Institute of Linguistics Colloquium Featuring Dr. Migizi Michael D. Sullivan Sr.

Ani-aandakamigaag: The ever-changing landscape of North American Indigenous Language Revitalization

As we approach the first half century of self-determined North American indigenous language reclamation and revitalization work, I discuss the role that linguistics has historically played in the local context. First, I describe the initial motivation of outsiders concerned with documenting the vanishing languages of the indigenous peoples for the past century, where I then highlight local efforts for a non-vanishing language, Ojibwe. I show how linguists and their materials have been used by language reclamation communities, some of whom have since fostered their own homegrown linguists. As a scholar entrenched in this work, I show how colleges and universities have partnered with some of the tribes historically, and how linguistic documentation and research efforts continue to provide support to individuals and communities engaged in language reclamation. As a result, several key networks and partnerships have emerged and North American indigenous language communities are seeing some successes as a result. I'll then introduce some of those professional language networks, highlight some of the work underway, and show how the field of linguistics and large research institutions can continue to contribute as we consider the future and the challenges of the ever-changing field.

Upcoming Colloquium Events

• October 24, 2025: Isa Gagarin, University of Minnesota
• November 14, 2025: Ben Eischens, University of California, Los Angeles

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