Selkirk First Nation, Pelly Crossing (Northern Tutchone)

This project began December 2013 and ran for one year.  There was one master and two apprentices learning together 15-20 hours/ week. Apart from the classroom setting, they would go out on the land together setting snares and fishing at fish camp. They would also sew and bead together in the language. All participants had fun despite the challenges and report that they improved a great deal in the language. All are pursuing further education in the language. The panel and community is pleased with their progress.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Dawson City (Hän)

This project began December 2013 and ran for one year. They had one mentor and two adult apprentices learning the language 15 hours/ week. They greatly expanded their vocabulary; however, they did not have a language panel to record their progress and give feedback (they do not have enough fluent speakers for a panel). The challenge was that the apprentices had work responsibilities and felt that the program would be more effective if they had more time to focus just on speaking the language.

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Whitehorse, (Southern Tutchone)

This project began December 2013 and ran for one year.  There were two master speakers, and a few apprentices. The apprentices became very advanced, and the teaching plan had to be adjusted. Master and apprentices met daily from 10 am -1 pm. The masters performed daily assessments on students, and another fluent speaker was brought in for a panel. The participants felt more funding for field trips, more students, and more interest from community members would have enriched the program; however, they felt very optimistic toward the potential of this program.