Frequently Asked Questions

Ionkwahronhkha’onhátie’ “we are becoming fluent” is a grass-roots community-based collective who use linguistic enclaves to support Kanien’kéha language and culture learning for self-motivated adult language learners of Kanien’kéha (the Mohawk language).

A linguistic enclave is a protected space or territory where a minority language is spoken that is surrounded by a larger territory where a dominant or world language is spoken.

Based on the Ahkwesáhsne Mohawk Territory, Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ offers learning opportunities in multiple sites and locations:

·  In Kanien’kehá:ka and Rotinonhsión:ni communities,

·  Transnationally across the national, provincial, and state borders that have been imposed on our people and territories, and

·  Online

Kanien’kéha language learners currently approaching or at the Advanced level of speaking proficiency or higher (ACTFL, 2012)

Self-directed, motivated learners of Kanien’kéha with the capacity to maintain Kanien’kéha speaking environments.

First language speakers of Kanien’kéha supporting Kanien’kéha language learners and Kanien’kéha speaking environments.

Creative people who bring our language to life through their fields of interest, knowledge and expertise.

Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ hosts weekly, monthly, and annual activities supporting Onkwehonwehnéha proficiency development.  Ionkwahronkha’tonhátie’s activities target five independent yet interrelated areas of focus:

1) Individual Onkwehonwehnéha Proficiency Development. 

2) Onkwehonwehnéha Learning Community Engagement & Networking

3) Family Onkwehonwehnéha Learning

4) First Language Speaker Connection & Language Documentation

5) Knowledge Mobilization 

Not all activities listed below run concurrently or year-round. Some activities are invitation only whereas others are open to first language speakers and second language learners of Kanien’kéha. Please check our Facebook page for current and upcoming activities.

Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’s learning opportunities are for second language learners and first language speakers of Kanien’kéha. Not all of Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’s activities are open to all community members. 

Specific Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ projects (i.e. Akenhnhà:ke, Family Dialect Project, etc.) will have application and selection processes for participants. Please watch Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’s social media pages for project announcements, application procedures and deadlines.