Other Languages
In addition to training teachers from neighbouring jurisdictions (Alaska, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta) the YNLC has also contributed work on the documentation and teaching of some of the languages of these areas. Partly this is because of our good neighbour policy, and partly because related languages very often cast light on grammatical problems.
Ahtna
Ahtna is an Athapaskan language centred on the Copper River drainage. The Alaska Native Language Center website has more information. The YNLC has prepared online audio materials in conjunction with the Ahtna Language and Culture Association. In the Chistochina dialect there are Language Lessons as well as story books in the At Home and Fish Camp series, recorded by Lena Charley. In the Mentasta dialect there are versions of At Home and Fish Camp recorded by Katie John.
Navajo
Navajo is an Athabaskan language from the southwestern United States. It has around 100,000 speakers which is more than all the other Athapaskan languages together. Clayton Long, Director of Bilingual Education for the San Juan School District in Blanding Utah, has brought a delegation of students to the centre and has attended a Native Language Teaching Certificate training session. While here he recorded a version of At Home which is now online: Kii Bighan (Kii's House).
Tanacross
Tanacross is an Athapaskan language from the middle of the Tanana River in eastern Alaska. The Alaska Native Language Center website has more information. Irene Arnold has attended many training sessions at YNLC and has received both the Certificate and Diploma in Native Language Teaching. Two audio story books are online: At Home by Irene Arnold and Camping by Laura Sanford.
Tahltan
Tahltan is an Athapaskan Language from north central British Columbia. During a visit to the Centre in 2000, Robert Quock recorded versions of Moose Hunt and Fish Camp. The Centre plans to make these audio materials available online in the near future. Robert Quock passed away in 2002.
