Tongue Unbroken

Coast to Coast: The Season Finale Apr 30, 2024

We are joined by Éedaa Heather Burge and Shodzi'dzo:wa:’ Damian Webster to talk about their language journey and current work, and also about systemic changes they hope to see in the near future. They also shared their thoughts on how to balance teaching the complexities of Indigenous languages while also being true to the spirit of the language and its ancestors, and then on how to be the medicine in times of difficulty and sorrow. Following a wonderful time with our guests, X̱ʼunei wraps up season 2 with messages for listeners and those working in Indigenous languages, and also hopes for future seasons of the show. Gunalchéesh, háwʼaa, quayana, mahalo for listening and spending time with us! Letʼs keep on going! Stoodis!

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Be the Change Agent of the Goal You Seek Apr 23, 2024

We are joined by Dr. Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and former director of Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. She shares her language journey, and then we talk about the elements that may have made the Hawaiian language movement successful. We also talk about strategies and trying to determine when you decolonize existing systems and when you create your own pathways within those systems, and how to move from teaching about, to teaching of, to teaching through Indigenous languages. Dr. Keiki also shares her views on how to create and maintain safe environments for language learning and to not give up when things are difficult. Learn more about Hawaiian language programs at www.olelo.hawaii.edu, www.ahapunanaleo.org, and www.nawahi.org.

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Ḵúx̱de Kagux̱daháa: Landback, Languageback, Objectback Apr 16, 2024

We are joined by multimedia artist Yéil Ya-Tseen Nicholas Galnin, who is from Sheetkʼá (Sitka, Alaska) and performs music as Ya Tseen. He is a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow, can be found on Sub-Pop Records, and has work featured around the world that is in sculpture, jewelry, video, and installation. His works speak to sovereignty, racial, social, and environmental justice, and for Landback initiatives. We talk about his path to becoming a multimedia artist while remaining rooted in Lingít identity, on demystifying the “complexities” of colonization when it comes to returning land, language, and objects to Indigenous peoples, and also his signing to Sub-Pop. He also shares advice for aspiring artists, and then zoomed off to catch a flight. See his work by following https://www.instagram.com/nicholasgalanin/?hl=en, and also read more about his musical releases at https://www.subpop.com/artists/ya_tseen.

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Yaaw Káx̱ Adéli: Herring Protectors Apr 09, 2024

We are joined by Ḵasheechtlaa Louise Brady to talk about the path that led to sobriety and work with protecting the invaluable and threatened herring run to Southeast Alaska. Yaaw (herring) produce a vital food source to the Lingít peoples, and are an indicator species for ecosystem balance within the interconnected worlds of living things in the ocean. Ḵasheechtlaa tells a story about reconnecting to the self and to her Indigenous culture, and how the healing from those reconnections are carried out in her advocacy and stewardship as part of Native Movement (www.nativemovement.org) and the Herring Protectors (www.herringprotectors.org). She also guides us through a conversation on gender balance and equity within Indigenous cultures, and how a rematriation movement can result in increased care for the clan houses of the Lingít and increased ability to protect our lands for the benefit of future generations.

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Indigenous Opera: Reclamations in Storytelling Apr 02, 2024

We are joined by writer T’set kwei Vera Starbard and musician Shaaḵindustóow Ed Littlefield to discuss their path to becoming an Emmy-nominated writer, playwright, editor, professional percussionist, educator, and composer. They also talk about their experiences as the librettist, translator, and composer of an upcoming Lingít opera about Sheetkʼá (Sitka) and battles for land rights and safety that took place in the early 1800s. This episode includes short clips of the opera, which will premiere on stages within the next couple of years. They also discuss their daily creative lives and advice for aspiring Creative Natives. Check out Vera Starbard at https://verastarbard.com and Ed Littlefield at https://edlittlefield.com Songs from the upcoming opera courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute.

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The Ocean That Unites Us Mar 26, 2024

Dr. Iene Vini Olsen-Reeder joins us for a conversation about Individual language journeys and social reclamation movements with the intention of bringing our languages home by being excellent multilinguals. Iene is a co-host of the upcoming podcast 2 Couple to Kōrero, which will talk about bringing languages home from the perspective of a couple committed to language use as individuals and as a family. Some people might think that thousands of miles of ocean separate peoples, but in reality, the ocean connects us, and so do our journeys of recovering from violent and racist colonial practices and behaviors.

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Preparing for the Eclipse: Healing the Individual and the Collective Mar 19, 2024

We are joined by Denaʼina scholar and language teacher Łiq'a yes Joel Isaak to talk about language journeys, the ways that being a visual artist can help create visual representations of grammar, Tribal school and programs, and staying strong and focused through dramatic changes. Isaak is an artist and installs large level artwork, and also works in education, which are two traits that combine to create braided perspectives on understanding and teaching Indigenous languages and also Indigenizing education. The journey of the language warrior involves facing the colonial war on Indigenous languages, which requires ceremony and self-care in order to stay focused and positive in your language reclamation work.

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Indigenous Hip Hop & More Mar 12, 2024

We are joined by Yawdunéi Arias Hoyle, who performs as Air Jazz, to talk about his work as a Hip Hop artist that uses Lingít Yoo X̱ʼatángi (the Lingít language) in his work. We are honored to feature three of his songs: S’áxt’, Nakaaní/Shaax’wsaani, and Ch’áak Waak (ft. Radiophonic), and talk about learning and using Lingít, taking the language into new realms, and maintaining a loving and supportive environment for future generations of Indigenous creators and thinkers.

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Indigenous Futures: If We Can Do It, You Can Do It! Mar 05, 2024

We are joined by Rochelle Adams, Language Access Director for the Alaska Public Interest Research Group and Gwichʼin language speaker, learner, and teacher, for a discussion on language journeys, making Indigenous voices count, and brilliant Indigenous futures. Indigenous languages connect with each other across vast time and space to make lasting impacts and connections, and part of our daily work involves making sure our voices are heard in public forms as language reclamation movements continue to gain momentum. Also, Indigenous voices are appearing more in media, and we can gain strength from the increased presence of those voices.

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From Surviving to Thriving: The Genocidal Boarding School Era Feb 27, 2024

Dr. Walkie Charles is a Yupʼik language professor and the Director of the Alaska Native Language Center. He joins us to talk about his approach to language teaching, surviving and overcoming horrendous boarding school experiences, and brushing off the terrible parts of life in order to be yourself in language reclamation movements. The Boarding School Era, known as the Residential School Era in Canada, is a horrible and inhumane part of the histories of the United States and Canada. Dr. Charles is a survivor of that era, and has emerged as one of the most powerful voices in Indigenous Language reclamation efforts in Alaska.

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Creating Safe Learning Zones for the Mother Tongue Feb 20, 2024

We are joined by Yaayuk Bernadette Alvanna-Stimpfle, a high fluency first language speaker of Iñupaq, the director of the Kawerak, Inc. Heritage Program, and a doctoral candidate at Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. She shares her wisdom as an Indigenous language teacher, developer of teacher preparation methodologies, and as a member of the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council. Her methodologies focus on safe learning environments and incorporating Indigenous language child rearing methods and love into language learning and use environments.

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A Conversation with Master Carver Yéil Yádi Nathan Jackson Feb 13, 2024

The Northwest Coast is well known for totem poles, bentwood boxes, Chilkat blankets, wall screens, and many more items that are significant cultural property of Indigenous peoples of the area. We are joined by master Lingít artist Yéil Yádi Nathan Jackson, who has been a practicing artist for over six decades and whose works have been installed worldwide. He shares his journey of becoming an artist, how we witnessed the artwork returning to production and advises future generations of carvers.

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Indigenous Dreamers and Content Creators Feb 06, 2024

We are joined by the talented and wonderful Princess Daazhraii Johnson, who is an actor, producer, writer, and concerned citizen of the universe. She is the former Creative Producer and still is a writer for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Molly of Denali, which features a Native American female as the lead character. She shares about her journey in becoming a content creator, current projects and motivations, and what it takes to move from dreaming about film and television to become a contributor on large level projects. The future of Indigenous content creation is bright and shiny, and we are thankful to all who have helped Native American voices break into the mainstream of film and television.

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Náakw áwé i tóo yéi yatee: Healing from Within Jan 30, 2024

In this episode we visit with Dr. Náakw Latseení Tina Woods, Senior Director of Community & Behavioral Services at Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Dr. Tina shares her perspective on Indigenous healing centers, living in wellness, and dealing with historical and personal traumas while on a lifelong language journey. This episode contains sensitive material that may trigger traumatic responses within folks, so while healing is needed for decolonization and language reclamation movements, listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves and reach out for help when needed.

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West side!! Language learning on the West side of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Jan 23, 2024

In episode 2, we are joined by Shodzi'dzo:wa:’ Damian Webster and Montgomery Hill who do amazing work in the Seneca and Tuscarora languages. We talk about their languages, communities, and work, and then give perspectives on what it takes to create speakers, and then talk about what it takes to keep going and not quit while doing this type of work. Keep on going, keep on believing, keep being the dream of your ancestors.

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Language Nests Across Cultures Jan 16, 2024

In the first episode of season two, we are joined by Dr Kauanoe Kamana and Dr William “Pila” Wilson, who were both instrumental to the Hawaiian Language Reclamation movement. They collaborated with a courageous and amazing group of changemakers to create the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo (language nest) and Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu (language medium school). They talk about what helped them create change and what it take to keep a language movement going. Thanks for joining us for season two!

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Tongue Unbroken Trailer Season 2 Jan 11, 2024

Season 2 of the Tongue Unbroken is coming out on January 16th. Please join us for conversations on language revitalization and decolonization in North America. We will be covering a wide range of topics this season that are relevant to everyone in North America, because if you live in North America, you live in Native America. Indigenous lands, Indigenous peoples, Indigenous stories, Indigenous thoughts, Indigenous perspectives. This season will look at concepts that are artistic, creative, healthy, theoretical, practical, and that help all of us to be transformational in our work and our day to day lives. No matter who you are and what you are doing, you can contribute to the health of Native American languages and help ensure that colonial nations are something other than killing machines. Join us on January 16 on the iHeart Media Network, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Finale with La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Oct 17, 2022

La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins join X̱ʼunei to look back on the spring of 2014 when they worked together with each other and others to pass a law that made Alaska Native Languages the co-official languages of Alaska. They talk about the process and how to create change through political methods, including how to defeat those with racist ideologies.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day Excellence with Ernestine Hayes Oct 10, 2022

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the brilliant and powerful Saankaláxtʻ Ernestine Hayes. Listen to her lecture titled, “An Alaska Native Memoir: Our Lives are Stories Telling Themselves” which was recorded by the Sealaska Heritage Institute during their fall lecture series. During her talk, she addresses the many harmful tactics of colonialism and ponders what Native America would be like now if colonialism had not happened. Here’s to wonderful Indigneous futures!

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7000 Languages: Technology for the People Oct 03, 2022

Executive Director Stephanie Witkowski and Board Chair Dr. Bill Rivers from 7000 Languages join X̱ʼunei to talk about technology and language learning, and how a commitment to bringing technology to language learning communities can help language movements. They talk about the history of the organization, current projects, the benefits and limitations of technology in language learning, and how to protect data sovereignty. Check out 7000.org to learn more, to get help, or to help out!

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Get off your waa and outwork the haters! Sep 26, 2022

Shiggoap Alfie Price and Barbara Belk from the Juneau Smʼalgya̱x Language Learners join to talk about how they started a grassroots learning group when they were far from home and did not have birth speakers around them. They talk about who they are, about their language, and how they got started and maintained a group of teachers and learners that are led by the language and respect. They also give advice on how people can get started, how to keep going, and how to build a movement when no one thinks you can.

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Time Travel to Indigenous Peoplesʼ Day 2021! Sep 19, 2022

Travel back in time with the Tongue Unbroken! In episode 8 we listen to a panel presentation made at the University of Alaska Southeast, virtually, for Indigenous Peoplesʼ Day 2021. The panel is made up of powerhouses in Native American language revitalization, including Larry Kimura, Leslie Harper, Miqueʼl Dangeli, Joel Isaak, and Roy Mitchell.

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Language Back! A Conversation with Heather Burge Sep 12, 2022

Fellow University of Alaska Southeast Professor Éedaa Heather Burge drops by to talk about teaching and learning Indigenous languages, and how to decolonize colonial institutions. She also shares her thoughts on staying afloat while working, teaching, learning, and finishing a PhD program at the same time. X̱ʼunei and Éedaa also talk about what to do with outdated racist texts and the sneaky way they still appear in publications, and conclude with sharing ways they find hope while continuing to do the work of language revitalization and decolonization.

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Nanticoke Language: Bringing a Language Back Sep 05, 2022

Tribal member Karelle Hall and linguist Keith Cunningham join to talk about their work with the Nanticoke Tribe in Millsboro, Delaware to revitalize their language, which had not been spoken since 1859. They talk about the work it takes to bring a language back, and the ways that collaboration and belief in overcoming genocide can help move back towards language use and strength. They also share ideas on what folks can do when they lose the last speaker of their language, and ways that people can contribute to language movements.

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Haa Yoo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi: Our Language Nest Aug 29, 2022

Teachers from the Haa Yoo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi (Our Language Nest) join X̱ʼunei to talk about running a language nest. Daaljíni Mary Cruise, Kaasteen Jill Meserve, Neelaatughaa Anna Clock, Naak Emily Sheakley, And Shkayltín Claire Helgeson talk about thei work in the language nest, how the nest was started, what it takes to start one, dealing with the loss of speakers, and sharing funny stories about working with children. Haa Yoo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi is operated by the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida, a Federally Recognized Tribe.

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Living Languages, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Staying Inspired Aug 22, 2022

Lakota language teacher, learner, and activist Ray Taken Alive joins X̱ʼunei to talk about activities in the Lakota language movement, approaches to language teaching and learning, and data sovereignty. They share thoughts on incorporating language teaching methodologies, facilitating growth in safe environments, and dealing with encounters in coloniality when it comes to language data and power. Follow Ray Taken Alive on TikTok and on Twitter.

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Prey! Indigenizing Hollywood and Learning About Comanche Aug 15, 2022

Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner, Comanche Nation’s Director of Language Planning and Development, talks about her role in the creation of the film Prey, about the film itself, and about Comanche language activities. Joey Clift, writer, performer, and enrolled Cowlitz Indian Tribal Member currently living in Los Angeles, talks about the film, Native Americans in film, current and future projects, and Indigenizing Hollywood! Learn more about the Comanche Language Department at http://talkcomanche.org and Joey Clift at joeyclift.com. Follow Tongue Unbroken on Twitter, Facebook and our Official Website

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Talking Decoloniality and Language Futures with Dr. Sol Neely Aug 08, 2022

Dr. Sol Neely joins X̱ʼ unei for a conversation on decoloniality and life
journeys towards language revitalization. Sol and X̱ʼ unei talk about the
Cherokee language and the complexities of identity and language in
colonial contexts, and then talk about blood quantum and ways that the
English language currently contributes to Indigenous erasure and
colonial violence. They wrap up the conversation with a dialogue on
raising children in Indigenous languages and building upon a future that
gains strength and momentum. Follow Tongue Unbroken on Twitter
Facebook and
our Official Website

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Welcome to the Tongue Unbroken! Sgoden! Aug 01, 2022

In the inaugural episode, X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell introduces the podcast and goes over what future episodes will be like. He also explains some pivotal concepts in language revitalization and decolonization in North America. The episode also introduces the Lingít language and culture, while also sharing key moments in the language journey that led X̱ʼunei to developing this podcast. In concludes with an interview with his three children, who he speaks to in Lingít and who reply in English, sharing their thoughts on the need for Indigenous languages and the harmful impacts of colonization. Follow Tongue Unbroken on social media at https://twitter.com/tongueunbroken, https://www.facebook.com/tongueunbroken, and http://tongueunbroken.com/

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Introducing: Tongue Unbroken Jul 19, 2022

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