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Tlingit Language Immersion Retreats
SHI Awarded 2002 Grant for Tlingit Immersion Retreats
2005 Schedule:
Angoon
Haines
The federal Administration for Native Americans (ANA) has awarded a grant
to SHI for Tlingit immersion retreats. SHI will hold the 10-day retreats
two Southeast communities in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The
goal is to increase Tlingit fluency and to mentor aspiring Tlingit teachers.
The proposal was written with direct support by Goldbelt, Inc., NATIVE,
Inc., Hoonah Indian Association, Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Tlingit &
Haida Community Council of Juneau... (more).
(Photos
2003) (Photos
2004)
This program is listed on the Internet as an
ANA
success story. For more information, contact Sealaska Heritage
Institute at (907) 463-4844.
SHI Holds First Tlingit Immersion Retreat
SHI in 2002 summer held its first Tlingit immersion retreat, as part of its
ongoing efforts to revitalize and perpetuate Native languages. Participants
hiked to a remote location in Juneau where they took an oath to speak
only Tlingit for five days. The Tlingit-only rule was vital because it
allowed students to have constant exposure to the rhythm of the language
in casual conversation, as opposed to a formal class setting. Students
were guided in daily activities by master Tlingit speakers John Martin
of Juneau, Ruth Demmert of Kake, Lorraine Adams of Yakutat, Florence Sheakley
of Juneau and Fred White of Yakutat. White, 48, is thought to be the youngest
completely fluent Tlingit speaker in the world. Hans Chester, 24, is the
most fluent partial speaker under age 40 (Hans is pictured at right with
Florence Sheakley). Activities included picking berries, smoking fish,
building a steambath and making tea and medicinal products from devils
club.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL PENN/THE JUNEAU EMPIRE.
News article on the Tlingit Immersion Retreats:
"Immersion
retreat helps students learn Tlingit language"
"Hear our words: Language retreat at Glacier Bay Lodge affords an
opportunity to speak Tlingit 24 hours a day"
"Creating a Habitat
for Tlingit"