Level 1 – Foundational Learning (Elementary) | Tlingit Language Units | Inquiry-Based, Direct Instruction

“Drink from the Vessel of Traditional Knowledge.” Goldbelt Heritage Foundation/2012 Award # 90NL0460/02 from Administration for Native Americans “Tlingit Flowing Through Generations: A Region-Wide Approach to Language Revitalization” 1 DAA SÁ YÉI AYA.ÓO? WHAT IS S/HE WEARING? ABILITY LEVEL: BEGINNING-INTERMEDIATE Tlingit Cultural Significance As in the past, clothing is an important part of daily life among the Tlingit people. In many ways, the clothing defines the people and at the same time, the environment defines the clothing. Clothing helps to define the Tlingit people because we use articles of clothing to record our clan histories. Imbedded in the histories of clans are kinship connections, names, migration stories, ties and responsibility to the land (ownership), clan crests/symbols, and songs. The clothing that portrays these histories is often, but not limited to, button blankets, hats, and tunics. These items of clothing are often referred to as at.óow, meaning clan property, something that…