Language Revitalization

BACKGROUND

The objective of the Walking Together to Revitalize and Recognize Yukon First Nations Languages was to benefit all Yukon people by having a direct impact on reversing language shift and restoring the natural cycle of intergenerational transmission of language and culture.
The project was meant to optimize and build upon existing language revitalization efforts of all Yukon First Nations; including all service providers (YNLC, YNTEP, and Yukon First Nations community projects).
The Language Revitalization Program was administered by the Self-Government Secretariat (SGS) at CYFN over three years and the work-plan implemented in three phases: Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III. This turned out to be an ambitious timeline as the project was extended many times. Phase I began September 2009 and was completed August 2012.
This report contains summary overviews of work accomplished in phase II and III of the Language Revitalization Program, through Self-Government Secretariat (SGS) for Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) from August 1, 2012 – July 30, 2015.

Projects completed:

Tlingit Immersion Camp
Cataloguing of the resource library and digitization of 742 cassettes
Total Physical Response training at Chief Atahm School in Chase B.C.
Year-long Language Nests started with Kluane First Nation, Kwänlin Dün First Nation, and Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Year-long Master Apprentice Programs started with Ta’an Kwäch’an Council, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, and Selkirk First Nation
Four Language Working Group meetings
Produced We Are Our Language Conference March 5-7th, 2013 for language teachers
Produced We Are Our Language Film and two screenings
Updating the SGS LRP website
Supporting Tlingit Language Revitalization Association’s Tlingit 1 course with textbook.
Two Total Physical Response training workshops with Champagne & Ashihik First Nations
Vuntut Gwich’in Community Language Plan, 2015
Northern Tutchone Uncles Retreat with the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
LSCFN employee training in Total Physical Response at Chief Atahm School

Workplan items not realized:

CONSIDERATIONS:

This initiative succeeded in building upon and coordinating efforts of the different First Nations communities and brought new language programs to the community level exposing community workers to training and program management. However, there remains much work to be done towards YFN language revitalization, especially in the creation of tangible resources and curriculum development

RECOMMENDATIONS:

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

1.)Walking Together to Revitalize and Recognize Yukon First Nation Languages

2.)Walking Together to Revitalize and Recognize Yukon First Nations Languages