Łingít (Tlingit)
[aka Tlinkit, Thlinget, Inland Tlingit]Classification: Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit
·critically endangered
Linguists say that the Navajo language is related to languages of the Na-Dené branch. The Tlingit language shares this branch. Lorene Boxley, member of the Tlingit tribe, gives us her introduction in her native Tlingit language. Lorene also shares other words in her language. She is the wife of the famous Alaskan carver, David Albert Boxley. His son, David Robert Boxley, is also an Alaskan artist (i.e. carver). He gives his introduction in both the Tsimshian and Tlingit languages. David Robert Boxley is a member of the Tsimshian tribe. Unlike Tlingit, the Tsimshian language is unrelated to the Navajo language. All three are members of a dance group known as the Git-Hoan Dancers. If you have a chance to see them perform, definitely take that opportunity to see a part of their fascinating culture. My brother and I had the pleasure of meeting these artists at the 17th Annual Eiteljorg Indian Market, held this year at Indianapolis, IN. BTW... if you have the pleasure of meeting David Boxley (either father or son), check out their works. They are excellent carvers. David R. Boxley won Best of Show this year (2009) for carving a set of traditional oars for the Eiteljorg show.
