Tlingit elders gather for a class photo the final day of week-long Tlingit Language Immersion at Mt. Edgecombe High School. (Sarah Gibson/KCAW photo)

A week-long Tlingit immersion project wrapped up earlier this month in Sitka (08-07-15). About 60 attendees ranging in age from 5 to 50 packed Mt. Edgecumbe High School’s Heritage Hall to learn and play in Tlingit. One activity was a Tlingit spelling bee. KCAW’s Sarah Gibson met the program organizer, Heather Powell, and sent this audio postcard.

Downloadable audio.

This audio postcard was created by Sitka Fellow Sarah Gibson. The Tlingit language immersion workshop was hosted by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute.

Heather Powell, Director of the Language and Education Department with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, teams up with six-year old daughter Sophie during Tlingit spelling bee. (Sarah Gibson/KCAW photo)

Two of the 60 language learners at Tlingit Language Immersion participate in Friday’s spelling bee. (Sarah Gibson/KCAW photo)

Tune in on Monday mornings after the Writer’s Almanac to hear local residents sharing their art, work, and traditions with KCAW listeners. You can also hear the latest episodes right here!

Episode 1: Mark Sixbey

Mark Sixbey is a Tsimshian woodcarver who grew up in Metlakatla and now works and teaches in Sitka. Mark discusses his take on tradition and the influence of regional Tlingit style and various mentors on his artwork.

Short Version

Downloadable audio.

Full version

Downloadable audio.

Artist Mark Sixbey (Photo by Liz Zacher)

Carvings by artist, Mark Sixbey (Sarah Gibson/KCAW photo)

Episode 2: Hank Moore

Musician Hank Moore. (Photo from Moore’s Facebook profile)

Hank Moore is a musician, teacher, and cab driver who has lived in Sitka since 1999. Hank talks about what makes a good teacher and a teachable student at any age.

Sitka Spotlights is a series that features local residents sharing their art, work, and traditions with KCAW listeners. Thanks to the Island Institute and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp for making this series possible through the Sitka Fellows Program.

Downloadable audio.

Episode 3: Heather Powell

Heather Powell inherited her grandmother’s dream of reviving Tlingit language in Sitka. Here, she poses with her three daughters, all Tlingit language speakers.

Heather Powell is the director of the Language and Education Department with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Heather talks about her love for the Tlingit language and her role in its revitalization.

Episode 4: Mike Nurco

Mike Nurco is a shipwright who has been living and working on wooden boats since he was eighteen. Mike discusses the beauties and challenges of his craft and its possible death as fishermen switch to newer boats.