Report on the Jargon gathering in Mission, BC

LhaXiy at m, kanawi lhaksta!

I am so oppressed by my busy schedule this week, I wonder if one of you
out there would like to do up a report on the gathering we just had.  It
would be nice to see it go to both CHINOOK and the SALISHAN list. =20

Personally, I'd also like to hear everyone's own impressions of the
gathering, and start up the forum for discussion of next year's event.

With regard to the former, I felt that "immersion" reached a new level of
thoroughness when we followed a Jargon learning session with a salmon
bake, a talking circle, and a rousing round of slahal / stickgame.
(Complete with stickgame songs both in the Jargon <which we made up right
there> and from the region's native traditions.)  Some of stayed out by
the firepit pretty late and had a very nice time talking then, too. =20

Also, I just plain enjoyed meeting all of you.  I felt I was really =
making
friends with you all, and I look forward to many more pleasant meetings.

Regarding future plans, may I recommend that we continue and extend the
immersion sessions, perhaps with Henry Zenk's help -- not that I've
consulted with him on this! -- in backing Tony up when Tony's voice is
getting tired.  And including some of the many Chinuk Wawa songs that are
still known all over the region would be a superb teaching aid, not to
mention cultural experience. =20

Linguists, please consider coming next year.  You can present your work =
to
the group, get valuable feedback, and just plain learn up a storm.

=46inally, I'm sorry my little group missed the trip to Xaaytem Rock.
Excursions like this are another excellent way to add depth to the
gathering.

All told, our first go was just fantastic.  Let's get working on the next
one.  And in the meantime, a local gathering or two sound pretty fun, =
too,
eh?  I'll be working on one in Spokane.  Stay tuned.

Best wishes!
Dave