With only two fluent speakers of the critically endangered Cahuilla language remaining, this project is aimed at increasing awareness and interest of the target language in the community which we hope will eventually lead to the restoration of intergenerational language transmission. We hope to accomplish this through the creation of an online radio program and youtube videos which will be shared on our website and various social media outlets.
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
Youth and community members will create short youtube videos and online radio programs with the majority of the content being shared in the target langugage. Content will include songs, stories, and other culturally related activities. To create the videos we will be using an Ipad or Iphone and free Imovie software. For the radio show we will utilize a simple usb microphone, a laptop, and free or low-cost online radio hosting service.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
We have already contacted a well-established local indigenous radio station Kwatsan Radio, who has agreed to provide training in establishing an online radio program. We also have contacted some of the local tribal youth councils and tribal organizations who have agreed to provide a location and participants for the program.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
We estimate that we will have 10-20 youth participants and about 5 community member volunteers along with elders to support the program and guide individual projects. To recruit participants for the program we will be contacting several Native youth councils and advertising at tribal community centers. Media professionals will assist by holding workshops to train participants in the use of citizen media.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
We would like to be connected with other organizations or media outlets to share our story and help people become more aware of our situation and revitalization movement through citizen-driven media.