Fifth Annual
Dena'ina Language Institute

Dena'ina Qenaga Duch'deldih

2006 Dena'ina Language Institute Photo (click to enlarge)

May 14-25, 2007
Kenai Peninsula College

If you are interested in attending the Institute, please complete the application form [pdf] by May 1 (available soon)

about the Institute

This year will be the fourth annual Dena'ina Language Institute held at Kenai Peninsula College. Previous Institute's have drawn more than fifty language learners and speakers from across the Dena'ina region. The 2006 Institute will feature additional learning opportunities, including a renewed focus on immersion in the morning language classes and a modular structure for afternoon content classes. Please join us!

listen to pubic radio story about the 2004 Institute
(5.4 MB mp3 file)

Overview

The Dena'ina Language Institute is an intensive summer language program open to anyone interested in learning and sharing Dena'ina language. Students may participate for any amount of time but must attend at least one week of class in order to receive university credit. Between 2002 and 2006 the Institute was supported by a US Department of Education Title VII grant and is co-sponsored by the Alaska Native Language Center, Kenai Peninsula College, and the Interior Athabascan Tribal College. Courses offered apply to UAF degree programs in Native Language Education or Alaska Native Studies. Funding for the 2007 Institute is currently being sought by the project partners.

Students of all ages are welcome to come and learn more about the Dena'ina language.
Although child care is not available, children are welcome to attend classes if accompanied by an adult. Some activities will be available especially for children. If there is sufficient interest we will again try to offer a morning language class specifically for children. Please let us know if you are interested in this.
Elders are welcome and encouraged to participate and share their knowledge of Dena'ina language.

Financial Support

Dena'ina speakers wishing to participate in the Institute as mentors should contact the coordinators directly. Transportation, room and board can be provided for speakers.

In order to receive financial support students must pursue a university degree program related to Dena'ina language and must be sponsored by a school district or tribal organization. Sponsors agree to contribute $500 toward the cost of the Institute. There are no additional costs for sponsored students. Note that unlike previous years, sponsored students will not be eligible for tuition support throughout the 2006-2007 academic year, as this is the final year of US Dept of Education grant support.

Classes

Classes meet Monday through Friday at Kenai Peninsula College. Students registering for 3 credit classes must attend the entire Institute (May 14-25). Students registering for 1 credit classes must attend five consecutive days of class. See the UAF Catalog for more detailed course descriptions.

Morning class (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

The class schedule for 2007 is not yet available.

Afternoon Class 1 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

The class schedule for 2007 is not yet available.

Independent Study (hours to be arranged)

Independent studies can be arranged for motivated students. Contact the organizers for more information.

Housing

Housing is available for $480 per week, including 3 meals per day, at the Alaska Christian College adjoining the KPC campus. Housing costs are covered for Sponsored Students.

Contact Information

Those interested in attending the Dena'ina Language Institute should complete and return an application form by May 1. The form can be downloaded using the following link or can be faxed or mailed upon request.

applilcaiton form

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