CIA embarks on initiative to boost Tlingit language use

There are only three fluent Tlingit language speakers left in the Chilkat Valley — and the Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA) is working hard to develop more.

CIA in July secured a $900,000 federal grant for a three-year Tlingit language revitalization program that the tribe hopes will expand language use across the community by 20%. Tlingit is spoken across Southeast Alaska and in parts of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. According to Sealaska Heritage Institute, there…