About the LRP
Language Revitalization Program
The 11 ancestral languages of the Doyon region, including ten Athabascan languages plus Iñupiaq, represent half of the 20 Native languages in the state of Alaska. Due to the rapidly decreasing health of creative and fluent Native language speakers, the Native languages within the Doyon region are not being passed on quickly enough to ensure their continued use in daily life. If no action is taken, Shareholders and descendants will not have access to first language speakers or advanced second language learners within a few generations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to promote and foster language opportunities for non-speakers.
To respond to this need, Doyon Foundation began laying the groundwork for a region-wide language revitalization program in 2009. In 2012, Doyon, Limited generously awarded start-up funding to establish the program. The program has continued to grow since then.
Doyon Foundation Scholarships
As Doyon, Limited’s private foundation, Doyon Foundation serves the educational and cultural needs of Doyon’s shareholders and their children. Since inception in 1989, we have awarded more than $16.7 million to 18,215 students.
Apply Now Make sure you are eligible for a Doyon Foundation scholarship before you create an account and apply. Scholarship eligibility requirements are detailed below.
Our Goals
We believe that every Doyon Shareholder and descendant should have the opportunity to learn their language and culture. With that in mind, our immediate program goals are to:
Contact us to learn more and get involved! - Expand the organizational capacity of Doyon Foundation to effectively and efficiently develop, implement, and sustain a Native language revitalization program.
- Develop a language revitalization program that will ensure the cultures and languages of the Doyon region are taught, documented, and easily accessible.
Our language revitalization program is not intended to replace any other current efforts, but rather to collaborate and partner with like-minded organizations and align efforts, goals, and resources.
Language Advisory Council
The Language Revitalization Program is working toward establishing a Language Advisory Council made up of speakers, learners, and advocates of Doyon regional languages to guide and support our community-led programming. Check back soon for more information on LAC and how to get involved.
