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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.
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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.
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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.
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It may be helpful to also consider establishing a network of resources available in your community that can further support when instances that 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.
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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.
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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.
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Note: in the Language Technology Program (LTP), if your only component is a Digitization project (DiGI) than 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.
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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.
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