Advocates Newsletter April 2010

AICLS Master Apprentice Training in Wonder Valley

April 9-11, 2010

The Master Apprentice Program (MAP) workshop began on Friday evening.  Each day was started with a prayer from Wukchumni Elder, Marie Wilcox, and a nutritious meal.  The prayer was good because the language of the land is better understood by the Creator.  Marie's words were humbling and inspirational.
After the meal on Friday, the participants and facilitators went around and introduced themselves in as much language as they could, talked about why they were here and what they're doing with language revitalization.   It was impressive and encouraging when the young people like Angelina Moreno, Tachi,  speak their language with flowing words and ease.  There were large groups from the  Kawaiisu, Wukchumni, Tachi, Mono, and Karuk participating.


On Saturday, Crystal Richardson, AICLS Northern Teams Coordinator, did a motivational presentation on the AICLS master apprentice 10 points of language acquisition.  Jocelyn Ahlers, Linguist and AICLS mentor, did a wonderful presentation on the five stages of leaning; understanding, physical involvement, recognition, mimicking, and production.  Stan Rodriguez, AICLS Board Member, did a rousing demonstration of the Kumeyaay game, shahook maay sarap, in language.  Luther Giraldo, Kawaiisu  master speaker, and Julie Turner, AICLS Southern Teams Coordinator, did an informative presentation on staying in the language using photographs.  The day ended with cultural sharing by the campfire facilitated by Gordon Bussell, AICLS Board Member.


Sunday was the day each group gave their presentation in their languages using a set of photographs.  Everyone did a very good presentation.  Young people like Greg Ignacio, Angelina Moreno, Crystal Richardson and others who speak their language so well give us all hope for the future.
Yaay'ehan to Laura Grant, Julie Turner, and Kate Hedges for filling in our indispensable Administrator, Marina Drummer, and facilitating our training and stay at Wonder Valley.  Gordon Bussell and Stan Rodriguez gave us some motivational words to take back to our communities.
Naakh piinyeway nyewii maatchkuuyaw kem’ull.
 
Richard Bugbee, AICLS Chair 


Interested in having trainings for your language program or organization, contact the Advocates atmarina@communityfuturescollective.org                                 

 

 

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