.m. for the 9 months of the school year. Meals are provided with all classes. Focus id on developing fluency, rather than learning grammar and writing.To assist families commit to the program and develop fluency without feeling hardship, 5 families are paid $200 per week of attendance. Learning materials, including books and take-home kits, are provided.
All of this coordinating should build good relationships and result in seeing our language being used in many parts of our community. Most importantly, our children will hear the language and see it as commonplace. This will naturally give them exposure to the language and orient them in this place that has spoken this language since time immemorial.
To take the Lingít Language Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NR9L9ZH
Lingít Language Keyboard: https://www.sealaskaheritage.org/file/1196/download?token=sjrHsoDw
Language Program Blog
Saak Éix̲i | Hooligan Oil
Our ambassador families learned the art of Hooligan Oil preparation earlier this month from their language teacher, Marsha Hotch. As Marsha recalls her early memories of this ancient practice, the following is a compilation of her knowledge. "Hooligan fish has been a...