One Woman's Fight to Preserve Her Native Language

Although she had not spoken the Wukchumni language since her grandparents had passed away, Marie’s sister inspired her to use it again. She started by writing down the words she remembered on pieces of paper and then decided to type them, slowly, but surely, using a computer. “I’m just a pecker, one word at a time, and I was slow”, Marie explains.

Marie worked day and night for seven years to reach her goal. Now, with the help her grandson, she is recording the finished dictionary to make sure the pronunciation will never be lost.

After having taught the Wukchumni language to her daughter and grandson, Marie now teaches weekly classes to members of her tribe. It’s impressive to see what one can do when they put their heart into it.