Published: November 7, 2013
The Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska — Language and traditions are the focus of a Tlingit clan conference taking place in Juneau through Sunday.
The event called “Sharing Our Knowledge” began Wednesday at Centennial Hall, according to CoastAlaska (http://is.gd/361JyU).
The theme of the conference is “Our Language is Our Way of Life.”
Sessions include such topics as art, music, archaeology, linguistics, Alaska Native history and indigenous law. There also are sessions on regional language programs, a Tlingit spelling bee and bringing the language into the home.
“I have a strong belief that language in the home is something that is often overlooked,” said conference executive director Gerry Hope.
The Tlingit language is disappearing and organizing committee members were concerned about a number of elders dying, Hope said. There is a need to talk to elders now, he said.
Peter Metcalf, an organizer of the conference, said the event is for more than just tribal members.
“The best part about it from my point of view is you can walk into or out of a workshop and you’ll feel welcome and understand what’s going on, with the exception perhaps of some of the Tlingit language workshops that are happening,” he said.
The clan conferences began about two decades ago. They resumed in 2007 after a 10-year pause.