By Sharon Resnick
For Marsha Hotch, it started as a question while listening to the radio
on long drives north of her Klukwan home.
If Yukoners can hear Native language on the public airwaves, why
can’t Alaskans?
Since she asked herself that question several years ago, Hotch has
recorded 52 episodes of "Tlingit Time," a program that teaches Tlingit words and
phrases. The five-minute program airs three times weekly on KHNS.
Come Oct. 26, Hotch’s efforts to keep the Tlingit language alive
will receive a Distinguished Service to Humanities award by the Alaska Humanities Forum at
a dinner celebration in Fairbanks.
Resident Dan Henry, executive producer of "Tlingit Time,"
nominated Hotch, director and instructor for Chilkat Indian Village’s Tlingit
Language and Culture Project, for the award. His nomination letter was full of reasons why
she deserved such recognition.
"Because of Marsha, Klukwan elders gather for weekly meetings to
discuss with residents Tlingit law, protocol, ceremonies, and other aspects of traditional
life," Henry wrote.
"Because of Marsha, every youngster in Klukwan School receives
daily instruction in Tlingit language. Because of Marsha, non-Native residents of the
Chilkat Valley receive language and cultural instruction through free classes, newspaper,
and radio.
"Because of Marsha, streams of tourists, as well as regional and
national audiences, are exposed to Tlingit language. Because of Marsha, dying traditions
are experiencing a dramatic revival."
Hotch grew up in a Tlingit-speaking home. The fact that her first
language is "on the verge of extinction" with fewer than 200 fluent speakers
means there is little time to save it.
"It is either going to go on or stop with this generation,"
Hotch said.
"In Klukwan, the people have made a decision to do what they can
to keep that language going forth into the next generations. They have made it a priority
for the past six years of retaining the Tlingit language. I am fortunate to be able to do
this work here in my own community. I know this is what I am going to do – Lord
willing – till the day there is no breath in this body."
Hotch tried to design "Tlingit Time" in a way that would
allow its audience to understand how different Tlingit, an "original language,"
is from the "new-world language" of English.
But the way English is now engulfing so many of the other languages in
the world reminds her what it was like when the Tlingits developed a "trade
language" during their long-distance travels for goods.
"English is now the main language that is used for world marketing
in this century," Hotch said. "Languages die because of a more dominant language
group around them. But I believe that it does not have to happen in America because some
of the Native American history and languages are a part of the very core fabric of the
U.S. They can still be nourished and cared for by the people who will step up and show
that they care by supporting and learning the language around them."
Joanne Elsie Spud, who is the Tlingit Language and Culture assistant
and teaches with Hotch at the Klukwan School, is a regular guest on "Tlingit
Time." She not only gives listeners a chance to hear Tlingit words and phrases in
voice besides Hotch’s, but she’ll also be there to continue the teaching.
"A program can’t be run by one person only," Hotch said.
"We always have to think about how to empower other people. It’s their inherent
right to learn their language."
The Master Apprentice Program is one of the other ways that Klukwan is
working toward keeping its language alive. Joe Hotch, Smith Katzeek and Evelyn Hotch are
the main mentors, with Margaret Stevens, Ed Warren and Sally Burratin also offering their
Tlingit speaking as models for people interested in learning the language.
Apprentices Christopher Hotch, David Strong Jr. and Katrina Hotch help
Marsha Hotch and Spud in the classroom during daily language instruction. But the mentors
offer something to the apprentices that can’t be offered in a classroom.
"If a person comes into my class, I can’t cater to that one
person," Hotch said. "But the mentors offer a more laid-back style of learning
and establish a Tlingit environment."
Because it takes time to learn a language, the apprentices are given a
stipend to help with living expenses. Otherwise, the fear is that they would be so busy
working to earn a living that they wouldn’t have the time needed to learn another
language.
The Tlingit Language and Culture Project for the Chilkat Indian Village
is funded by U.S. Dept. of Education.
Hotch wants to show other people that a grassroots effort can work. But
she knows it has to come from the community and beyond, not just one person.
"Children will treasure what they see around them," she said.
"Tlingit Time" is aired Thursdays at 8:45 a.m., Saturdays at
10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. on KHNS. Native Voice One, the producer of National
Native News has also expressed interest in distributing the program to other stations.
