In the first part of our series, we explored the origins and initial efforts of the Houma Language Project (HLP) in reclaiming the Uma language. Colleen Billiot, an enrolled member of the United Houma Nation, shared her personal journey and the foundational steps taken to breathe life back into their ancestral tongue. The Houma Language Project is more than a linguistic endeavor; it’s a journey of cultural rediscovery and community strengthening. In this second installment, we delve into the innovative strategies and solutions that have been effective, the impact on the Houma community, and the future aspirations of the project.

The language couch, hosted by the Houma Language Project, at this year’s Jazz Fest. Credit: Brittany Verdin Jimenez

Verite News:  Can you share any innovative solutions or strategies that have been particularly effective in overcoming the challenges of revitalizing the Houma language?

Colleen Billiot: One notable strategy is our decision to operate HLP almost entirely online. This digital approach has ensured that the community can access resources no matter where they are. We meet virtually, store resources online, and provide language lessons digitally. This has been particularly innovative and essential, given our community’s geographical spread and environmental challenges. Additionally, the egalitarian structure of HLP, where all team members have equal footing and can voice ideas and vote on aspects of the work, has been a strength. This approach reflects our traditional Houma values and has helped us build a cohesive, dedicated team.

Verite News:  What types of funding and resources have been critical to the success of the language revitalization project?

Colleen Billiot: Donations and partnerships with nonprofits have been crucial, especially for larger projects like our internship programs and creating educational materials. However, the core of our work is done with minimal economic benefit. I want to express my deep gratitude to our team members and linguists, Ben and Jack, who aren’t Houma but contribute their time and resources generously. Their commitment has been invaluable.

Verite News:  Are there any notable partnerships or collaborations that have significantly supported your efforts?

Colleen Billiot: Yes, we previously partnered with the United Houma Nation, which led to some remarkable work by interns. Our collaboration with local universities like LSU and Tulane has also been instrumental. They provided us with critical insights and resources during the initial stages of our project. Additionally, our partnerships with 7,000 Languages/Transparent Languages, the Administration for Native Americans (which funded the project UHN and HLP partnered on), CoLang, Ripple Effect, Jazz Fest, Bvlbancha Public Access, and the Nous Foundation have been invaluable in advancing our mission and projects.

Verite News:  Can you share any success stories or moments of significant progress that have stood out during the revitalization efforts?

Colleen Billiot: One of the most touching moments was when the mother of one of our interns reached out to confirm the spelling of “Happy Birthday” in Uma’ to put it on her son’s birthday cake. It was a sweet and powerful reminder of the impact our work is having on individual families. Another significant achievement was Mariah Hernandez-Fitch’s short film “Ekbeh,” which was shown at Sundance. These moments highlight the growing presence of Uma’ in our community’s daily life and creative expressions.

Verite News:  What are the long-term goals for the Houma language revitalization project?

Colleen Billiot: Every project I work on is viewed with a long-term perspective, thinking seven generations ahead. For HLP, the goal is for the Uma’ language to be used daily within the community, at least here and there. It took centuries for colonization to put our language to sleep, so reawakening it will take time. I hope that Uma’ will be actively used and that HLP will continue long after my lifetime.

Verite News:  What advice would you give to other Indigenous communities looking to start or enhance their own language revitalization projects?

Colleen Billiot: My advice is to start where you are and don’t be intimidated by the work. Dive in, and don’t delay, as cultural and language work should have started long ago. Build your team with passionate people who have different skills and give yourself grace. It’s not a sprint or a marathon but a way of being. Finding good academic partners and fundraising to attend activities like CoLang can be very beneficial. The Native language community is supportive and collaborative, so don’t hesitate to reach out and learn from others.

Verite News: How do you envision the future of the Houma language in the next decade, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of working on the language revitalization project for you personally?

Colleen Billiot: In the next decade, I hope to see an increase in the number of people learning and using the language, even if it’s just a few vocabulary words at a time. Attending CoLang 2024 with two other HLP members gave me many ideas, from launching a podcast to creating video skits for families to learn together. I envision a vibrant, growing community of Uma’ speakers and learners.

The most rewarding aspect of working on the language revitalization project has been the relationships built, both with living community members and a strengthened connection to those who came before. This work has set me on my life path, from knowing nothing about linguistics to joining a Linguistic Anthropology PhD program. It has given me the confidence to dive into other cultural work and realize my calling to serve my community. The words hold our culture within them, and through this project, I’ve learned to be more authentically Houma.

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Brandi Liberty is an enrolled member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska and a descendant of the United Houma Nation in Southern Louisiana. She is the owner of The Luak Group and its subsidiary...