Envisioning our people actively learning, using and teaching the language is the enduring intent of Doyon’s initiative to revitalize our languages.
“Enaa baasee' tl'eeyegge hukkenaage' ghu kk'onuhdeneeyh denh.” (Thank you very much for actually working on Native language, on preservation of Native language.) ~ Eliza Jones
“It is who we are.” ~ Victor Nicholas said when talking about our Native language
Language Champion: Tristan Madros
Language Champion: Verna Hagen
Language Champion: Polly Hyslop
Language Program Strategic Plan
Language Champion: Renee Linton
Language Champion: Karma Ulvi
Language Champion: George Holly
Language Champion: Bertina Titus
A language-learner’s journey: Doyon Languages Online in action
Language Champion: Bev Kokrine
Gathering Celebrates and Forwards Revitalization of Doyon Region Languages
Language Champion: Jennifer Adams
Language Champion: Oline Petruska
Language Champion: Paul Mountain
Language Champion: Daniel Esai
Workshop Forwards Development of Nee’aanèegn’ Online Language-Learning Course
Language Champion: Sonta Roach
2019 Our Language Grants Support Urgent Need for Revitalization Efforts
2018 Our Language Grant Projects Wrap Up
Language Champion: Beth Leonard
Language Gathering Launches New Phase of Doyon Languages Online
Language Champion: Diloola Erickson
Foundation Receives $977,423 Grant for Language Revitalization
Language Nest Brings Children, Parents, Teachers Together to Learn Gwich’in
Gathering Building Momentum for Deg Xinag & Holikachuk Language Learning
Language Champion: Ruth Ridley
Language Champion: Jamie Marunde
Families Come Together to Learn at Nenana Fish Camp
Foundation Receives $900,000 Grant for Language Revitalization
CoLang 2016 Offers Opportunities for Sharing and Learning
TEDx Talk by Allan Hayton Now Posted Online
$50,000 Awarded in Language Revitalization Grants
Strategic Plan Guides Foundation Language Revitalization Program
Summit Builds Statewide Support Network for Language Revitalization
Hayton Shares Story of Language Revitalization at TEDx Event
January 2016 Where Are Your Keys Workshops
Language Matters with Bob Holman
Workshop Takes Unique Approach to Language Learning
First People’s Cultural Council Visit
Learners-Speakers Gather for Fall Language Trainings
Foundation Invites Language Learners, Teachers to Training
Foundation Hosts Language Revitalization Audio Conferences
TCC Tobacco Prevention Program Song
Browse Our News Archive
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 its survival. There is an urgent need to promote and foster language opportunities for non-speakers.
In 2009, Doyon Foundation created the language revitalization committee to respond to this need and begin creating a region-wide language revitalization program that would address one of the Foundation’s vision elements for a Strong Demonstration of Native Traditional Language and Culture.
In 2012, the Doyon, Limited board of directors, along with full support from Doyon President Aaron Schutt, agreed with the language revitalization committee and awarded start-up funding to establish the program.
In implementing these goals, the Doyon Foundation board believes that every shareholder and descendant should have the opportunity to learn their language and culture.
The Doyon Foundation language revitalization program is not intended to replace the current efforts of tribes, groups or organizations across the region or state, but rather to collaborate with and bring them together. Through the program, Doyon Foundation seeks to partner with like-minded organizations and to align language groups, efforts, goals and resources.
For more information on Doyon Foundation’s language revitalization program, please contact Doyon Foundation at foundation@doyon.com.