Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, 2015-2025
Sgüü dip dm suwilaawksa na lip algyag̱m
We should learn our own language.
Sgüü dip dm suwilaawksa na lip algyag̱m
We should learn our own language.
About The Haayk Foundation
Our Mission
To rapidly produce new fluent speakers of Sm'algya̱x, the language of the Ts'msyen, and to create new Sm'algya̱x learning materials.
Our Inspiration
Our inspiration comes from the Pioneers of the Metlakatla Indian Community who set aside their differences, pulled together, and against many hardships and setbacks, succeeded in creating a new Ts'msyen community in Alaska. We will continue that pioneering spirit in an effort to preserve, revitalize, and promote our tribe's language, cultural history, and practices. We will look back at the rich history of the ancient Ts'msyen people, who long ago developed a culture that governed how we treated one another, our belongings, our lands, our waters, and our community.
It is in honoring and learning from the past that we will improve and strengthen our future. We will help to revive the traditional Ts'msyen way of life for our people in our present day so this generation and all the generations to follow will have an identity whose foundation is built upon strength, pride and traditional Ts'msyen values.
Our Foundation
We are a non-profit organization whose source of funding comes from private donors and independent fundraising efforts.
The primary use of those funds go toward providing a range of cultural and educational activities, such as free Sm'algya̱x language classes, talking circles, college scholarships, community events and assisting other non-profits who share our goals.