| Table of Contents |
|---|
...
Introduction
...
Even if you are from the same community that you are consulting with, there is much to consider and there also may be a different dynamic with you now working on a language project. There may also be different dynamics between different families or other groups or organizations within the community. There is much to consider.
Language can highlight things within us, both positive and negative. It can inspire and reconnect people, but it can also be traumatizing for some due to the ongoing prejudice and barriers to using Indigenous languages and the legacy of residential schooling and day schooling. Discussions, decisions, and other unseen factors can be triggering for Elders and others with inherited trauma.
...
For example, using very technical jargon like ‘morphosyntax’ and ‘enclitic’ compared to ending might cause more confusion or make someone feel self-conscious if they do not know this specialized vocabulary. This self-consciousness might deter folks from participating or meaningfully engaging in discussions.
| Info |
|---|
If people are interested in these terms and learning more, consider holding a workshop or Q&A session and focus on demystifying linguistics and other words and themes. This type of action promotes an equitable exchange of knowledge or reciprocity. It also is a step in building capacity and lessens the chances for gatekeeping language knowledge. |
To better engage and bring more people in who are interested in the project, be responsive to what is received well in the community and adapt how you talk about your project and work to be more comprehensible and comforting. Consultation is not a business negotiation but a sharing of insights, concerns, and protocols.
Making language accessible is also a central aspect in Informed Consent, which is needed for working with language speakers. Information needs to be clear, so that people know what they are agreeing to or can decline engagement (with confidence).
More information on Informed Consent consent and your FirstVoices project can be found here.
...
However, boundaries are also important in your consultation. It is wise to not tread over the boundaries when consulting community and acknowledge them as appropriate for your own sake, too. In beginning your work as a team and consulting with community more frequently, consider forming an agreement for 'ways of working together' to ground and inform your practice. Beginning each community session with a prayer or other protocol also may help in this aspect to call people in and move forward together.
Language work can be a place where passion arises as well as differing opinions. In some cases, you might need to excuse yourself or to address these occurrences if they become frequent or not constructive in strengthening the group or project. If someone cannot be called in or there needs to be longer time to self-reflect on difficult conversations, then it is important to give others (and yourself) space to do that internal work.
| Info |
|---|
It may be helpful to |
...
also consider establishing a network of resources available in your community that can further support |
...
folks after instances that may surface lateral violence or reactive feelings. |
Some boundaries are established for you by the community, and some are ones that you need to make yourself. This will help you to not burnout and keep yourself grounded. For example, taking on too much work or too many responsibilities compared to your capacity can be a breach of a personal boundary.
...
You are also encouraged to engage in ongoing consultation, in a way that is appropriate for your project and your community. It is important to engage in open-invite community discussions when deciding to start a FirstVoices language site , or to follow an equivalent cultural protocol for community decision-making.
This can look like a feast, chief and council meeting, or less formal open-invite gathering. Some communities choose to produce a Band Council Resolution or other official or informal documentation of this meeting and the decisions that they come to. Another possible way to do this is by distributing an online survey.
...
FirstVoices has provided a simple survey template to reflect common questions heard by communities and suggest a structure for receiving online feedback.
Preparing a Community Sharing Event
At the end of your project (sometime in the spring to early summer) you are asked to hold a Community Sharing Event as part of your project.
| Info |
|---|
Note: in the Language Technology Program (LTP), if your only component is a Digitization project (DiGI) |
...
then a sharing event is not required through the application. However, we do encourage that you share your DiGI project in some way and the FPCC team can help brainstorm and support your planning and gathering. |
The intention of the community sharing event requirement is to ensure that your community is given the opportunity to learn about what you have accomplished and to celebrate your successes with you. This gives the community an opportunity to learn how to use FirstVoices and increases awareness of and interest in your project. If your project continues beyond this point, this event may be an opportunity for community members who are interested in contributing to step forward and become involved.
...
Consultation is a long-term process and may require planning. Working on your FirstVoices project, you should also feel free to reach out to the FPCC Language Coaches who assist communities with program planning through facilitating communication between groups, visioning, and capacity development.
They can help communities build up their language revitalization initiatives through strategic language planning and by providing access to FPCC tools and resources. The coaches also offer ongoing project support and guidance to all FPCC grant recipients.
As a result of COVID-19, the language coaches have adjusted their approach and can provide information about how to continue language revitalization work in a safe way during this time. FPCC coaches are available to connect virtually by phone, email, video chat, or other channels that work best for you.
...