Independent Lens Season 13 Episode 5 We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean

We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean is the fifth episode of the thirteenth season of the acclaimed documentary series Independent Lens. This episode tells the story of the Wampanoag people, who inhabited the New England area long before colonizers arrived in the 17th century. The Wampanoag language, like many Native American languages, was nearly lost due to systematic oppression and forced assimilation. However, a group of dedicated Wampanoag people set out to revive their language and their cultural identity, a journey that forms the central narrative of this episode.

The episode follows the journey of the Wampanoag Language Reclamation Project, led by linguist Jessie Little Doe Baird. We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean (which translates to "we still live here") documents the group's efforts to bring Wampanoag back from the brink of extinction. Starting in the early 1990s, Baird and a group of fellow Wampanoag language learners set out to piece together the language from historical documents and oral histories. This process ultimately culminated in the creation of a Wampanoag language immersion school, where children learn the language and culture from fluent speakers.

In addition to documenting the language revitalization project, We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean also explores the cultural context of the Wampanoag people. The episode delves into their connection to the land, their history of facing colonization and oppression, and their ongoing struggles for recognition and sovereignty. Through interviews with members of the Wampanoag community (including Little Doe Baird herself), the episode provides an intimate look at the cultural richness and resilience of this Indigenous nation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to witness the challenges and triumphs of the language revitalization process. From the difficulty of piecing together a language with few written resources to the joys of seeing children speak Wampanoag fluently, the episode highlights the importance of language to cultural survival. It also shows the ways in which language is intertwined with identity and community, as the Wampanoag people seek to reclaim both through their language revitalization efforts.

In addition to its focus on language revitalization and cultural resilience, We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean also provides a broader commentary on Indigenous language revitalization efforts more broadly. The episode highlights the ways in which colonialism and systemic oppression have contributed to the endangerment and loss of Indigenous languages worldwide. However, it also demonstrates the power of community-driven language revitalization efforts to counteract these forces and preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous nations.

Overall, We Still Live Here - As Nutayunean is a powerful and inspiring portrayal of the Wampanoag people's journey to reclaim their cultural identity and language. With its focus on resilient communities and the importance of language to cultural survival, this episode offers a broader message about the power of Indigenous peoples to reclaim their histories and cultural identities in the face of colonialism and oppression.