Commission Discusses Preserving Alaska Native Languages

The Eyak language once spoken in Prince William Sound communities has already been declared lost

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Story Created: May 7, 2012 at 8:41 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2012 at 8:44 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Preserving Alaska Native languages was the focus of a day-long discussion hosted Monday by the Alaska Historical Commission.

The Eyak language once spoken in Prince William Sound communities has already been declared lost, after the last known speaker passed away.

Now some children's books are being published in other Alaska Native languages.

The Historical Commission's chairman, Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell, said that names of places like the Dena'ina Center can help preserve languages.

One Bethel area man said the key is to get youth involved.

“I think what we have to do is make sure they know who they are and they're proud of who they are,” said Nelson Angapak.

"From the State Historical Commission's standpoint, we can preserve a building, we can go make sure there's a good archeological site, but if we're at the same turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to the language that people have been speaking here for 10,000 years, we're not doing our job,” said Treadwell.

The legislature recently passed a bill to establish an Alaska Native Language Council. It's unclear whether the governor will sign the bill.
 

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 8 at 9:27 AM

heard about that...vulnerable adult...and they have to wait for him to sign a God given right to language some things never change...where is BIA in this? If Parnell gives them a fuss - call the BIA...report it! Alaska has to stop giving away what doesn't belong to them.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 8 at 7:57 AM

Naw Sean only signs bills that equal $$$ for his overseas acct that he pads...how Christ like of him!

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