Cultural Programming
Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Work
Language is the expression of our culture and our land. We cannot have one without the others. We cannot describe our culture and our land if we do not have language.
(Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee, 2006 )
Bristol Bay
Indigenous Language
Strategic Plan
The Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Strategic Plan (BBILSP) aims to create a strategic, region-wide plan for revitalizing the Alutiiq, Dena’ina, and Yup’ik languages. The plan will outline long-term goals, guide program development, define project priorities, and establish methods for evaluating progress.
BBF in partnership with Raven’s Group gathered input from parents, Elders, Tribes, community members, learners, and language teachers, LPSD, BBBSD, and school boards using various feedback methods. This information is being analyzed to shape the strategic plan.
Chin’an, Quyanaa, Quyana Cakneq to all who participated in listening sessions or completed the survey!
Raven’s Group is currently evaluating data and working on a draft plan. Check back soon to learn about the next opportunity to provide feedback on the plan. For more info, please see the Bristol Bay Leadership Forum schedule.
BBF Language Summit
The Bristol Bay Foundation, in partnership with other regional entities, hosts a Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Summit bi-annually. The Language Summit brings together Dena’ina, Yupiaq/Yup’ik, and Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Elders, speakers, teachers, and learners in Anchorage to connect, discuss, and support existing region-wide efforts in language revitalization. Participants discuss and reflect on welcoming and supportive learning environments (language agreements), language and cultural materials, archiving, language learning practices, observe demonstrations of proven language teaching methods, and learn about approaches to developing language teachers. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Stay tuned!
The next Summit will be held April 24th & 25th, 2026.
Who: Bristol Bay Indigenous Language learners, teachers, and program administrators that are over the age of 18. Those under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Where: Naknek, Alaska - BBBSD Auditorium
To facilitate meaningful interactions and intimate group discussions, registration is limited. Some Elders and Youth may be eligible for scholarships for travel, food, and accommodations.
Registration forthcoming.
Kitaki!
Language Now: A Call to Reawaken, Connect, and Celebrate.
Sponsor the Summit.
With the invaluable guidance of our Elders, the enthusiasm of our students, and all the necessary resources within reach, backing the Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Summit stands as a crucial investment in safeguarding our cultural heritage. Your contribution will provide a platform, resources, and momentum required to ensure the enduring vitality of our languages for our future generations to come.
Please check out our Q-Give site which makes it quick and easy to donate!