Doris Roberts – Yukon
Doris Roberts is an elder of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in from Dawson City. She has made it her life’s work to study, recover and teach her traditional Hän language. Upon returning to her family after residential school, Roberts worked hard to re-learn the language she had not been allowed to speak. She then began teaching others. Roberts also played a pivotal role in recovering Hän language and songs that had been entrusted to the Tanacross of Alaska. Her teaching now includes songs, stories and performances that had been missing for 100 years. The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in now perform these traditional songs at their gatherings. Because of Roberts’ efforts and dedication to the Hän language, community members are hopeful that Hän will once again be a strong and vibrant language, and a strong part of their culture.
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For more information:
| Carla Burns Director of Communications Support Communications Nova Scotia Government of Nova Scotia 902-424-2876 Cell: 902-483-9873 [email protected] |
Lindsay de Leeuw Project Manager Council of the Federation Secretariat 613-563-4066 Cell: 613-851-5978 [email protected] |