November 09, 2012
Friday PM

I am Tsimshian, formerly from Metlakatla, Alaska and heard through my son, Timothy R. Booth that (Ketchikan Indian Community) Language Program Services is facing cut back.  On the KIC website, you have a quote: "When you lose a language, a large part of the culture goes, too, because much of that culture is encoded in the language."  Kenneth L. Hale, linguist and activist on behalf of endangered languages. I truly believe the more we keep up on our languages we Natives have a clearer view of the world around us.  My immediate family particularly by grandchildren has been part of the Cultural Programs and has made a marked impression upon who they are as Tsimshian.

Tsimshian people have been part of the Ketchikan Community for several years and are part of your people that you serve.  I encourage continuation of the language Program Services for over 25 years Tsimshian Language Instructor has been an active part of your Language Program Services.  I submit to you as former Tribal Council member of Metlakatla Indian Community that viable solutions can be found from your tribal members that you serve; perhaps they have some recommendations.  I encourage active participation with your tribal peoples see what solutions they have and perhaps in the interim volunteerism be implemented until funding sources are brought forth.

Respectfully,

Terrance H. Booth, Sr.
Ketchikan, AK

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