In the first episode of Language Journeys, a series brought to the Morris Thompson Center through a collaboration with Doyon Foundation, Tristan Madros shared some of the memories and experiences that have shaped his language learning journey with Alaska Native languages Denaakke’ and Holikachuk, and how learning his heritage language has helped him to connect more deeply with his culture and with Elders.
Growing up in his hometowns of Nulato and Kaltag, he had Elders who spoke Denaakke’ and Holikachuk, and to connect with them learning the languages was important. Tristan says that the feeling of having one’s own language is almost indescribably fulfilling! At the end of the discussion, Tristan shared a song that conveys the importance of learning and continuing to speak Alaska Native languages.
This event was the premiere episode of Doyon Foundation’s new series at the Morris Thompson Center, Language Journeys. Please join the Morris Thompson Center and Doyon Foundation as they bring in Alaska Native language learners from across the Interior to share their journeys learning their languages.