LANGUAGE PARTNERSHIPS
We help communities build sustainable language solutions
The Language Conservancy has, since 2005, created dozens of successful partnerships with language communities across the United States, Canada, and Australia. We highly value building relationships with Indigenous groups and our priority remains constructing a network of languages revitalized across the world.
Visit our TLC Canada, website to learn more about the latest projects happening there. We are currently taking a break from active projects with TLC Australia and Consorcio de Lenguas en Riesgo. Please check back for updates on future collaborations
CURRENT PARTNERS UNITED STATES
The Language Conservancy and our partner organization the Gwich’in Social & Cultural Institute of Alaska (GSCIA) partnered with the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments in northeastern Alaska in 2019. A Rapid Verb Collection in June 2019 gathered 2,303 verbs and brought the Alaskan Gwich’in community together under the common goal of language revitalization. An alphabet coloring book and one original picture book were released in 2023. The Alaskan Gwich’in Dictionary [Online] released in 2024 with 7,311 words, and 15,256 audio recordings are available in this first release. Also, in 2024 the Vocab Builder [iOS] [Android] was released with 330 land and home based words to begin expanding your Alaskan Gwich’in vocabulary through a series of seven interactive exercises.
A mobile and print student dictionary and more story books are being developed with the Beaver Village Council.
The Language Conservancy has been working with the Apache Language Consortium (ALC) since 2017 to develop learning and resource materials in the various dialects of the Arizona Apache Language. During the summers of 2019 and 2020 Arizona State University and San Carlos Apache College in partnership with ALC and TLC held Apache Summer Institutes. Speak Apache Level 1 (released in 2021) and Speak Apache Level 2 (released in 2023) textbooks were published with a Media Player app [iOS] [Android]. Additionally, several Apache language story books and a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] are available.
In 2021, TLC began partnering with ALC and the Yavapai Apache Nation to work on the Dilzhe’e Apache Dictionary [iOS] [Android]. A print dictionary will be published in the fall of 2024. Additionally, a number of new story books have been published in 2023 and more are currently under development.
TLC is partnering with the Cherokee Nation and Firethief Productions to dub 20 episodes of the widely popular TV series The Berenstain Bears into Cherokee. A very exciting project!
The Language Conservancy started a partnership with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in 2019. The development of materials to aid the revitalization of the sleeping Cowlitz language is now underway and has so far included a published the online Cowlitz Salish Dictionary from historical sources, a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android], various story books and a Level 1 textbook with an accompanying Media Player [iOS] [Android] and multitude of language learning events. Currently, an eLearning platform, more picture books, posters and YouTube videos are being developed.
The Language Conservancy has partnered with the Crow Language Consortium (CLC) which works with schools and organizations on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana to develop language revitalization solutions for the Crow (Apsáalooke) language. Language learning and resource materials that have been developed include the Crow Language Levels 1, 2, and 3 Textbooks and a wide range of story books several of which have companion YouTube videos narrated by Crow speakers. More innovative books are currently in development. All materials are available in the CLC Bookstore.
The CLC Crow Dictionary was first published in 2019 and is available Online, Mobile apps [iOS] [Android]. An 11,000 entry, 872 page print dictionary was published in 2022. CLC continues to develop additional components key to building a thriving language infrastructure such as an eLearning platform which will present conversational and grammatical language learning opportunities through interactive units.
TLC also assists CLC with the coordination of the Crow Summer Institute. This annual event provides teacher training and language learning opportunities.
The Language Conservancy started partnering with Dakhóta Iápi Okhódakičhiye (DIO) in 2014. That same year saw the release of the Santee Dakota Level 1 Textbook with Level 2 completed shortly thereafter. In 2021, the Dakhóta Keyboard for iOS was released. Additionally, a Dakota Mobile Dictionary called Dakhód Iápi Wičhóie Wówapiapp [iOS] [Android] was released in 2023. In-Person and virtual Dakota Summer Institutes have been held since 2020.
TLC and DIO are working to re-transcribe and analyze the Iapi Oaye Dakota newspapers in an effort to expand access to quality Dakota database. In the process a Dakota lemmatizer and other computational tools useful in Dakota/Lakota corpus work are being developed to expedite the effort. TLC is also developing a series of story books with corresponding YouTube videos with DIO.
Since January 2022, TLC and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe have been hosting a number of Rapid Word Collection events. In June 2022, a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] was released. The database has been used to develop the Eastern Shoshone Dictionary available online and mobile [iOS] [Android] which were released in fall of 2024.
The Language Conservancy partnered with the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin in 2019 for a Rapid Word Collection. This database has now been used to develop the Ho-Chunk Dictionary online and mobile [iOS] [Android] dictionaries. In 2024 Hoit’e Woiperes a free eLearning platform available online and mobile [iOS] [Android] was released and there is an ongoing effort to develop new lessons.
In 2023, TLC began working with the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians to develop a Kashia dictionary database and a Vocab Builder app.
Since 2022, TLC has been working with the Delaware Nation to develop a multitude of story books and YouTube videos as well as posters and flashcards to aid in curriculum development.
The Language Conservancy partnered with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma in 2013. That year the Maskoke Language Level 1 Textbook and Audio CD were released. Two years later, the Maskoke Level 2 Textbook and Audio CD followed. In 2024 the Vocab Builder mobile app [iOS] [Android] received a significant update. Currently, the existing Level 1 textbook is being thoroughly updated and revised. Additionally, a number of new story books have been published in 2023 and more are currently under development.
The Language Conservancy is partnering with the Northern Cheyenne Language Consortium founded in 2018 and Saint Labre Indian School in Montana. The effort to revitalize the language has seen the release of the Northern Cheyenne Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android], several story books with corresponding YouTube videos and Level 1 and 2 textbooks.
The Consortium is now working to produce additional story books and accompanying YouTube videos for the language.
The Language Conservancy partnered with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska in 2016. The first and 3rd annual Omaha-Ponca Summer Institute took place in 2017 at Nebraska Indian Community College. That year the Omaha-Ponca Level 1 Textbook, Audio CD, and the Omaha-Ponca Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] were released in 2019.
Additionally, a number of new story books have been published in 2023 and more are currently under development.
In 2023, TLC and the Quinault Indian Nation began working on a Quinault vocab builder app slated for publication in late summer 2024.
The Language Conservancy partnered with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in 2019 for a Rapid Word Collection providing the basis for a Ute Dictionary available online and mobile [iOS] [Android] published in 2021. An eLearning platform Nuuwayga was released in 2023.
Currently, TLC is working with the tribe on a 5-year project to develop 20 new story books as well as a three-year project to update and revise the existing online and mobile dictionaries as well as publish a student and full print dictionary by 2027.
TLC started work with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes in 2021. Since then, we have published a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] and four story books with accompanying YouTube videos.
Currently, a three-year project is underway to develop a Level 1 textbook and alphabet coloring book as well as hosting a number of language events.
In 2021 TLC started work with the Yavapai Apache Nation to host various Rapid Word collection and dictionary workshops. In 2023, TLC released the Wipukpa-Tolkapaya Yavapai Dictionary Online, and mobile dictionary app [iOS] [Android]. Additionally, a number of new story books with corresponding YouTube videos were also published in 2023 and more are currently under development.
A print dictionary will be published in the fall of 2024.
PREVIOUS PARTNERS UNITED STATES
In 2014 The Language Conservancy started a partnership with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota. 4 MHA Summer Institutes were held between 2014 and 2017. Additionally, digital learning and resource materials were developed, including an Arikara Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android], an Arikara Mobile Keyboard for Android, an Arikara Media Player app [iOS] [Android] the Arikara Level 1, and the Arikara Dictionary online, and mobile app [iOS] [Android] Print projects include a textbook and Alphabet Workbook and Coloring Book, and the children’s book Prairie Dog Goes to School.
The Language Conservancy is collaborating with the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California to develop an online dictionary and various picture books.
Between 2022 and 2023, TLC developed a Haida Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] working with the Craig Tribal Association in Alaska.
The Language Conservancy partnered in 2014 with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota. That year also saw the First MHA Summer Institute. The Hidatsa Levels 1, 2, and 3 Textbooks and Audio CDs soon followed, as well as a Hidatsa Alphabet Coloring Book and six Hidatsa children’s books, including Prairie Dog Goes to School, The Buffalo and the Boat, and The Fox Who Saw His Own Shadow. The Hidatsa Language Project also saw the release of a Hidatsa Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android], Hidatsa Mobile Keyboard, a Hidatsa Media Player app [iOS], and the Hidatsa Dictionary. The fourth MHA Summer Institute took place in 2017, followed by a one-week Hidatsa Language Workshop in 2018.
The Language Conservancy began working with the Lakota Language (Lakȟótiyapi) in 2005. For over a decade and a half, TLC collaborated with the Lakota Language Consortium to produce more than 100 titles for the Lakota Language. Our Native partners include the Oglala Sioux Tribe, The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. The first Lakota Summer Institute took place in 2007. Since then, it has not only grown to become an annual tradition, but since 2018 has moved to take place in two separate locations. Lakota Summer Institute South happens in South Dakota and Lakota Summer Institute North in North Dakota.
Visit Lakhota.org or the LLC Bookstore to browse all the materials!
The Language Conservancy partnered in 2014 with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota. The first MHA Summer Institute took place that year. The Mandan Mobile Keyboard for Android, Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] and Media Player for iOS soon followed, as did an Alphabet Coloring Book, Level 1 Textbook, a children’s book, and an online Dictionary. Four MHA Summer Institutes took place in between 2014 and 2017.
The Language Conservancy partnered with the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana in 2016 to produce a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android].
In 2023, working with Life’s Language Lodge and Fort Peck Community College to develop the Nakoda for iOS keyboard.
NEZ PERCE
In 2022, an original story book “I love you because you are…!” was developed with Hipéexnu’ in Nez Perce.
Between 2021 and 2022, TLC worked with the Nisqually Indian Tribe to develop various alphabet and story books as well as a keyboard for iOS.
The Language Conservancy officially partnered in 2018 with Wisconsin-based nonprofit Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia (GIM). Until 2022 TLC and GIM worked together to produce and distribute a number of new story books and accompanying YouTube videos.
The Language Conservancy began work with the Oneida Indian Nation in 2018 by holding a summit on the state of the Oneida language. A Level 1 Textbook, Media Player [iOS] [Android], and Desktop Keyboard for Mac and PC were published in 2021 and a Level 2 textbook in 2023.
Between 2022 and 2023, TLC developed a Tlingit Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] working with the Craig Tribal Association in Alaska.
Between 2022 and 2023, TLC developed a Tsimshian Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] working with the Craig Tribal Association in Alaska.
CURRENT PARTNERS TLC CANADA
In 2019, The Language Conservancy started to work with the Stoney Education Authority in Alberta. In 2019, the Stoney Nakoda Rapid Word Collection provided the basis for an online and mobile dictionary [iOS] [Android] published in 2021 alongside a Level 1 textbook and media player [iOS] [Android], a Vocab Builder App [iOS] [Android] and various story books. A Level 2 textbook supported by the Media Player, print student dictionary, as well as an exciting Stoney podcast series were published in 2023. In 2023 and 2024, a series of seven Professional Development Events were held.
Currently, Level 3 and 4 textbooks are in development alongside new podcast episodes. The Vocab Builder will also receive an update later in 2024.
In 2023, TLC Canada started working with the Community Fund of Radio Canada to develop five web-based vocab builders to accompany their “Words and Culture” radio program series. So far, three web based vocab builders have been published for the Cayuga, Southern Tutchone/Dakwanje and Nihithowin languages.
Currently, Inuktitut and Anishinaabemowin Vocab Builders are in development.
TAHLTAN
Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and TLC started working together in 2021. In early 2022 a Rapid Word Collection event was held. The resulting database will form the basis for an online and mobile dictionary and ABC coloring book.
The Language Conservancy began working in 2019 with the Oromocto First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada to revitalize the Wolastoqey language. In 2020, TLC released the Wolastoqey Media Player [iOS] [Android] as well as two story books. In 2023, an ABC coloring book, a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android], more story books were released. Currently, two language learning board games are in development as well as dubbing two episodes of the Berenstain Bears Cartoon series.
In 2021, TLC started work with the Kehkimin Immersion School to develop curriculum material for the new school including story books, a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] and Level 1 textbook. All were released in 2023.
Currently, we are working on securing funding for media player additions to all print publications.
In 2022, TLC Canada started working with the Madawaska Maliseet Nation to create 5 original story books. They are slated to release later in 2024.
PREVIOUS PARTNERS TLC CANADA
In 2023, TLC Canada and Gull Bay First Nation published an alphabet coloring book and two story books with accompanying YouTube videos.
The Language Conservancy partnered in 2018 with the Kainai First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta, Canada. That year, TLC developed a Level 1 poster series for elementary classrooms.
In 2020, TLC Canada published two beginner level story books, and accompanying Media Player app [iOS] [Android], for the Moose Cree First Nation which introduce learners to a wide range of elementary vocabulary and basic principles of grammar, such as prepositions and conjugation.
In 2021, TLC and Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps published the Plains Cree Froggy story book and accompanying YouTube Video.
DAKEHL CARRIER
In 2021, the Carrier Linguistic Society and TLC published eight story books and an ABC coloring book.
In 2021, TLC and the Esk’etemc Band published a Secwepemctsin Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android].
In 2022 The Frog Lake Nation and TLC published a Frog Lake Cree Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android].
In 2019 The Language Conservancy worked with the Tlowitsis Nation of British Columbia to develop a language database to be used for a dictionary.
PREVIOUS PARTNERS IN AUSTRALIA
In 2019, The Language Conservancy began working with the Northern Land Council and the Malak Malak Indigenous people of the Northern Territory of Australia on the Malak Malak language. In 2020, a Vocab Builder app [iOS] [Android] was released.
In 2020 The Language Conservancy began working with the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre to develop a Ngarluma Vocab Builder app [Android] which provides an important step in producing high-quality teaching materials in the Ngarluma language for use in schools and at home.
