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Language & Culture

Koht’aen ke’ dozolts’ii – Living our Native Traditions

9255 N Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645
Phone: (907) 745-0722 Fax: (907) 745-0709

Language & Culture Director
Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart

Vision Statement
Ahtna Dene communities thriving with Ahtna language and culture.

Mission Statement
Revitalize and promote the Ahtna language and culture in our everyday lives.

Introductions
State of Language from Ahtna perspective, Elder's acknowledgment, use of this information disclaimer.

Ahtna Language Links

Ahtna Ahtna Facebook
Ahtna Ahtna Instagram
Ahtna Ahtna Sound Cloud
Ahtna Ahtna YouTube
Ahtna Inc - Ahtna History
Alaska Leadership Group
Alaska Native Language Center - Ahtna Language Resource List
Cheesh’na Ahtna Language Lessons
UAF - Alaska Native Knowledge Network

Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Ahtna Language OECs

University of Alaska, Anchorage UAA

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Ahtna Language prepares students for learning knowledge, resources, and skills appropriate for a variety of entry-level jobs that use Ahtna Dene language. Students who earn this OEC will be able to certify a level of low intermediate speech ability according to the guidelines of the Ahtna Dene Proficiency Guidelines scale through completion of an oral proficiency assessment. The style of Ahtna taught in this program is in Western and Central dialects.

 

Ahtna Kenaege’ Language Resources Available:

Traditional Physical Response (TPR) Curriculum Third Edition

E-text Downloadable Book

This Ahtna language curriculum was developed for the Ya Ne Dah Ah School, as there was no existing Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) curriculum available for educational purposes.

This curriculum is based on the seasonal activities of the Ahtna koht’aene’ (people) and structured to incorporate experiential learning activities in a school setting. We have included the Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) values and calendar months for students to learn about each important value reflected throughout the months of the year and included in a daily calendar lesson. The 1st and 2nd chapters of the curriculum are critical for setting the stage for future language learning. The chapters offer a scripted dialogue so teachers and students can remain in the Ahtna language throughout the class and consistently learn to respond to, and repeat, the language throughout the school year; thereby establishing important language learning habits.

Each lesson includes a daily plan offering a different subject every two weeks. This plan is carefully structured so that cultural seasonal activities can overlap and be incorporated as learning opportunities arise, and yet still have enough time to fully complete all lessons.

The Ahtna Language Proficiency Guidelines created for use with this curriculum are an assessment tool for evaluating each level of an Ahtna language learner. An assessment may be administered to students throughout the year so that students understand where they are at in their individual Ahtna language learning process.

This listing is for an instant downloadable Traditional Physical Response (TPR) Curriculum Third Edition, color version, with 312 pages of lesson plans, activities, songs, and assessments!

When you purchase this listing, you will download an ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR'S WORTH of Ahtna language activities that focus on a school setting.

Also available for download is the Mp3 audio of the entire TPR 3rd edition curriculum.

* Instant Download Traditional Physical Response (TPR) Curriculum Third Edition

$60.00

Each PDF file is 8.5x11 inches, printable on regular size paper

* Instant Download MP3 files of Traditional Physical Response (TPR) Curriculum Third Edition.  $100.00

* Hardcopy Traditional Physical Response (TPR) Curriculum Third Edition

$250.00

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MORE PRODUCTS

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Keep checking out our website for more Ahtna curriculum.

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RETURNS

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Orders are final, non-returnable and non-refundable. Please take the time to review your selection before purchasing. If your order does not meet your expectations, please contact me and I will do my best to make it right.

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TERMS OF USE

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All images and content are Copyright of Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. All contents are for educational purposes only and cannot be resold or redistributed. If you are a Chickaloon Village Tribal Citizens or a member of one of the Copper River villages inquire about discounts offered.  Lots of hard work and love went into this curriculum Tsin’aen thank you for respecting our terms.

Instant Download

Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. Here's how.

Payments are through Paypal @chickaloonvillage.  Email your purchase and you will receive a confirmation and downloadable PDF version.

For purchase or questions regarding your purchase please contact:

Kari Shaginoff:  klshaginoff@chickaloon-nsn.gov

Or

Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart: slshaginoffstuart@chickaloon-nsn.gov

Elders Acknowledgments

Katherine “Katie” (Wickersham) Wade 

Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax (Chickaloon Village)

Clan Grandmother, Katie (Wickersham) Wade, was born in 1922 in Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax. She dedicated her life to the preservation of Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) language, values, and cultural lifeways. She was an eloquent storyteller, historian, teacher and respected Ahtna Elder. She was also a businesswoman who owned and operated the Moose Creek Drive Inn, then later donated the building to Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CVTC). The building became the heart of the village as a cultural center, Tribal administration office, school, meeting and gathering place.

In 1992, Katie founded the Ya Ne Dah Ah School, the first Tribally owned and operated school in Alaska. She had previously worked closely with the Palmer Correctional Center Native Program teaching Alaska Native inmates about Ahtna culture, stories, and her language. Teaching the culture, stories and language to the adults was not making a significant difference in their recidivism. Katie decided to begin working closely with the children of Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax. She understood that teaching them about the culture and language was also teaching them about self-esteem, values, cultural life ways, and language; the things that could be instilled and impact them lifelong.

As the founder of the Ya Ne Dah Ah School, Katie demonstrated the true meaning of self-determination and sovereignty by taking control of Tribal education and redefining learning by making Ahtna cultural life ways, language, and values a priority in education.

In 1999, Katie and Daniel Harrison, a former Ya Ne Dah Ah School graduate, recorded the first written Chickaloon Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) language lessons. They recorded and documented 480 Ahtna phrases previously documented by Dr. James Kari based on the seasons. These lessons were taught at the Ya Ne Dah Ah School and are still utilized by Ahtna language learners today. The Total Physical Response (TPR) curriculum is one of a collection of Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) language curriculum tools developed by CVTC for future generations and still utilized in the Ya Ne Dah Ah School today.

Katie will always be remembered as an honored Elder of the community and official Clan Grandmother of Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and all her relations. She was a visionary and continues to be recognized by many for her strong-minded determination, a source of strength for Chickaloon Tribal citizens today.

Markle Pete

Tezdlen Kayax (Tazlina Village)

Markle Pete was born in 1928 in Kluti-Kah Kayax (Copper Center Village, Alaska). He lived a traditional lifestyle, often traveling with his dad on the traplines and going hunting and fishing in the traditional ways.

From 2003-2014, Markle traveled from Tezdlen Kayax to the Ya Ne Dah Ah School and would stay a week at a time teaching the students and teachers Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) language, culture, traditions, and ancient stories.

“Markle had such a good sense of humor and he taught us to have fun with learning.” ~ Kari Shaginoff

Markle’s approach to learning and use of humor helped us want to engage in learning the language. Markle passed away in 2018 and he is missed by all. Many people in the community respected his knowledge. He would talk with the Ya Ne Dah Ah School students and teachers telling stories and valuable life lessons that will not be forgotten. Markle had the knowledge of several different Ahtna dialects and would teach us about their differences.

We wish we had more time with Markle because of the vast knowledge, skills, and life experiences he possessed. Many blessings to Markle’s family for the loss of a great man. The appreciation and gratitude for his presence at the Ya Ne Dah Ah School will live on through our TPR curriculum.

“It will take you 100 years to catch up with me, but you can do it.” ~Markle Pete

Jeanie Maxim

C’ulc’e Na’ Kayax (Gulkana Village)

Jeanie Maxim was born in 1941 in C’ulc’e Na’ Kayax (Gulkana Village, Alaska). Her first language was the central dialect of Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’). She grew up living a traditional lifestyle, learning and living the ways of our ancestors.

Jeanie worked as a language teacher for Copper River Valley School teaching the Ahtna Athabascan (Dene’) language, culture, traditions, and ancient stories. In 2006, Jeanie began working with the Ya Ne Dah Ah School, and inspired our school to continue learning and teaching the Ahtna language. She was proficient and fluent in Ahtna with the ability to teach younger, first English speakers the language with patience and wisdom.

In her younger years, Jeanie used to translate Bible verses and hymns into Ahtna for KCAM Radio in Glennallen. She taught the Ahtna language and helped develop lessons for many years. We were honored to have Jeanie teach us the Ahtna language so this curriculum can be part of the Ya Ne Dah Ah School for years to come.

“I am glad to help with the school and enjoy teaching the language because it helps me remember things again. I really enjoy working with the people and the children at Ya Ne Dah Ah School.” ~ Jeanie Maxim

Chickaloon Village Traditional Council