An overview of the Wampanoag language’s place on the Land, with linguist and 2010 MacArthur fellow Jessie little doe Baird. This talk will also cover some of its history with respect to initial European contact and discuss language reclamation and the work that brings us to where we are today.

Jessie little doe Baird was the driving force behind the revival of the Wampanoag language spoken by the Mashpee Wapanoags on Martha's Vineyard. Before the revival efforts, the language had not been spoken natively for over 100 years and had been lost, with the exception of a few phrases passed down through generations. (Ms. Baird's daughter was the first child to learn the language natively in over a hundred years. She is now a junior in high school and is interested in attending Wellesley) The event will educate and inform the audience about language revival and how language is incorporated in the life of the tribe.

Please register in advance.