Introduction

[John Sirois]

Way't' Hust' Shal'halt', (good day in okanagan)

My name is John E. Sirois, and I am from the okanagan and wenatchi bands
of the Colville Confederated Tribes in Washington State.  I have
recently joined the Indigenous Language Institute team here in Santa Fe,
NM.

My position here at ILI is to develop a Language Materials Development
Center.  After years of collaboration and development work by many
individuals and organizations (many on this list), the concept of the
Language Materials Development Center arose.  This concept is now moving
from the idea to an actual work in progress. The main goal is to provide
a "national" center, which would effectively connect the Tribal
communities in advancing the language revitalization work.

The goal of the Language Materials Development Center (LMDC) is to put
tools for developing effective language materials directly in the hands
of youth, parents, community language specialists, and educators.  ILI
will accomplish this goal by establishing a technology center where
indigenous community members can create materials in their native
language to be reproduced and disseminated in their communities.
Involving community members in language materials production will ensure
that the materials are culturally appropriate, relevant, and instantly
available for use. In addition, with the assistance of linguists and
technology experts, prototype materials will be developed that can be
translated into any Native American language.  Additional goals include
increasing the number of indigenous language materials in all media,
enhancing indigenous community members' exposure to language-based
materials, and expanding networking opportunities for ILI and the
indigenous communities it serves.

ILI wants to gather as much information or links to crucial language
materials sources, research, media, and other works that Tribal
communities may want to access.  ILI hopes to assist in disseminating
these important bodies of work to the grassroots language instructor.

I look forward to working with you all and talking further about
possible collaborations!

Thanks to the inventors of this listserv!!


John E. Sirois
Indigenous Language Institute
560 Montezuma Ave, 202
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.820.0311
505.820.0316 fax

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