Project TALK (Technology-Assisted Language Keepers)
The goal for Project TALK (Technology-Assisted Language Keepers) is to increase technology-based resources and to create more opportunities for urban American Indian community members to learn their Native language(s). Objective 1: By the end of 24 months, continue to offer online introductory and intermediate language instruction classes in Ojibwe and Dakota, reaching 1,500 community members, mostly adults, with 67% reporting their level of fluency/understanding of their Indigenous language increased. Objective 2: By the end of 24 months, develop/adapt and pilot Ojibwe and Dakota introductory curricula to Native youth ages 12 to 19, reaching 100 youth, with 50% reporting their fluency/understanding to their Indigenous language had increased a great deal or a fair amount. Objective 3: By the end of 24 months, involve Native youth language students in developing digital pieces of work that promote Native language learning and culture to others, including videos, music/voice recordings, graphic novels, and other products that will reach 1,000 others through events and online platforms, of whom 50% will report they are interested in learning their language or more about their culture.
If the project is successful, the following outputs and outcomes will be achieved by the end of the 24 month project period: 1) 1,500 Native adults will have had an opportunity to participate in online Ojibwe or Dakota introductory and/or Intermediate classes, and of these, 67% will report their level of fluency/understanding of their Indigenous language had increased a great deal or a fair amount. 2) An adapted set of Ojibwe and Dakota introductory curricula will have been adapted for youth, and piloted 3) 100 Native youth ages 12 to 19 will have participated in Ojibwe or Dakota introductory classes, and 50% will report their fluency/understanding of their Indigenous language had increased a great deal or a fair amount. 4) 1,000 Native community members, mostly youth, will attend events, and/or view digital media pieces developed by Native youth promoting learning Native languages and learning about Native culture. Of those reached, half will report they are interested in learning their language or more about their culture.