The purpose of the Haida Language grant is to support initiatives to revitalize and sustain the Haida language. Each year financial support is directed at the three Haida language organizations on island, Xaad Kíl Née, Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP), and the Haida Gwaii Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP), enabling them to pursue projects that will improve fluency, transfer knowledge from one generation to the next, and nurture mentorships.
Xaad Kíl Née has been running its language program since 2018. Last year, the organization expanded its Xaad Kil resources for the Gaw Tlagée Old Massett community and introduced remote learning, extending its reach into the United States.
With this $60,000 grant, along with a grant from the First Peoples Cultural Council, they were able to finance wages for two full-time staff, honoraria for three elder mentors, equipment, and four community sharing events.
SHIP also received a grant that supports instructor wages and elder honoraria. Their experience is integral to the core function of the program; facilitating elder’s knowledge, organizing class work, fulfilling proposal and reporting requirements, and hosting daily immersion classes.
Click here for more information on the Haida Language grant.
For information on any of our grants, visit gwaiitrust.com/grants.