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May 2, 2006 (Print Schedule)
 

SHI TO CO-HOST SYMPOSIUM, DINNER FOR ALASKA AND CANADA HAIDAS

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will co-host a nine-day language symposium for Alaska and Canada Haidas in Ketchikan and Hydaburg this month.

The event, which kicks off Tuesday, May 2, is the second such event between Alaskan and Canadian Haidas. The first event was in the summer of 2005, in the Haida communities of Massett and Skidegate in British Columbia, Canada.

The Haida language currently is spoken by fewer than 30 elderly people in the United States and Canada, making it one of the most endangered languages in North America.  Today, in all Haida communities, there are efforts underway to document, preserve and revitalize the language.

Language revitalization will be the focus of the meetings held from 9 am-3 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ketchikan Indian Community tribal council chambers, 2960 Tongass Avenue in Ketchikan.  These meetings are open to everyone interested in the future of the Haida language.

A community welcome potluck dinner is being held at the Ted Ferry Civic Center at 6 pm on Wednesday, May 3.  Along with the 20 or more invited guests from Canada, the event will also be attended by dignitaries from Cape Fox, Sealaska Corporation, and the Ketchikan Indian Community. At least three dance groups will perform after the dinner.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend. 

A second community welcome dinner is planned in Hydaburg for the evening of Monday, May 8, along with language meetings on Monday and Tuesday of that week.

The following Haida guests from Canada will be participating: Winifred Casey, Sara Eaton, Bea Harley, Diane Brown, Doreen Mearns, Cindy Hans, Kevin Borserio, Norm Price, James Young, Ernie Wilson, Tyler Crosby, Al Vandal, Gladys Vandal, Grace Jones, Roy Jones, Mary Swanson, Christian White, Candace White, Adelia Adams, Amanda Edenshaw and Haana Edenshaw.

SHI is co-hosting this event with the Haida Heritage Foundation and the community of Hydaburg.

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CONTACT: Dr. Rosita Worl, SHI President, 463-4844; Dr. Jordan Lachler, Linguist, 247-9223

Schedule of Events

Tuesday May 2

11pm Arrive in Ketchikan on ferry from Prince Rupert.  Songs and welcome by Haida Heritage.
 

Wednesday May 3

12:30-3:00 Language meeting at KIC Clinic building (lunch provided)

6:00 Community welcome dinner at Ted Ferry Center
 

Thursday May 4

9:00-3:00 Language meeting at KIC Clinic building (lunch provided)
 

Friday May 5

9:00-3:00 Language meeting at KIC Clinic building (lunch provided)

6:00 Haida dinner at old KIC building
 

Saturday May 6

9:00-3:00 Language meeting at KIC Clinic building (lunch provided)
 

Sunday May 7

12:00 Lunch at old KIC building

3:30 Depart on ferry to Hollis

6:30 Arrive Hollis, transported to Hydaburg
 

Monday May 8

9:00-3:00 Language meeting at Boys and Girls Club (lunch provided)

6:00 Community welcome dinner
 

Tuesday May 9

9:00-3:00 Language meeting at Boys and Girls Club (lunch provided)
 

Wednesday May 10

6:00 Depart Hydaburg to Hollis

8:00 Depart Hollis on ferry to Ketchikan

11:00 Arrive Ketchikan

6:00 Farewell gathering at the Landing

10:00 Depart Ketchikan on ferry for Prince Rupert