Q: Let’s start with introducing yourself!
A: My name is Maria, an 18-year-old Events and PR intern at The Language Conservancy (TLC) and a member of the Mvskogee Creek Tribe Nation. As an active member of my tribal youth council who is passionate about community involvement, I have been fortunate to contribute to language revitalization projects during my time at the organization.
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Q: Can you share your experience as an intern at TLC and what you have learned during your internship?
A: At TLC, I have had the privilege of supporting various initiatives. One project involved assisting the Crow Language Consortium with Crow Summer Institute. Another involved improving the Muskogee app by refining vocabulary and enhancing pronunciation accuracy. Exploring the app’s back end, I discovered the intricacies of dialects and the importance of organization in language revitalization efforts.
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Q: How do you envision utilizing the skills you have gained in your future endeavors?
A: The knowledge and experiences I have gained at TLC have motivated me to give back to my community. I plan to implement the techniques and vocabulary-building methods I learned here to create a language-learning app tailored to different community members. By encouraging individuals to embrace their Native language, even in small ways, we can contribute to significant changes within our communities.
I have also acquired skills that I can utilize in assisting my local youth council, particularly in its early stages. The language aspect is crucial, as our youth council represents the Muskogee Osage, Cherokee Creek, Seminole, Choctaw, and Osage tribes. By integrating diverse languages, we strive to create a rich and inclusive environment.
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Q: What advice would you give to Native youths?
A: Remember that even small contributions can lead to significant transformations. My grandmother once told me that building connections within your community, both inside and outside, can pave the way for change. Embrace every opportunity, even if it feels intimidating, as your efforts can make a profound impact on revitalizing language and preserving cultural heritage.
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Q: Thank you for your time and the work that you have done, Maria. Care to wrap up this experience in a few words?
A: My internship at The Language Conservancy has been a remarkable journey, allowing me to combine my passion for community involvement with language revitalization efforts. I am grateful for the skills and experiences I have gained, which will undoubtedly benefit my future work in marketing, events, and language preservation. With determination and the support of our communities, we can empower others and create lasting change for the better.