Twitchell returns to Juneau for UAS assistant professorship
The University of Alaska Southeast is opening its new school year with a new addition to one of the Juneau-based institution’s growing strengths, its Alaska Native Studies program.
Lance Twitchell, a new assistant professor of Alaska Native Languages will be teaching Tlingit language and other classes this year.
“Right now our beginning Tlingit class is just about full, and it is very exciting to see that many students interested in our language,” Twitchell said.
Twitchell was born in Skagway and grew up mostly in Anchorage before getting undergraduate degree in Minnesota.
He’s previously worked as the tribal president in Skagway and taught at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School in Juneau. He was recently at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Twitchell said grew up hearing Tlingit from his grandfather, a native speaker, and after his passing Twitchell kept up his interest in the language.
“It was a connection to my grandpa, it became my way to stay connected to him,” Twitchell said.
Juneau has the highest concentration of speakers, probably in the world, of Tlingit,” Twitchell said.
“This is the place to be if you want to be teaching and studying this language,” he said.
In addition, Tlingit scholars Richard and Nora Marks Dauenhauer live in Juneau, expanding the available resources for Twitchell to draw from.
“The Dauenhauers are here, and the work they’ve done is fantastic,” Twitchell said.
Twitchell said take a Southeast Regional approach, including possibly drawing on Tlingit communities in Yukon and British Columbia in Canada.
Twitchell said he’s encouraged by UAS’ commitment to the language program, and its support for serious study of Alaska Native Cultures.
They’re also interested in Tsimshian and Haida, and is especially concerned about the Haida language, which he called particularly endangered.
What Twitchell said all three languages need is clusters of young speakers who can take them into the next generations.
• Contact reporter Pat Forgey at 523-2250 or patrick.forgey@juneauempire.com.
Comments (3)
Add commentA change in Native Studies
In the past there was, and I think there still is, a course covering all the Native people including archaeology, prehistory, biology, environment, economics, technology, history, language, culture and change.
I know from teaching that course many times, that to cover all these topics, for all the various Native societies and culture in one semester can be somewhat overwhelming. But is useful in that it provides a comparative view of Alaskan Natives.
The course described here focuses just on Southeastern Alaska and it people, languages, history, cultures and change.
It seems to me to be a better way, so that the course can get into more depth for one particular region.
I am glad that it is being taught by a Tlingit who has not just "studied" the Native people of Southeast, but has lived the language and culture.
Lance Twitchell, a new
Lance Twitchell, a new assistant professor of Alaska Native Languages will be teaching Tlingit language and other classes this year.
This is great thing to start teaching Tlingit in school. It is the very least the UofA should do...should be in our grade schools also.
I have had all the assimilation I can stand and it is time to give back what you have taken away from our Culture, History and all our natural resources,
Gunalcheesch ho ho, Lance Twitchell for standing up to do something for our people that are lost souls.
Aan Kadax Tseen
Gaanax adi Clan
Yei l hit
Taan ta Kwaan