Outdoor log cabin exhibit at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

Language Journeys: Tristan Madros on Denakke’ and Holikachuk

In the first episode of “Language Journeys,” a series brought to the Morris Thompson Center through a collaboration with Doyon Foundation, Tristan Madros shared some of the memories and experiences that have shaped his language learning journey with Alaska Native languages Denaakke’ and Holikachuk, and how learning his heritage language has helped him to connect more deeply with his culture and with Elders. Growing up in his hometowns of Nulato and Kaltag, he had Elders who spoke Denaakke’ and Holikachuk, and to connect with them learning the languages was important. Tristan says that the feeling of having one’s own language is almost indescribably fulfilling! At the end of the discussion, Tristan shared a song that conveys the importance of learning and continuing to speak Alaska Native languages.

This event was the premiere episode of Doyon Foundation’s new series at the Morris Thompson Center, “Language Journeys.” There will be a new episode on the last Friday of every month at 12pm AKST. The programs will take place as live streams or premiere airings on the Morris Thompson Center website. Please continue to join the Morris Thompson Center and Doyon Foundation as they bring in Alaska Native language learners from across the Interior to share their journeys learning their languages. Please visit https://www.morristhompson center.org/live/ to view upcoming and past programs and to sign up for updates about future cultural programs