(October 19, 2024) — We are excited to announce our 10th Annual All MeWuk (Miwok, Miwuk) Language Symposium to be held at the Black Oak Casino Conference Center, November 5-7, 2024. All Miwok communities, federally as well as non-federally recognized, are invited to attend. The Miwok covered large geographical areas in California from parts of the coast, the central valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Languages from these areas include Coast, Lake, Plains, Northern Sierra, Central Sierra and Southern Miwok dialects.
This year’s theme for the symposium will be “A Decade of Language Revitalization: Honoring Our Past, Envisioning Our Future”. This theme reflects the milestones of the 10th annual event and emphasizes the progress made in preserving the MeWuk language while looking ahead to future initiatives.
In 2023 our theme was teaching the basics and more of the Miwok language Liwati:ch Miw’ay “Speak our Language.” This conference allows everyone to share their knowledge, resources, and to network amongst all attendees. By implementing the language into our lives, we are keeping our culture alive. For instance, last year we gathered into groups and shared common words in the Miwok language. This allowed all participants to realize our commonality, which brings us all closer together. We gather into language groups with linguists to guide us and utilize the teachings of Catherine Callaghan, the author of Lake, Bodega, Plains Miwok and Northern Sierra Miwok Dictionaries.
We are reaching out to organizations in our community to request donations for the 10th annual Mewuk Language Symposium. This event is a significant gathering that celebrates the heritage and promotes the preservation of the Mewuk language. Your generous donation will help us cover the costs associated with organizing this important event, including venue rental, speaker fees, promotional materials, and more. Your support will make a meaningful impact on our efforts to revitalize and preserve the Mewuk language for future generations. We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us ensure the success of the 10th annual Mewuk Language Symposium. Thank you for considering our request for support.
Last year the Tuolumne Band of MeWuk Indians covered most of the cost of the symposium. We are asking for your support for this year’s symposium through a donation and/or raffle prize.
Every Participant of the Language Symposium will be given a T-shirt with businesses, like yours, listed on the back.
- $150 donation: name of your business listed on our event t-shirt
- $250 donation: small logo printed on the event t-shirt
- $500 donation: Large logo printed on the event t-shirt
- $1000 donation: Large logo printed on the event t-shirt and a company banner
Your Generosity is greatly appreciated! All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID #77-0121021. If you are willing and able to donate, please return by October 1, 2024 the attached sponsorship form and your check to:
Tuolumne Me-Wuk Language Program
PO 699
Tuolumne, CA 95379
If you have questions, please contact Sonja Delgadillo at (209) 928-5329 or Carlos Geisdorff at (209) 770-7591. Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you in advance for your support and consideration.
Sincerely,
Carlos Geisdorff
Tuolumne MeWuk Language Program Manager