Doyon Languages Education Project

The Doyon Foundation, an Alaska Native tribal organization whose mission is to provide educational, career, and cultural opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Doyon shareholders, received a three-year grant from the Alaska Native Education Program to implement Doyon Languages Education. Through Doyon Languages Education, Alaska Native language speakers who want to improve their language teaching skills will participate in lesson study, a collaborative, inquiry-based approach to improving teaching and student learning. Participating teachers will benefit from opportunities for peer feedback, shared expertise, and mutual support. Participating teachers will also learn to integrate the Doyon Languages Online curriculum into their instruction. The Doyon Languages Online curriculum provides introductory courses for nine of the 10 endangered Doyon region languages:  Holikachuk, Denaakk’e (Koyukon), Benhti Kokhut’ana Kenaga’ (Lower Tanana), Hän, Dinjii  Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in), Deg Xinag, Dinak’i (Upper Kuskokwim), Dihthâad Xt’een Iin  Aanděeg’ (Tanacross), and Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana). The curriculum was developed through a partnership between Doyon Foundation and 7000 Languages, a nonprofit that supports endangered language learning through software donated by Transparent Language.