Published May 8, 2023 by https://www.kdlg.org/people/christina-mcdermott To start a language program in a school, for example, requires someone to develop a curriculum, secure funding, and teach and train future teachers. Communities must also get districts to set aside time for students to take the course. Salmon said Igiugig is working to get approval from the Lake and Peninsula Borough School District for virtual language training programs in Dena’ina and Yup’ik — part of their Iliamna Communities Teaching Culture through Native Languages program. Currently, the district doesn’t have a requirement for second language learning — for Native languages or otherwise.
For adults, accessing language resources can be challenging. Many people learn through classes, but a single language course at the University of Alaska Fairbanks can cost over a thousand dollars and require students to study remotely.
“There's no pathway from distance for you to even get a degree in Yup’ik from where I'm living,” Salmon said.
Fluent speakers are a critical resource. Without them, the language fades from use. Each year, Bristol Bay’s Native languages lose birth speakers — a trend seen throughout Alaska. In a 2018 administrative order, former Gov. Bill Walker declared a "linguistic emergency" for Alaska Native languages. The order called on the state government to work with tribal governments to actively promote these languages. Historically, the U.S. government and institutions like schools and churches violently and systematically suppressed Native languages — an effort that spanned hundreds of years, well into the 20th century.
“That level of effort is what is needed now to save our languages,” Salmon said.
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