Eyak Preservation Council

Culture

Eyak Language Preservation

"Language is often described as man's essential accomplishment, yet nothing threatens the world's languages so much as human progress."
Elizabeth Kolbert
Last Words (an article on the Eyak Language Preservation Project)
New Yorker Magazine
June 6, 2005

Preserving the Eyak language is essential to protecting the inherent rights of culture and heritage of the Eyak people. One of EPC’s most exciting recent accomplishments is completion of phase one The Eyak Language Preservation Project. Today there are only two living speakers of the Eyak language, Chief Marie Jones, age 85, and linguist Dr. Michael Krauss. The project includes video taped oral histories; creation of an Eyak Language Dictionary; creation of an Eyak Language Archive, including transfer of original recordings by Dr. Krauss and Eyak Anna Nelson, that include Eyak stories and legends recorded in 1960’s; and creation of an Eyak Language Learning Program on DVD. All of the materials catalogued and created during the project have been saved using the latest technology and deposited in the archives of the University of Alaska. Our challenge and obligation now is to get these materials into the hands of the Eyak people. Once that happens, the Eyak language will survive and continue to teach people the true history of the region.

On behalf of all Eyak people, we want to acknowledge the Administration for Native Americans who funded this critically important project. Because of your support, the Eyak language lives!

Indigenous Youth Leaders

EPC, in partnership with the Indigenous Environmental Network and Lakota Action Network, has successfully launched a new program for Indigenous Youth activists from Alaska and the lower 48.

Indigenous youth activists today are facing an escalating crisis. The ongoing erosion of Indigenous rights and resources and the increased exploitation of Native tribal lands from both external and internal forces have devastating implications for the future of Indigenous peoples. The power of the movement hinges upon the necessity of uniting geographically isolated struggles, developing skilled leaders, and organizing and sustaining active networks.

During the annual summer gathering, participants raft 110-miles of the Copper River over eight days, combining a curriculum of skill sharing, healing, leadership development and movement visioning along with small group discussions. Evenings are spent by the camp fire sharing personal histories and filling the river canyon with voices and songs closely connected with the Earth. For some of these Native leaders, it is the first opportunity to experience the pristine natural world in which their culture is rooted. For others, it is an inspirational home-coming.

Eyak Genealogy

EPC is working to document family genealogy of the Eyak people. The goal of this project is to help living Eyak people trace family heritage and to create a knowledge trust for future generations. The project began in 2005 using information gathered by anthropologist Frederic De Laguna in the 1930's, linguist Dr. Michael Krauss in the 1960's, and current day members of the Eyak tribal nation.

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Home Eyak Language Preservation Indigenous Youth Leaders Eyak Genealogy	Culture Eyak Language Preservation "Language is often described as man's essential accomplishment, yet nothing threatens the world's languages so much as human progress." Elizabeth Kolbert Last Words (an article on the Eyak Language Preservation Project) New Yorker Magazine June 6, 2005 Preserving the Eyak language is essential to protecting the inherent rights of culture and heritage of the Eyak people. One of EPC’s most exciting recent accomplishments is completion of phase one The Eyak Language Preservation Project. Today there are only two living speakers of the Eyak language, Chief Marie Jones, age 85, and linguist Dr. Michael Krauss. The project includes video taped oral histories; creation of an Eyak Language Dictionary; creation of an Eyak Language Archive, including transfer of original recordings by Dr. Krauss and Eyak Anna Nelson, that include Eyak stories and legends recorded in 1960’s; and creation of an Eyak Language Learning Program on DVD. All of the materials catalogued and created during the project have been saved using the latest technology and deposited in the archives of the University of Alaska. Our challenge and obligation now is to get these materials into the hands of the Eyak people. Once that happens, the Eyak language will survive and continue to teach people the true history of the region. On behalf of all Eyak people, we want to acknowledge the Administration for Native Americans who funded this critically important project. Because of your support, the Eyak language lives! Indigenous Youth Leaders EPC, in partnership with the Indigenous Environmental Network and Lakota Action Network, has successfully launched a new program for Indigenous Youth activists from Alaska and the lower 48. Indigenous youth activists today are facing an escalating crisis. The ongoing erosion of Indigenous rights and resources and the increased exploitation of Native tribal lands from both external and internal forces have devastating implications for the future of Indigenous peoples. The power of the movement hinges upon the necessity of uniting geographically isolated struggles, developing skilled leaders, and organizing and sustaining active networks. During the annual summer gathering, participants raft 110-miles of the Copper River over eight days, combining a curriculum of skill sharing, healing, leadership development and movement visioning along with small group discussions. Evenings are spent by the camp fire sharing personal histories and filling the river canyon with voices and songs closely connected with the Earth. For some of these Native leaders, it is the first opportunity to experience the pristine natural world in which their culture is rooted. For others, it is an inspirational home-coming. Eyak Genealogy EPC is working to document family genealogy of the Eyak people. The goal of this project is to help living Eyak people trace family heritage and to create a knowledge trust for future generations. The project began in 2005 using information gathered by anthropologist Frederic De Laguna in the 1930's, linguist Dr. Michael Krauss in the 1960's, and current day members of the Eyak tribal nation. Top of Page
Home \| Contact EPC \| About Us \| Education \| Advocacy \| Culture \| Take Action \| Links Eyak Preservation Council, Post Office Box 460, Cordova, AK 99574 ©2005 Eyak Preservation Council. All Rights Reserved. Website design by John M. Kruse.