Since 2023, Learning Bird has been working with the Munsee Language, History, and Culture Group to support community-led initiatives focused on Munsee language revitalization and cultural education.
As one of only two Lunaapeew communities, Munsee-Delaware Nation is leading important work in recording and preserving its language. With few existing Lunaape resources and limited opportunities for language immersion, the community is developing tools that make the language more accessible to current and future learners. Together, we’ve co-created a growing collection of print and video materials designed to support beginner and intermediate language learning and to document community knowledge and identity.
We’ve collaborated to produce a series of Lunaape vocabulary videos and illustrated language videos that accompany community-authored graphic novels. These videos allow learners to hear the language spoken as they read and engage with culturally relevant visual stories.
Weemachekaanisshak (The Little People)
Njekp kihtaachiimuw (Jacob tells a Story)
We’ve also produced a series of interview-based videos documenting community stories of settlement, land, and family. These videos preserve important stories of place and identity, ensuring they are shared across generations.
Logan-Dolson Family Cabin
Munsee Settlement in Southern Ontario
Most recently, we’ve worked together to produce a video and lesson plan on the cultural and historical significance of wampum belts for the Munsee-Delaware community, as well as a Munsee vocabulary dictionary. These resources are used across the community and in educational settings.
“My experience working with Learning Bird has been collaborative and responsive from the outset. They provided steady support throughout the development process and demonstrated flexibility as our goals and timelines shifted. Their team contributed thoughtful ideas that strengthened the quality of the language materials while remaining attentive to our capacity and priorities.
Just as importantly, they helped us navigate funding opportunities that enabled this work to move forward. The resulting resources are important tools for preserving the Munsee language and ensuring that our youth can connect with their language, history, and culture in meaningful ways.
Anushiik!”
Ian McCallum, Researcher
Munsee Delaware Language, History and Culture Group
