UMD News Releases

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Center for Indigenous Knowledge Revitalization will host the Minnesota Indigenous Language Symposium III, May 17 and 18, in the Kirby Student Center Ballroom. The two-day event will feature presentations, movies and discussions, focusing on international language revitalization initiatives.

Symposium presentations will be offered by variety of professionals working with key language revitalization programs, immersion programs, and higher education programs. The main focus of the conference is to share information, and through networking, to build communication and support between and among various programs committed to language revitalization. Approximately 300 people are expected to attend the event.

Eni-gikendaasoyang program advisor Jennifer Niemi cites a quotation from the previous symposium, which states, "Native language loss and decline is rooted in a historic legacy which included the systematic suppression of language, cultural and spiritual practices. Today, Minnesota's Native languages are being spoken fluently by a declining number of our community elders. Immediate steps and innovative approaches are necessary so that the younger generations in Minnesota's Indigenous communities will come to use and enjoy their heritage language. The worldview of a people is rooted in language."

The public is cordially invited to attend the event. Advance registration is required.
For more information or to register see: http://www.d.umn.edu/~indianed/symposium.html

Artwork by Native vendors will be for sale to the public during the two days of symposium. The sale will be held in the Rafters room (3rd floor in the UMD Kirby Student Center).

The symposium is organized by the Gekinoo’imaagejig and Eni-gikendaasoyang programs at UMD with assistance from the Grotto Foundation.
http://www.grottofoundation.org/