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In Native languages, some of our favorite words and phrases pack much more meaning than any English translation can encompass. The Navajo word, “hózhó” refers to a way of life; balance, harmony and order. As the country marks Native American Heritage Month and 30 years of the Native American Languages Act, ensuring tribes’ use of their languages without any government interference, we’ll honor the importance of language and celebrate with some of the most notable words and phrases.
Guests:
Camille Madison (The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head – Aquinnah) – linguist and teacher for the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project
Dr. Melvatha Chee (Navajo) – assistant professor of linguistics at the University of New Mexico, director of the Navajo Language Program
Michael Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) – creator of Boozhoo Nana Boozhoo, writer and illustrator of a series of Ojibwe language children’s books
Patuk Glenn (Inupiaq from the Arctic Slope region) – executive director of the Arctic Slope Community Foundation
Break 1 music: My Cheii’s Wisdom (song) Talibah (artist) Navajo Songs For Children (album)
Break 2 music: Naawakinta (Thanks You My Fathers) (song) Clark Tenakhongva (artist) Öngtupqa (album)
