NATCHITOCHES – What does it take to wake up a “sleeping” Indigenous language? How do Indigenous nations keep their cultures and environments thriving?  Elisabeth Pierite-Mora and Jean-Luc Pierite, both Tunica-Biloxi and Mississippi Choctaw, will speak about their work at Northwestern State University at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 Lucile Hendrick Room on the first floor of the Student Union. The talk is free and open to the public. This talk was originally scheduled for January but had to be rescheduled due to severe weather closures.

During the talk, the speakers will discuss their family and community’s work on language and cultural revitalization and how it impacts their individual work. Elisabeth Pierite-Mora will address stereotypes of Indigenous peoples and the challenges and successes of shifting an endangered language from extinct to awakening. Jean-Luc Pierite will speak on his experiences working with the urban Indian community in New England including legislative advocacy, environmental justice activism, and promoting access to technology.

“As president of the Native American Student Association at NSU, I’m excited to invite students, faculty, staff and the public to learn about Indigenous language revitalization, cultural preservation, and community activism,” said Clara Fisher, a Jena Band of Choctaw citizen. “Let’s embrace the opportunity to learn, engage and honor Indigenous voices and experiences together.”

Pierite-Mora and Pierite will share their collaborative work creating new Tunica-Biloxi content through their contribution to Mitoloji Latannyèr/Mythologies Louisianaises, a multimedia exhibit running now through the end of 2024 at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge.

“Canada’s National Indigenous Languages Day is March 31,” added Brittany Broussard, NSU Director of Campus Climate and Culture. “While we don’t have a special holiday for Indigenous Languages in the U.S., NSU celebrates the over 300 different Indigenous languages in the U.S. and has long supported language vitalization efforts through preserving language recordings and documentation for tribes’ use.”
The event is sponsored by the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity, American Indian & Indigenous Studies Minor (School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs) and the NSU Native American Student Association. Contact Dr. Rebecca Riall, riallr@nsula.edu, with any questions.