Description

Xine:wh-ding is a new Indigenous language nest on the Hoopa Valley Reservation in Northern California dedicated to increasing the number of people fluent in Na:tinixwe Mixine:whe (the Hupa Language), which is classified as an endangered language. The Indigenous Language Immersion Nest model is an evidenced based language model used in communities across the world with great success, bringing together speakers of endangered Indigenous languages and young children and their families to build language fluency in the program setting and at home. In addition to the immersion time in the Nest, Xine:wh-ding also conducts community language classes, host events, provide resources for families to continue language use in the home and develops curriculum that centers Hupa stories, songs and interactions with the natural world in developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, trauma-informed ways all in the Hupa language. This grant will help Xine:wh-ding expand their language nest and add more students and language teachers in the next year of operation. Part of this grant will support their efforts to support elders working with current and emerging language teachers and support curriculum development to expand the inclusion 4-year-old children (current only children 0-3 are admitted). This program is led by 2023 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow, Dr. Sarah Chase Merrick.
 
This grant aligns with IKI program strategy 1a: To strengthen and sustain the field of Indigenous knowledge in the U.S.