In the October 2021 edition of Language Journeys, Polly Hyslop shared some of her memories of growing up in Northway, hearing her Native language, Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana) from Elders, and eventually reconnecting with the language when she returned to Northway.
Polly’s feeling of joy through the spiritual and cultural connection to language pushed her to become a Upper Tanana language teacher. Over the years, Polly has supported and uplifted her language through songs and working with various community organizations to create Nee’aanèegn’ language lessons, such as the Doyon Foundation and Doyon, Ltd. Polly hopes to continue teaching the youth and help them connect to their community, roots, and family through the language.
This program is the seventh episode of Doyon Foundation’s Language Journeys series, hosted at the Morris Thompson Center. 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.