In this episode, the IRC team is joined by Bob Rugh and Wil Meyafrom the Language Conservancy (https://languageconservancy.org/). The Language Conservancy was founded in 2005 by a concerned group of indigenous educators and language activists in reaction to the severe decline of indigenous language speakers in the United States.  Working closely with partner organizations, they have utilized best practice methods, resources, and models to create world-class indigenous language-learning materials and resources. Their vision is to share these tools with indigenous language communities worldwide. Their hope is to restore indigenous languages to a place of pride within these communities.

The IRC team discusses issues present in today's language preservation and revitalization efforts. The episode starts with a Apsáalooke Hymn sung by Trunson Big Hair (Apsáalooke). The song came to him when he was grieving the loss of his spouse. It has since become integrated into the religious genre of music on the Crow reservation. This interesting phenomenon kicks off the discussion centering on the work of the Language Conservancy and the issues the IRC Team has encountered in their experience with language learning and usage. 
 
The IRC team continues the discussion after listening to a clip of Louie NinePipe, Adolph "Happy" NinePipe, and Pierre Pichette (Salish) singing an Owl dance song with English words. The NinePipes were generally regarded as the best singers among the Salish at the time. They were present at every musical activity. Pierre Pichette was a frequent interpreter in the Tribe. The Owl dance they sing was borrowed from the Nez Perce at an unspecified date. The words are “If you’ll marry me then I will love you. If you know me once then I’ll never go.” This song is an important marker in the study of the evolution of songs among the Salish due to the inclusion of English words. This provides a platform for discussion by the IRC and the Langauge Conservancy centered on the role of songs as a means to preserve, teach, and propegate language in Tribal communities. 
  
Have answers? Suggestions? Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.

Guest: Bob Rugh and Will Meya from the Language Conservancy
Learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/CrowLanguage/
https://languageconservancy.org/

Hosts: Aaron Brien, Kamiah Dumontier, Marty Lopez, Shandin Pete, Brenda Shepard

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