Language – Pamela Labonte

Language

Director Report

Pamela Labonte

Language Director The Language team had a blast being together as a group at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA)– check out some of our photos from the week! We truly enjoyed connecting with familiar faces, meeting new ones, and sharing all the positive initiatives happening in the Language Department. At our table, we provided a basic introduction template so people could learn how to introduce themselves in Tāłtān. We were so happy when people shared language with us as they passed through. We also had a Language Tent set up outside of the Recreation Centre where people could come and relax, learn some language, and hear stories about the past. Our presentation showcased all the amazing work we are doing, and we had a very positive response to all we have accomplished this past year. We are already looking forward to next year’s AGA. TĀŁTĀN DICTIONARY PROJECT

Phase one and two of the project are complete, which entailed profound, coordinated efforts of language documentation with Tahltan speakers. Again, Phase One entailed documentation in each community in territory (Tatl’ah - Dease Lake, Tlēgōhīn - Telegraph Creek, and Łuwechōn – Iskut), and Phase two continued with documentation in Terrace to broaden the scope. To date, we have close to 6,000 entries from the two Rapid Word Collection (RWC) events from both phases. Phase Three is underway and includes a core Tahltan group who are working on processing the documented language. The group is in the training stages to learn how to process information collected by working with the specialized software program and other processes in place. This phase will take some time to review all language collected. We will continue to share progress reports through each of the subsequent stages.

MENTOR APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MAP)

While the dictionary is about documentation, the TCG MAP is about creating meaningful space for developing fluent Tāłtān speakers. This program is designed to develop fluent speakers by providing a unique opportunity for language learners to develop advanced proficiencies and to allow for Mentors to pass language and traditional cultural teachings through the generations.

We launched an online application process for potential MAP participants that was communicated through TCG communication channels. The MAP launch date will be planned for later in the fall once all applicants have been vetted and approved for the program based on a standardized application process. An on-boarding orientation is being planned for all MAP participants (Mentors and Apprentices) to kick off the initiative.

Right:

Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) poster

TCG Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP)

FALL 2022 PROGRAM LAUNCH DATE!

This custom MAP provides structured programming to facilitate the development of fluent Tāłtān speakers in a unique immersion setting between a Mentor and an Apprentice.

Who are eligible TCG MAP Participants?

• Must be a TCG Member aged 18+ • All applicants must have a Mentor(s) -Tāłtān speaker(s) – who is equally as committed to the TCG MAP • Successful applicants are those who can demonstrate full commitment to the time and dedication required for successful program outcomes • Part time participant – up to 20 hours per week • Full time participant – between 21-35 hours per week

If you are a Tahltan member and require assistance obtaining your Members Only Section password, please contact: 250-7713274 | 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) | receptionist@Tahltan.org

How to Apply as an Apprentice:

Interested participants will be considered through a standardized application process. For additional information and to apply for the TCG MAP: tahltan.org/map

Link to MAP webpage

Application deadline: September 13, 2022

Contact:

Pamela Labonte

Language Director

languagedirector@Tahltan.org

"This program is designed to develop fluent speakers by providing a unique opportunity for language learners to develop advanced proficiencies and to allow for Mentors to pass language and traditional cultural teachings through the generations."

Tatl’ah Language

Programming Coordinator Updates

Dhakāle Hayle Gallup

Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator

Over the summer months our language team has been involved in several projects. First, Tahltan speakers, dedicated language champions from each of our three communities, and I have created a language working group. This working group was established so our fluent speakers are at the heart of all our projects in language. Speakers help come up with phrases, help us spell, and give their input into the work that we are doing. Our group meets once a month in one of the communities – we take turns hosting. Through the working group, the Elders and I supported the Dease Lake Graduation ceremony through prayer and gifting the students with a graduation stole sewn by Tlingit/Tahltan artist Una Ann. This stole had the phrase “esgha sadesdih” which means “I am proud about myself," in our language. We wanted to wrap our young people in the language, hold them up, and celebrate their accomplishment. Also, Our Tahltan Dancing group had support from Tū’desē’cho Wholistic Indigenous Leadership Development (TWILD) board member Tsemā and artist Una Ann in designing and sewing regalia just before school closed for the summer. Slowly but surely, our group is preparing themselves for performing. I look forward to completing our regalia this fall with the support of some local sewing talent. And I am most grateful for all the support that we have been given thus far for our group of emerging dancers.

Our Elders had a blast supporting the National Indigenous People’s Day events in Dease Lake. We handed out name tags and facilitated games in the language such as language bingo. We also utilized this game at the Dease Lake Literacy Camps. The Youth have been enjoying learning language in this way. We have been blessed to find and use the beautiful resources created by the late Louise Framst. Her legacy in language lives on every time we use these resources.

“I am continually blessed with all the incredible projects, initiatives, and relationships that have come out of this role as the Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator and am incredibly proud of our language team for all that they do."

Throughout the summer, I have been working hard at preparing the portable (located on the Dease Lake School grounds) to serve as the Language Centre in Tatl’ah - Dahdẕāhe Hodeside Kime. This building will function as my office space, classroom, and the meeting place for most language initiatives in our community. We look forward to sharing the grand opening details in the next Newsletter.

I am continually blessed with all the incredible projects, initiatives, and relationships that have come out of this role as the Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator and am incredibly proud of our language team for all that they do.

Soga edent’īn, Dhakāle Hayle Gallup