Tongue Unbroken

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the brilliant and powerful Saankaláxtʻ Ernestine Hayes. Listen to her lecture titled, “An Alaska Native Memoir: Our Lives are Stories Telling Themselves” which was recorded by the Sealaska Heritage Institute during their fall lecture series. During her talk, she addresses the many harmful tactics of colonialism and ponders what Native America would be like now if colonialism had not happened. ...

Executive Director Stephanie Witkowski and Board Chair Dr. Bill Rivers from 7000 Languages join X̱ʼunei to talk about technology and language learning, and how a commitment to bringing technology to language learning communities can help language movements. They talk about the history of the organization, current projects, the benefits and limitations of technology in language learning, and how to protect data sovereignty. Check ou...

Shiggoap Alfie Price and Barbara Belk from the Juneau Smʼalgya̱x Language Learners join to talk about how they started a grassroots learning group when they were far from home and did not have birth speakers around them. They talk about who they are, about their language, and how they got started and maintained a group of teachers and learners that are led by the language and respect. They also give advice on how people can get sta...

Travel back in time with the Tongue Unbroken! In episode 8 we listen to a panel presentation made at the University of Alaska Southeast, virtually, for Indigenous Peoplesʼ Day 2021. The panel is made up of powerhouses in Native American language revitalization, including Larry Kimura, Leslie Harper, Miqueʼl Dangeli, Joel Isaak, and Roy Mitchell.

Follow Tongue unbroken on social media at https://twitter.com/tongueunbroken, https://...

Fellow University of Alaska Southeast Professor Éedaa Heather Burge drops by to talk about teaching and learning Indigenous languages, and how to decolonize colonial institutions. She also shares her thoughts on staying afloat while working, teaching, learning, and finishing a PhD program at the same time. X̱ʼunei and Éedaa also talk about what to do with outdated racist texts and the sneaky way they still appear in publications, a...

Tribal member Karelle Hall and linguist Keith Cunningham join to talk about their work with the Nanticoke Tribe in Millsboro, Delaware to revitalize their language, which had not been spoken since 1859. They talk about the work it takes to bring a language back, and the ways that collaboration and belief in overcoming genocide can help move back towards language use and strength. They also share ideas on what folks can do when they...

Teachers from the Haa Yoo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi (Our Language Nest) join X̱ʼunei to talk about running a language nest. Daaljíni Mary Cruise, Kaasteen Jill Meserve, Neelaatughaa Anna Clock, Naak Emily Sheakley, And Shkayltín Claire Helgeson talk about thei work in the language nest, how the nest was started, what it takes to start one, dealing with the loss of speakers, and sharing funny stories about working with children. Haa Yoo X̱ʼatá...

Lakota language teacher, learner, and activist Ray Taken Alive joins X̱ʼunei to talk about activities in the Lakota language movement, approaches to language teaching and learning, and data sovereignty. They share thoughts on incorporating language teaching methodologies, facilitating growth in safe environments, and dealing with encounters in coloniality when it comes to language data and power. Follow Ray Taken Alive on TikTok an...

Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner, Comanche Nation’s Director of Language Planning and Development, talks about her role in the creation of the film Prey, about the film itself, and about Comanche language activities. Joey Clift, writer, performer, and enrolled Cowlitz Indian Tribal Member currently living in Los Angeles, talks about the film, Native Americans in film, current and future projects, and Indigenizing Hollywood! Learn more...

Dr. Sol Neely joins X̱ʼ unei for a conversation on decoloniality and life
journeys towards language revitalization. Sol and X̱ʼ unei talk about the
Cherokee language and the complexities of identity and language in
colonial contexts, and then talk about blood quantum and ways that the
English language currently contributes to Indigenous erasure and
colonial violence. They wrap up the conversation with a dialogue on

In the inaugural episode, X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell introduces the podcast and goes over what future episodes will be like. He also explains some pivotal concepts in language revitalization and decolonization in North America. The episode also introduces the Lingít language and culture, while also sharing key moments in the language journey that led X̱ʼunei to developing this podcast. In concludes with an interview with his three chi...