Each language group is paired with a linguist who works with them intensively throughout the week, and archivists in the museums, libraries and departments housing the materials are on hand to orient the participants and help them explore the archives. As they become familiar with the available materials, participants start focusing in on a project of their choice, which is presented to the group at the end of the week. Through social events during the week and staying together in the dorms, participants often find inspiration from fellow language activists and develop useful connections.

The “Breath of Life” concept has spread. AICLS members helped organize the “National Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages” in Washington D.C., first partnering with the Endangered Language Fund, and later with the Myaamia Center and the Smithsonian Institution. Now there is a “Breath of Life 2.0,” an advanced workshop for experienced Breath of Lifers to teach them how to make a database to organize and use efficiently the materials they found in university and museum archives or have in their own collections. This workshop was held at Miami University in Ohio in 2019, and will be held at the University of Oregon in 2020 (applications are already closed for that one).

The Berkeley Breath of Life is held every even year. For future Breath of Life events held here or elsewhere, keep watch on the AICLS website or newsletter for announcements.

What to expect at Breath of Life?

Opening reception May 31, 2020 at 12 pm at U.C. Berkeley Multicultural Center

Orientation for Linguistic Partners on May 31, time to be determined

Morning workshops, panels, and lectures on campus to prepare you for researching the University archives and daily exercises to help you understand the concepts instructed.

Afternoon group tours and hands-on archive research

Visit to San Bruno archives

Wednesday dinner for all attendees

Presentation of a final project at the end of the week

Fees and Fellowships

There are several costs associated with the Breath of Life Institute. We encourage participants to secure outside funding to cover these costs. For participants from California Indian communities, the Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival may be able to offer fellowships that will cover most of the fees in cases where other funding is not available.

The conference fee is $350 for Community Researchers and is waived for Linguistic Partners. This fee covers general costs, lunches, and dinner on Wednesday evening.

The price of dorms is separate from the conference fee and includes breakfasts at the cafeteria. Double rooms cost $347.70 per person and single rooms cost $479.70 per person arriving Sunday, May 31.

For participants arriving on Saturday, May 30, an additional night of lodging is available for $57.95 for a double room or $79.95 for a single room.

If you are bringing a car and plan to stay on campus, you will need to purchase an overnight parking permit for $16 per night. Please note that once you arrive in Berkeley, a car will not be very useful, as our activities and events are within walking distance. You might consider using public transportation if you would like to avoid the parking permit fee.

The fellowships can cover the cost of a double room in the dorm, the conference fee, and parking. The fellowships will not cover the additional cost if you choose to rent a single dorm room, nor will they cover the cost of travel to Breath of Life, off-site lodging arrangements, dinners or other personal expenses.

How to Apply

Community Researchers apply here: https://aicls.formstack.com/forms/community_researcher_application

Linguistic Partners apply here: https://aicls.formstack.com/forms/linguist_application

Questions?

For general questions about Breath of Life contact quirina@aicls.org

For questions about the application forms, contact carly@aicls.org