Mentor-Apprentice
One of the first modern Mentor-Apprentice Programs (also known as Master-Apprentice) was started in California through the Native California Network, in 1993. These programs are especially useful when speakers of a language are elderly, and so can concentrate on transmitting their knowledge to a highly motivated learner who is dedicated to learning and teaching this language.
Doyon Foundation MAP
10 Indigenous languages
The Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) model was first suggested in 1993 by Karuk speaker Julian Lang and brought to life by linguist Dr. Leanne Hinton. Since 2021, Doyon Foundation has adapted this model to reflect the Doyon region languages’ unique features, cultural significance, and levels of endangerment. The goal of this immersion-style program is for apprentices to build confidence and connection with their native language while inspiring a new generation of speakers. The MAP model echoes traditional methods of teaching and learning that bind communities together and strengthen indigenous identity. Doyon Foundation has a MAP program that has produced 2 cohorts of 30 mentor-apprentice teams.
UAF Apprenticeship
Any Alaska Native language
ANL F401 & ANL 5402 Alaska Native Language Apprenticeship
Structured study of an Alaska Native Language. Select and work intensively with a mentor (a native speaker of the language selected). Choice of mentor requires faculty approval. Meet regularly with mentor (minimum 10 hours per week) and participate in regular training sessions to work toward fluency.
Suarwik Alutiiq Master-Apprentice Program
Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) language
Suarwik's one long-term goal is to create what she calls an immersion house — a live-in setting where apprentices and masters would study and speak Alutiiq all day long.
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“The end goal is for Alutiiq to be a language that is used in Safeway,” Branson said. “Used at the coffee shop, used between mother and daughter and grandchild. And we have to start with teaching adults who can teach their families and teach other kids and teach other parents. We have to get some people fluent.”
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The objective for the three-year program is to produce five speakers who will be fluent enough to teach the language in school.
Additional Resources
How to Keep Your Language Alive by Leanne Hinton, Matt Vera, and Nancy Steele
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BC Master-Apprentice Handbook by First People's Cultural Council
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Sealaska Heritage Mentor-Apprentice Handbook
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