SITKA, Alaska (AP) — The first Tlingit language immersion program has ended after a week of activities in Sitka.
Things wrapped up Saturday for the 63 language speakers that traveled from across Alaska, Canada and the lower 48 to attend the workshops. Program organizer Heather Powell says there are only about 100 Tlingit speakers total.
Participants made traditional drums, performed plays and puppet shows of Tlingit legends and discussed correct pronunciation, vocabulary and structure. Most activities were in the Mt. Edgecumbe High School student union building. Language teachers were paired with learners for most activities. The group played bingo entirely in the Tlingit language on Thursday.
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sealaska Heritage and Sitka Native Education Program have helped create the program.
