Language Camp (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Language Camp
By Libby Sterling | Juneau Empire
USA

It is a crisp, summer day, maybe unofficially one of the first of autumn. A
group is gathered in the open air around a propane stove — some are sitting,
some are standing, but all are focused on the contents of the cooking pot.

It's seal fat (tsaa eixí), cooking in its own oils — no additives are
necessary for this dish. The fat has been cut into bite-sized chunks. When
cooked, each piece will hold its own shape — crispy on the outside with a
light, airy center.

As the fat comes to temperature, the group breaks out into a Tlingit song.
Mary Folletti (Daaljíni) momentarily reassigns her stirring spoon to play
the role of a drumstick. As, she sings, she gently beats the spoon on the
side of the pot, keeping the beat.

In a nearby smokehouse, another meal is in preparation. This smoked salmon
(áx akawdudlis'eigi xáat) was cut into strips earlier in the day and has
been smoking for a few hours. Hans Chester (Naakil.aan) removes the
smokehouse door to check on the salmon's status.

Chester is one of about a dozen attendees at a Tlingit language immersion
retreat, held over Labor Day weekend at the Eagle River United Methodist
Camp.

Access full article below:
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/091210/nei_706944824.shtml
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