We are on the cusp of a language revitalization in Southeast Alaska. Just keep saying it. But there is no magic here, no special formula. It is all action, all the time. In order to continue making this happen, we need to be using our languages every day of our lives, as often as we can. Living language is the goal, and that happens by changing your life to include Haa Léelk’u Has (Our Grandparents). My mind drifts to a raven story, and there he is, our trickster friend. His nose has been stuck in the top of the sky since the world flooded; he is looking for a place to safely land. Then he sees it: kháajaa, the kelp islands.
That is where we are today. Our nose in the sky, waiting for something to appear. But it is here already. Maybe we just do not see it, because it is us. All of us. Working in concert for something larger than ourselves, focused away from the self and towards the past and future simultaneously. You know, there was a time when we addressed our in-laws, our clan opposites. Now we break taboo and talk about ourselves. There was a time when we held our values, our language, sacredly. Now it is often a poster on the wall, magnet on the fridge, book on the shelf.
So here is the plan, Southeast: unity at all cost. Sometimes when talking about these things it is easy to stay in the theoretical, to hover at the 20,000 foot level and wait for something to change. But this is about application. We are change. We are going to imitate our ancestors and see what kind of world they saved for us. They suffered at the hands of intolerant societies, had their children taken from them, lost land and rights and self-worth. But they saved all that they could, and they did it for us. We are the ones who are following them now.
Here are three projects that will be starting, one way or another, and the Alaska Native Languages & Studies program at the University will be looking all over the place for help. I hate to lean on a dead metaphor, but we are going to think outside the khóok. It does not have to be a UAS project, or a Sealaska Heritage Institute, or Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, or Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, or local businesses, or individuals. In fact, it is going to take all of us.
The fact of the matter is that attempted mass murder occurred, and now linguistic suicide is occurring. But we are going to fix that. One step at a time. Finally, in unity. Finally, in unity.
A Language Nest (Haa Léelk’u Has Yoo Xh’atángi Kúdi)
This begins with a Tlingit immersion daycare, a place where we can bring children to learn in a way that no one has in half a century. If we can commit to this, we will find that youth do not have the resistance we do to the radical shift it will take to reclaim our languages. Our fluent speakers will have a place to come, where they are honored and welcomed as the teachers and caretakers of knowledge that they are. In this place, we would be careful about switching our language when we walk in the door.
Next to the daycare would be a place where our language lives all the time. I can see a multi-use facility that can house Alaska Native language classrooms, archives, studios, and support areas. The cultural component will be just as important as anything else, because when we truly walk back into the world of our ancestors, we are going to find their pain. We are going to see what they held onto so we could inherit what we have of our language and culture.
We are strong enough and smart enough to make this happen. Language is the only reason this facility would exist, and there would be definite lines. Cross the threshold, speak the language. This is not a tourist attraction or an economic development initiative: it is a method to keep a people from dying. It is the right and only thing to do.
A Regional Language Teacher Program (Yées Khóo At Latéewu)
We have students from all across the region taking classes right now, and that means we have future teachers out there. Our goal should be to teach everyone we can. If I teach five people today, then they can teach twenty-five people tomorrow. We need to develop a true support network that enables us to, at least, teach Elementary Tlingit in every Tlingit community in Southeast Alaska. If there is a class, we can find a way to give college credit for it. If there is not a class, we can find a way to make a class. We teach to everyone who wants to know, and we try to release our territorial grip on materials, methods, and access to resources.
I know what it is like to teach in a remote area, where you are often learning something one day and teaching it the next. We can give our teachers tools, confidence, love, respect, and hope. We can find ways to funnel future teachers into UAS and help the campus to spread across the region. In addition, we can extend our reach into the homes of our people. When the language is in our homes, then our ancestors are in our homes. There are no more chances to sit around and wait for these things to happen. We cannot argue about money and ownership and initiative. We work together and show our children a brand new way of maneuvering in the world.
Selflessness (Ldakát Haa Ádi Woosh Teen Toowahéin)
If we are going to take action for our grandchildren, if we are going to imitate our ancestors, then we have to find an escape from the selfishness this modern world has to offer. We have seen everything on our ancestral land parceled and assessed. We have seen arguments about what the “real world” values, and that is not us, not our language, not our ancestors. We have to take decisive steps away from these concepts and move towards a different understanding of priority, well-being, responsibility, and effort. Sometimes we stop and think, “what is in this for me?” Sometimes we look at someone and start to criticize them when we could move mountains by working together.
I am not such an idealist that I think everyone can get along and just understand what needs to be done. But I am aware enough to know that we could have been doing all of these things already. I have a great faith in all of us, here, in this place. We are right on the edge of something magnificent. Somewhere in time a child was smacked for speaking the language that made him what he was, and another was placed in a cold shower as a toddler for just being herself. We are going to look right at those things and let them go. We are going to heal through the language that gave us life, knowledge, possibilities. We are going to succeed. We have the means and know-how, but we cannot accept other agendas or efforts that keep us stuck in the same circles.
Raven was always tricking people. We keep falling for it and falling for it. But the shift is right here and now, and it starts with all of us.
• Xh’unei Lance Twitchell is an Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Languages at UAS. He can be reached at latwitchell@uas.alaska.edu.
Comments (18)
Add commentYou got my attention.
"The fact of the matter is that attempted mass murder occurred, and now linguistic suicide is occurring."
Let me see one "fact" of "attempted mass murder" laid out, by America, and how it is relevant to the subject here.
The "matter" being articulated in this article is a desire to resuscitate a dying language...not how much guilt should be layered onto the argument to achieve "unity".
It is not "linguistic suicide", it is apathy.
Want to teach the children? Start at the dinner table.
Want funding and assistance from the community and outside sources? Do not put up language barriers at the front step. (English is not spoken here...do not enter.)
The practice should have not been applied to your grandparents. It should not be adopted under the guise of cultural pride now.
"Unity at all costs."
Mr. Twitchell is not seeking unity, at least not one of inclusion.
Mr. Twitchell is seeking job security.
Dismayed
I just read the article by Lance Twitchell and then the comment by Mr. Dunker, I was dismayed by some of the comments, such as "Let me see one fact of mass murder laid out by America, and how it is relevant to the subject here", well obviously you can easily tune in to the history channel, pick up an old western, or heck attended public school and learned of countless atrocities committed by the American government on Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, how is this relevant to this subject? Well first Mr. Twitchell had to lay the groundwork to how the indigenous languages of the people of these very lands were nearly exterminated, that seems somewhat obvious to me. It's funny how quickly the word "guilt" was reached for in your thesaurus, stating facts to lay the groundwork to relay the history hardly seems like an act of pettily seeking guilty sympathy, perhaps the guilt is already buried within you? And while I agree apathy is a great enemy to the work in which Mr. Twitchell works tirelessly, to say that it's why the languages are in such dire straights really dishonors the memory of those that were abused both physically and mentally for uttering any words of their own language on their own lands. No, apathy is not what brought the situation to its current state, certainly not historically, perhaps today, but not yesterday. I have known Lance Twitchell for many years, as a peer, a friend, a coworker, and now as a great admirer, and I can say this with certainty, while he may have offended you or your sensibilities, I know it was not his intent, he is seeking unity, he lives it every day. Job Security? Certainly not, Mr. Twitchell has made great sacrifices to commit his life to the work he now does, he has forsaken more money and opportunities than you can even know of, he is more selfless in his convictions and actions than most people I know. Lance, I applaud you, your work, and your continued determination to save our languages. Haw'aa/Gunalch'eesh/Thank You
Again, lay before me one "fact" of "attempted mass murder".
I am a great fan of The History Channel, a collector of historical documents and photos, and a 50+ resident of S.E. Alaska with Alaska Native blood in my family tree.
So I ask again, lay before me one fact of attempted mass murder. For reasons Mr. Twitchell has enumerated language is very powerful and "mass murder" solicits visions of the gravest of criminal acts.
If he desires to place that toe-tag on my ancestors the least he, or you, could do is place such "facts" on the table rather than some elusive and convoluted reference to the History Channel.
Mr. Twitchell is pulling on the heart-strings of history when appealing to a unity amongst Alaska Natives which is usually the first course of action when pondering the question: How did this happen?
Just as Chief/businessman Kowee wanted the economic benefits of non-natives' expertise and material wealth so too has his descendants. Over the course of generations this cultural cross-over where the language of business and prosperity happened to be English the Alaska native's use of traditional language ebbed and eventually waned.
Apathy began many years ago.
"It's funny how quickly the word "guilt" was reached for..."
No funnier than how quickly Mr. Twitchell pulled out the 'guilty' card.
"...stating facts to lay the groundwork to relay the history..."
Stating that attempted mass murder is a fact is not the same as presenting the evidence. The "groundwork" is made of sand.
I am sure Mr. Twitchell is a good and decent man with the best intentions. But as an assistant professor (is that the same as 'associate'?) of Languages (linguistics) he can certainly appreciate the importance of nuances and euphemisms.
"Atrocities" is a good example.
Let us not lump Alaska Natives into the same basket as American Indians of the plains.
That would dishonor the memory of the atrocities heaped upon my American Indian ancestors.
Dishonor
For your information, it is common knowledge that the US military bombarded the village of Kake in 1869 and the village of Angoon in 1882. During World War 2, the US government evacuated Aleuts from their homes. Trying to rank atrocities does no honor to those lives ruined. Wounded Knee was worse? Hmmm...who judges?
Pardon the expression but it is a cheap shot to say that because someone teaches, they seek only job security by encouraging folks to learn. To say that Mr. Twitchell seeks personal financial benefit by offering ideas to revitalize our endangered Native languages reads into the article what is not stated or implied. Many of the concepts put forth by him do not involve him specifically or even his University generally.
Those of us who have the good fortune to know or interact with Mr. Twitchell see what a unifying force he is. When such a person gets attacked, it can only serve to further rally together those to whom he is really speaking.
Ignorance may be bliss but is a false pleasure.
Sincerely,
Frederick Otilius Olsen, Jr.
Kasaan, Alaska
I think it's sad. Not just
I think it's sad. Not just that the language is dying out, but that so many people don't think this is a big deal. But it is. Culture and language are intrinsically tied, and if a language dies, so does the heart of the culture.
I also find it offensive when white people, whose relatives and recent ancestors have not suffered such horrific injustices, whose culture and history have not been actively undermined, tell natives to just "get over it."
The term was an analogy
Whether mass murder occurred or not is beside the point. The term mass murder was used as an analogy, not literally. The language was subjected to "mass murder" by making it illegal to speak it, by taking away the children and forcing them to learn English - effectively wiping out fluent knowledge of the native languages except in some remote villages.
Otilious: Interesting examples.
What is called the Kake War of 1869 consisted of 3 villages near present Kake being attacked and destroyed by a gunboat deployed by the U.S. Army. The Tlingit was forewarned and allowed to evacuate said villages beforehand though by some records some stragglers were killed.
It was precipitated by a Tlingit being shot and killed by an Army soldier. Following traditional Tlingit law requiring compensation to the dead Tlingit's family a demand was made and the Army refused. So the Tlingit, according to traditional law, killed two non-native trappers south of Sitka.
The army's attack upon these three villages in retribution has been called by some scholars an act of attempted genocide because homes, food and canoes were destroyed, such material items being required to survive off the land.
The 1882 Angoon incident was precipitated by an accidental death of a Tlingit Shaman when a bomb exploded aboard the whale boat he was working on. Nearly a hundred Tlingit immediately pirated the boat along with its crew and again, according to Tlingit traditional law, demanded compensation or the crew would be killed.
When this levy is made it means potlatch (pay) or die.
The crew were rescued and property regained.
As punishment the Army demanded twice the number of blankets the Tlingits had demanded or the village would be shelled. The Tlingits refused, took advantage of the window of opportunity to relocate the largest canoes and valuables and the village was destroyed. Records do not indicate any loss of life.
The term "attempted mass murder" was not, in my opinion, used as an analogy, and if it was it was obviously a poor choice.
Teachers, Professors or assistant professors are held to a higher standard than the common layman in the field of education for a very good reason. I wish Mr. Twitchell all the best in his endeavors.
"Ignorance is bliss but it is a false pleasure."
I'll let that slide.
I will say, my apologies for any inferences to Mr. Twitchell's financial agendas. That was out of line and glib.
Language and Culture
Mr. Dunker, here again is the quote: "The fact of the matter is that attempted mass murder occurred, and now linguistic suicide is occurring."
In that context, it appears that Xh'unei is talking about mass murder of the language, which essentially could mean murdering the people as a specific, unique group by deeply undercutting their identity, self-worth, self-determination and worldview.
If Xh'unei meant literal, physical mass murder, I could see your point, but even so, it may be worthwhile to look further into your research. Wrangell was also bombarded. The United States government sent a clear message, which was a part of the larger American Indian policy: Become like an English-speaking American or you will be constantly terrorized by the state which should be protecting you as its citizens. Traditional Tlingit law is based more on restitution than punishment. The Russians did keep the peace many times through restitution. You can question Tlingit law, but it is quite a leap to justify the government's brutalization of the people.
Finally, thank you for depersonalizing your message by admitting your mistake in inferring Xh'unei's financial agenda.
Gunalchéesh,
Ishmael Khaagwáask' Hope
I usually never scroll this
I usually never scroll this deep into the paper but this was an interesting discussion...
Ken, thank you for the information regarding the Kake war and the Angoon incident...very informative.
I think you are right about the “mass murder” reference.
Mr. Twitchell...You are very passionate..I wish you success in your efforts to preserve the language.
.
ken dunker II 09/06/12 -
ken dunker II 09/06/12 - 02:50 pm
You demand facts but fail to clearly state who you are I quote: “50+ resident of S.E. Alaska with Alaska Native blood in my family tree”: "Atrocities is a good example. Let us not lump Alaska Natives into the same basket as American Indians of the plains.
That would dishonor the memory of the atrocities heaped upon my American Indian ancestors”.
There is information lacking that prevents a meaningful dialogue with you. Stating a difference of opinion in a discussion is healthy and ultimately serves to move a discussion forward if in fact the players are known.
My first post did not go through completely it should include the question - which of the following Tribes are you from?
I was born in Excursion Inlet 10/17/44; I am Raven of the Coho Clan; my clan House is the Frog House on the Akww River in the Dry Bay area. My Father is Eagle/Shark and his Father is Raven from the Sockeye House; my Mother's Father is Eagle/Wolf from the Wolf House.
565 Number of federally-recognized Indian tribes.
Source: Federal Register: Oct. 1, 2010, and Oct. 27, 2010
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_spe...
John Hanlon
justme: I demanded a clarification from Mr. Tritchell
of a "fact" he put forth purporting a form of "attempted mass murder". To date Mr. Twitchell has been satisfied allowing anyone else to do so.
So be it.
I presume you wish to know more about me so you can qualify my eligibility to be part of a "meaningful dialogue."
That is a polite way of saying if I cannot trace my lineage then I have nothing to contribute which is "meaningful" and should just sit in the back of the bus while my heritage is being pummeled.
I have a problem with that because I have descendants being labeled with the scarlet letter of their great-great-grandparent's sins and I have had enough.
Every culture in history has committed "atrocities" upon others (the Tlingit is no exception) justified by tradition, territory and just plain racism but these historical facts are not brought up in polite company. My culture's past, on the other hand, is fair game.
ishchope: The Wrangell bombardment is even now being studied, it has been a footnote in history. What is known is it was precipitated by a native biting off the finger of a white woman which subsequently led to the death of two Stikine men, one, a white man, killed in retaliation. Fort Wrangell faced destruction unless the murderer was presented which he was and hanged. I look forward to more factual conclusions.
P.S. My mother was 1/4 Cherokee. You may have heard of the 'Trail of Tears': Democrat President Andrew Jackson's 'final solution'. Unfortunately the disbursement of the American Indian was so successful it has been difficult to identify clear lineages.
Ken Dunker II, In a post
Ken Dunker II,
In a post dated 9/6 you stated you have Alaska Native and American Indian Plains blood in your Family Tree. There was no attempt made to disqualify you from a discussion. I am Raven and must be careful how I speak to an Eagle. The request was made so that I could address you properly.
I agree with your statement that ‘Every culture in history has committed atrocities ‘. When it was decided that our Tlingit Culture was not needed I wonder how many people beside the Tlingit objected to that.
During the time of my Grandparents and Parents well meaning but misinformed missionaries decided that our Tlingit Language and our Tlingit Culture was not needed and should not be taught at home. This is something I spent a life time dealing with – no factual information to offer that documents this – only my life’s experiences. I am now working to correct the deficiency of not knowing my Tlingit Language and not knowing of my Tlingit Culture for two personal reasons 1) I disagree with the Missionaries that decided it was not good for me to know my language and culture; 2) I want to know who I am. I would be interested to see how you would label this situation.
John Hanlon
Ken Dunker II, In a post
Ken Dunker II,
In a post dated 9/6 you stated you have Alaska Native and American Indian Plains blood in your Family Tree. There was no attempt made to disqualify you from a discussion. I am Raven and must be careful how I speak to an Eagle. The request was made so that I could address you properly.
I agree with your statement that ‘Every culture in history has committed atrocities ‘. When it was decided that our Tlingit Culture was not needed I wonder how many people beside the Tlingit objected to that.
During the time of my Grandparents and Parents well meaning but misinformed missionaries decided that our Tlingit Language and our Tlingit Culture was not needed and should not be taught at home. This is something I spent a life time dealing with – no factual information to offer that documents this – only my life’s experiences. I am now working to correct the deficiency of not knowing my Tlingit Language and not knowing of my Tlingit Culture for two personal reasons 1) I disagree with the Missionaries that decided it was not good for me to know my language and culture; 2) I want to know who I am. This situation had an impact in the way I was not able to actively participate in Tlingit Cultural events. I would be interested to see how you would label this situation.
John Hanlon
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Mr Dunker,
I dont make a habit of giving unsolicited advice, so forgive my awkwardness: hell is the absence of God in your life now and forever. I believe it is that simple, and the choice is yours, whatever you conceive Him to be.
Grendel: I agree. Free will is the ultimate gift.
It is mankind which has placed barriers and conditions upon each person's connection with God.
Lummi, Crow, Cheyenne,
Lummi, Crow, Cheyenne, Seminole, Blackfoot, Flathead, Natchez, Kiowa, Hidatsa, Chumash, Algonquin, Yakima, Naugutuck, Apache, Cree, Clackamas, Dakota, Laguna, Molala, Osage, Karuk....as we know, just a FEW of the many, many tribes out there.
This is just an observation, but, whenever folks are asked of their 'blood quantum" (and it may be obvious that they don't), the response is always "my this or that was part Cherokee". There are soooo many people out there with a relative part Cherokee! (I mean no offense to the Cherokee or any tribe, btw). It's like saying we're all Irish....(again, no offense to the Irish).
Just a bit of advice, when you're about to say "part Cherokee" mix it up a little bit! make your story more interesting! Be proud and say your grandfather was part Pequot! Your grandmothers uncle was part Hunkpapa! So many tribes to choose from!
lol....and lastly, have a nice day!
akdee: you hit the nail on the head.
Irish, German, Cherokee. That is my heritage, and I do have fun with it. Even my last name has significant historical significance. (The Dunker Church)
The potato-eating Irish were unemployable when reaching the shores of New York.
The Germans, well, we were all suspect during W.W.I & II (still keeping a wary eye on us for the sequel).
The Cherokee, "Human Beings", were the most notably agreeable tribes of the plains but guilty by association.
But hey, I don't hold a grudge.