Lushootseed Language Conference May 1st at Seattle University
Apr 13, 2010
The inaugural Lushootseed Language Conference will be held on Saturday May 1, 2010 at Seattle University. The purpose of this conference is to bring Lushootseed tribal language programs from throughout the Puget Sound region together to share teaching resources, and to explore strategies for stabilizing the language and fostering fluent speakers in future generations. The event will also honor the work of Vi Hilbert, Upper Skagit tribal member and Thom Hess, Ph.D., in preserving the Lushootseed language. In the spirit of Vi Hilbert's philosophy, the theme for the conference is "Sharing Language and Cultural Resources."
Lushootseed, also known as Puget Salish, is the Native American language spoken in much of the Puget Sound region. It is a member of the Salishan language family. Many tribal communities are working hard to preserve and stabilize the Lushootseed language, through programs that develop language instructors to teach youth and adults in their own communities, create instructional materials, and provide archives for research. For more conference and registration information, visit the website or contact Jill K. La Pointe, Lushootseed Research Director, at (360) 770-3993 or jill@lushootseed.org. 
