Can Our Ancestors Hear Us?

On this episode we tackle a huge topic: the importance and power of our Indigenous languages, and the work that's being done to revitalize and promote Native languages. It was too much to fit in with just one guest, so we collected stories from throughout Indian Country, talking to Thelma Whiskers from Southern Ute, Harry Oosahwee from Cherokee Nation, Henrietta Mann from Cheyenne Nation, Amber Heywood and Archie Cantrell from Puyallup, and Tia Averett Pocknett and Sola Santos from Mashpee Wampanoag. Every one of our nations and communities has suffered language loss due to colonial policies, but despite the statistics and very real threats to our languages, there are also so many incredible stories of hope and resurgence. We hope you'll feel inspired to use your language today and every day, even in small ways. Your ancestors will hear you.

UN Declaration of 2019 as "International Year of Indigenous Languages": https://en.iyil2019.org/

Thank you to  Siobhan (Vonnie) Brown, Sola Santos, Adeline & Wesley Greendeer, Eliana Ruzzo, and Jenn Weston from Mukayuhsak Weekuw and all of the other incredible folks we talked to whose voices didn't make it into the episode, you're amazing.

This episode we’re super thrilled to have music by Sicangu Lakota rapper and composer Frank Waln! 

We’re also as always grateful for all of the team that worked on this episode, editor Teo Shantz, PA Juanita Christine, Production by Brooke Swaney, and episode art by Ciara Sana. 

We’re also in the process of trying to find funding for season two. If you have any resources, grants, or funding that you think we should look into, please let us know! 

Remember to like, comment, share, and subscribe on iTunes!  We’re on instagram @amrpodcast, and our website is allmyrelationspodcast.com. GvGeyu! Love you! 

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Follow us on Instagram @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon.  Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com. Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now!  T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.