Igiugig village is proposing a three-year project with interconnected objectives to support the project titled bristol BAY indigenous languages revitalization

Igiugig will use a regional all-community, inter-generational approach that includes everyone from toddlers learning to speak to elders. The three indigenous languages of bristol BAY, yupik, denaina and alutiiq, are endangered. Many of the regions 30 villages lack a first language speaker, and almost all speakers are over the age of 65. IT is urgent to grow a new generation of fluent speakers and increase the language proficiency of community members. The project is based upon previous language programs organized by igiugig. IT will use a mixed methods immersion approach, including an annual week-long immersion course developed in partnership with bristol BAY regional career and technical education (CTE) open to the four school districts in the region. The project includes a collaboration with bristol BAY regional CTE, a memorandum of understanding with six other tribes in the lake iliamna region and the lake and peninsula borough school district and collaborations with other interested bristol BAY villages.