COVID-19 vaccine materials now available in Alaska Native languages
June 30, 2021
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Native Peoples Action Community Fund (NPACF), and the Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) recently partnered with eight Alaska Native language panels to create a variety of COVID-19 vaccination materials. The Alaska Native Language Panels convened virtually to create these culturally relevant messages that are now featured in video public service announcements (PSA), posters, stickers, tote bags, water bottles, pop sockets and more.
“Providing our people, particularly our Elders and first language speakers with COVID-19 vaccine information in their own language is crucial to equitable access,” said Rochelle Adams, Gwich’in, Indigenous Engagement Director NPACF. “By uplifting Indigenous languages, facts, encouragement, and science through Indigenous knowledge systems, the speakers hope to provide people with trustworthy information needed to make informed decisions.”
The panels were multi-generational, with language learners, Elders, teachers, and other language experts participating. Each panelist contributed their own unique talents–from orthography expertise and technology skills to artistic vision and traditional knowledge–all with the intent of translating important information to be communicated effectively and in a trustworthy manner with care for their communities.
A special thank you to each of the participants of the Alaska Native Language Panels for their time and participation.
All materials are available to order for your community at https://www.anthc.org/languagepanels
| KPIRG/NPACF Yugtun/Cugtun Language Panel | Al’aq Cheryl Charles Smith, Rosalie Lincoln, Catherine Moses, Dorie Wassilie, Marie Hoover, Veronica Kaganak, and Lorina Warren |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Language Panel | Mary Fields, Hishinlai’ Peter and Amaya Shaw |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Neets’aii Gwich’in Language Panel | Traditional Chief Dr. Rev. Trimble Gilbert and Kenneth Frank |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Inupiaqtun Language Panel | Richard Atuk, Georgianne Oonak Merrill, Annie Conger, Maggie Pollock, and Annauk Olin * The Inupiaqtun group created materials in both Brevig Mission and Shishmaref Inupiaqtun |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Ahtna Language Panel | Melissa Shaginoff and Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Lingít Language Panel | X̱’unei Twitchell and Aandax̱ltín Stephanie Tripp |
| AKPIRG/NPACF Denaakk’e Language Panel | Hʉkk’aaghneestaatlno Lorraine David, Velma Schafer, Alberta Vent, and Kk’ołeyo Dewey Hoffman |
