Resumen de Community-based efforts to preserve native languages: a descriptive study of the Karuk Tribe of northern California

Christine P. Sims

• This article addresses issues and data collected from members ofthe Karuk Tribe of northern California. Once pari of a thriving network ofindigenous groups located in the remote regions of Klamath River country, the Karuk Tribe today numbers approximately 2,300, among whom it is estimated that only ten to 12 speak the native language. This study explores the history of Karuk contact with European-Americans and the resulting impacts that contributed to the near extinction of native language use among Karuk families. The study also traces the development ofpast and contemporary approaches taken by the Karuk people t o address language revitalization.