Recognition of community efforts

[Scott DeLancey]

>From the latest SSILA Bulletin:
(SSILA = Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the
Americas, an organization of linguists)
=======================================================

* Lakota Consortium awarded Ken Hale Prize
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SSILA's Ken Hale Prize, which honors those who strive to link the academic
and community spheres in the spirit of Ken Hale, was awarded this year to
the non-profit Lakota Language Consortium (LLC), a nonprofit organization
dedicated to rescuing the Lakota Sioux language.  The prize and cash award
were presented in recognition of the organization's outstanding community
language work and deep commitment to the documentation, maintenance,
promotion, and revitalization of the Lakota language, one of the country's
largest remaining Native American languages.

Pam Bunte, chair of the 2005 Ken Hale Prize selection committee, described
the factors that led to the decision. "We were really impressed.  The
Lakota Language Consortium has done a great job with their documentation.
Their materials have made it easier for community members to teach the
language. They work closely with many people throughout the community and
the praise of their efforts was truly amazing."  The committee also
included Nora England, Michael Krauss, and Roberto Zavala Maldonado.

Wilhelm K. Meya, Executive Director of the organization, received the
prize on behalf of the Board of Directors.  The Lakota Language Consortium
is made up of numerous committed community members and linguists (see
the LLC website, http://www.lakhota.org).  As one of the largest language
revitalization organizations in the country, its materials are used by
over twenty-two school systems and expose over 4000 children to the Lakota
language.  In addition to Meya, the LLC's Board of Directors includes
Jan Ulrich, who leads the organization's materials development work, and
Leonard Little Finger, who directs the Lakota Language Studies program at
Loneman School in Oglala, South Dakota.