AA AH NAK

Abstract

In this article, Aa Ah Nak, the authors’ methodology presents not only various reflections but also diverse contradictions about the Aa Nii language as well as language revitalization. This article explores language foundation and how the Aa Nii language revitalization is inextricably linked to the genocide and resulting historic trauma pervasive in today’s Aa Nii communities. This article provides salient examples of clashing worldviews around these revitalization efforts and offers solutions on how to walk through language genocide and to empower Aa Nii people.

Public Interest Statement

This article highlights the strong connection between language and culture for the Aa Nii (colonized name Gros Ventre) tribal members of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in north central Montana. The historic trauma experienced by Aa Nii tribal citizens and the language loss that resulted indicates, from a tribal perspective, the necessity for language revitalization. Reflections from this paper derive from personal experiences and clashing worldviews which are embedded in how the Western worldview differs from the Aa Nii Indigenous worldview.  For the Aa Nii, part of the Algonquian language family, language not only serves as the spiritual foundation for Indigenous ceremony, but also serves as the cornerstone for Aa Nii worldview.

Notes

1. Flannery, Regina (1953/1975, p. 1x).

2. He used this term to refer to the Catholic priests, BIA Agents, any authority that was in a position to suppress us Aa Nii people.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Na Gya Tha (Lenore A. Stiffarm, Ed. D.)

Lenore A. Stiffarm, Na Gya Tha, is an enrolled Aa Nii (White Clay) from the Fort Belknap Reservation, Montana, with Nakoda and Kainai ancestry. She writes using her ancestral names of Na Gya Tha, A Hock Nack Itha and Bo Dock ee. She received three degrees from Harvard University and is the first tribal citizen from Fort Belknap to receive a doctoral degree. Lenore is the sole proprietor of Dry Lake Associates and serves as an independent consultant. Her passion is language revitalization and preservation. Her research interests include historical and intergenerational healing and wellness and spirit writing. John Mark Stiffarm, Thay Wus, is an enrolled Aa Nii (Whte Clay) from Fort Belknap with Nakoda, Kainai, and Northern Cheyenne ancestry. He writes using his ancestral name of Thay Wus.  He has been teaching the Aa Nii language for the past 10 years and is a Class 7 certified language instructor.