Wolastoqey Language App
Development and New Books
After years of dreaming and planning to create the first land-based, language immersion school, the Kehkhimin Wolastoqey Language Immersion School recently opened, marking a major achievement in the Wolastoqiyik’s mission to reinvigorate their language. Many fluent Wolastoqiyik speakers are 65+ which leaves a very short window to revitalize the language for future generations.
Central to the school’s mission is giving children access to authentic picture books, apps, and other learning materials. In November TLC partnered with TLC to release a vocabulary builder app in the works for months containing hundreds of words, audio, and visuals, such as games like crosswords and matching to help enrich immersion-based learning. They feature teaching materials and picture books, including four science-themed books that help children give voice to natural elements like the water cycle, habitats, the sky, and animals. Two books unique to Wolastoqey are part of the collection too, and will be published in spring 2023.
Lisa Perley-Dutcher, Director of the Kehkimin Wolastoqey School, says that TLC provided foundational support to the school by helping to secure funding for the development of resources – all in the Wolastoqey Language.
The word Kehkimin means “teach me.”
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