Our July 2022 Native Word of the Month features a clip from our Storyteller language profile on Denaakk’e language learner, Kimberly Nicholas.

In the interview, Kimberly shares the Denaakk’e word for “king salmon,” which is “ggaał.”

Our language revitalization program director, Allan Hayton, who is interviewing Kimberly, adds that “łuk choo” is the Gwich’in word for “king salmon” (or “big fish”).  

You can watch, listen to or read Kimberly’s full interview at bit.ly/KimberlyNicholas.

Denaakk’e and Gwich’in are two of the languages available to learn in Doyon Languages Online. Currently available courses include:

  • Benhti Kokhut’ana Kenaga’ (Lower Tanana)
  • Deg Xinag
  • Denaakk’e (Koyukon)
  • Dihthaad Xt’een Iin Aanděeg’ (Tanacross)
  • Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)
  • Hän (Doyon Languages Online course, plus special memorial course based on the work of the late Isaac Juneby)
  • Holikachuk

Courses in Dinak’i (Upper Kuskokwim) and Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana) will be available soon.

Doyon Languages Online courses are available for FREE to all interested learners. Find more information and sign up to access the courses at doyonfoundation.com/dlo.

For more Native words, view our archives on the Foundation website.