Klamath Language Resource Preservation Project

The UW Language Learning Center is assisting the Klamath Nation's Language Program by digitizing and archiving analog recordings of the Klamath Language.

In Autumn Quarter of 2022, the Klamath Nation’s Language Program contacted the University of Oregon’s Northwest Indian Language Institute and learned about the UW Language Learning Center’s work supporting other local Indigenous language programs with resource conversion and preservation. The Klamath Language Program director (GeorGene Nelson) reached out to the LLC to see if we could assist them by digitizing 774 analog resources (e.g., reel-to-reel tapes, audio cassettes, VHS cassettes). We were thrilled to have the opportunity to support the vitality of the Klamath language and grateful to be entrusted with the resources for this project.

Shortly after key details were confirmed, GeorGene Nelson and Harold Wright drove the resources from Chiloquin, OR to Denny Hall on the UW Seattle Campus.

 

The LLC’s lab manager, Judy Fye, began work on digitizing and processing the materials immediately. Because the materials were old (some dating from before 1950) they were fragile and required great care when handling and digitizing them. Also, the age made post-processing work even more challenging. Because this necessitated great care (and frequent repair of the equipment), the process was slow but steady. As files were digitized, they were immediately made accessible to the language program through a secure cloud storage platform, which was administered by the Klamath Nation.

In addition to digitization, the LLC conducted post-production processing (‘cleaning up’ the quality of the recordings), organization and metadata work, as well as consultation on storage and delivery technologies. Another key area of support was discussing options for data privacy and security. Crucially, all of this work was overseen and directed by the Klamath Nation’s Language Program head in addition to the Klamath archival teams. While the primary goal is to preserve the materials, a secondary one is to make them accessible to the appropriate community members (via various formats, web hosting, etc.). For example, some of these recordings are the only ones in existence of some elders and are of extreme importance to family members and the community. The UW LLC is honored to be a part of this project and strives to support the project in accordance with the goals and interest of the Klamath Nation (i.e., community directed).

More Materials Found in 2024

In Autumn of 2024, the Klamath Nation located another cache of analog materials (139) and requested that these be digitized as well. The timing coincided with the near completion of the first batch. Soon after, the KLP team drove up to deliver the newly discovered materials and return the first batch of physical analog materials back to the Nation’s archives. The LLC is nearing completion of this second batch but looks forward to further collaboration with the KLP.

The LLC wishes to formally thank Robert Elliott and Joana Jansen of UO’s NILI for their help connecting us with the Klamath Language Program.