In this Storyteller language profile, we’re excited to introduce you to the teams in our very first Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) cohort! A total of 15 mentor-apprentice teams began their one-year, immersion-based language learning journey earlier this month at our first MAP gathering in Fairbanks. We invite you to meet the MAP teams!

Apprentice: Evon Peter of Vashrąįį K’ǫǫ (Arctic Village)

Mentor: Kathy Tritt of Venetie

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Samuel Alexander, Jiinin, of Fort Yukon (Gwichyaa Zhee)

Mentor: Lindberg Alexander of Fort Yukon

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Bertina Titus of Minto

Language: Benhti Kokhut’ana Kenaga’ (Lower Tanana)

Apprentice: Rita Eaglehead of Beaver and Nenana

Mentor: Debbie Tritt-Kendi of Arctic Village

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Loretta Lolnitz of Koyukuk

Mentor: Ethel Esmailka of Koyukuk

Language: Denaakk’e (Koyukon)

Apprentice: Diloola Erickson, Deloole’aanh, of Kaltag, Galena and Hoonah

Mentor: Thelma Saunders, Dekoots, of Kaltag

Language: Denaakk’e (Koyukon)

Apprentice: Teisha Simmons, Nekkeggun, of Galena, Huslia and Koyukuk

Mentor: Lorraine David, Hᵾkk’aaghneestaatlno, of Hughes

Language: Denaakk’e (Koyukon)

Apprentice: Rochelle Adams of Beaver and Fort Yukon

Mentor: Mary Fields of Gwichyaa Zhee

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Kimberly Nicholas, Me’enh Nezoonh, of Kaltag

Mentor: Lidwin Alexie of Kaltag

Language: Denaakk’e (Koyukon)

Apprentice: Georgia John of Tanacross

Mentor: Irene Arnold of Tanacross

Language: Dihthaad Xt’een Iin Aanděeg’ (Tanacross)

Apprentice: Crystal Frank of Arctic Village

Mentor: Kenneth Frank, Drizhuu, of Arctic Village

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Princess Daazhraii Johnson of Arctic Village

Mentor: Mildred Allen, Jak Tł’oh, of Arctic Village

Language: Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)

Apprentice: Patricia Alexia of Nikolai

Mentor: Michael Alexia of Nikolai

Language: Dinak’i (Upper Kuskokwim)

Apprentice: Beverly Kokrine, Netbaayaneekeelno, of Huslia

Mentor: Annie Koyukuk of Allakaket

Language: Denaakk’e (Koyukon)

Apprentice: Melissa Williams of Tanacross

Mentor: Rose Benson of Tanacross

Language: Dihthaad Xt’een Iin Aanděeg’ (Tanacross)

To learn more about the MAP program, and to access free MAP resources including our program handbook and sample lessons, visit doyonfoundation.com/map.