Expert Language
Revitalization
Collaborating with Indigenous communities to strengthen language and capacity.
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ʔiyəs sn̓ kʷəns ʔənʔé tečəl. Nəw̓iləŋ sxʷ.
We thank the people of Teechamitsa, Xwsepsum and all Lekw'ungen nations for allowing us to live and work in your beautiful territory.
Andeloo Language Revitalization was formed to help strengthen endangered Indigenous languages.
We work with communities and Elders to create:
Language programs:
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such as Mentor Apprentice, preschool nests, and on the land & immersion programs, Elder & teacher capacity building programs.
And teaching & learning material:
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textbooks, early readers, phone apps, teachers’ guides, games and classroom materials.
Language speakers and culture keepers often have very clear ideas about how to teach their language. Their advice is usually the best way to make sure that culture is incorporated in language programs & materials. At Andeloo, our goal is to make their vision a reality.
We bring a strong background in
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language documentation and
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creating books, videos, and language apps, etc.
By using the best of both worlds, we focus on strengthening those who bring the language, and create pathways for them to share it with learners.
To stregthen language in a community takes a lot of work. At Andeloo, we work hard to hire and involve all kinds of talent and knowledge in the community: artists, writers, hunters, drivers, teachers, and others. When the community works together, amazing things happen.
WHAT WE DO
OUR APPROACH
Community Based Language Revival
Any initiative we work on is developed from the ground up in collaboration with the community. By working closely with members of the community, we can develop programs that directly align with the goals and interests of each community.
Documenting the Process
Documenting language is a huge part of what we do. We review our work with community language experts to make sure it is correct and meets the goals of the community and needs of teachers and learners.
Whenever possible we hire community members to help with documenting the language, investing in the long term needs of people.
Reviewing the Content
Before we finish any content, we rigorously review the transcriptions and lessons with the Elders, speakers and knowledge keepers, to make sure we have accurately documented the words and meanings in our work.
Learning from the Elders
The materials and programs we develop are influenced by the ideas and suggestions of Elders. Their ideas guide the development, and we combine the strongest aspects of successful revitalization strategies with Elders’ ideas. In this way our work brings together the best of both worlds.
Developing the Program
Most communities have been working for many decades to strengthen their languages. We take care to work with teachers and programs already in place. We help build on the work that people have already done, to strengthen what is already in your community.
We will meet and talk and learn about how best we can bring our skills together to meet your goals.
Publishing and Delivering the Program
Whenever possible, when we complete a project, especially teaching materials, we prefer to hold a workshop to introduce it to the community. In the past these have been as simple as a weekend workshop to six month pilot programs. These workshops, are often best co-taught with the speakers and Elders who helped develop them.