Language and Land
Dwayne Tomah (Passamaquoddy)
Tomah is a language keeper, director, and curator of the Sipayik Museum and has served on the Passamaquoddy Tribal Council. The youngest fluent speaker of the Passamoquoddy Tribe, his life has been dedicated to language and culture preservation. He has edited the Passamaquoddy dictionary, helped create a Passamaquoddy language app, and shares Native legends through song, dance, and through consultation. Tomah is currently working with the Library of Congress on translating the Passamaquoddy wax cylinders, the first recordings in the world of Native languages recorded in 1890. Tomah has also been involved in repatriation and the Land Back movement and shares historical truth regarding the Doctrine of Discovery from an Indigenous perspective.
You can find Tomah featured in the 2023 PBS film “Language is Life” directed by Daniel Golding and narrated by Joy Harjo.
Sponsors:
School of Art & Design Visitors Committee
Accessibility:
The Art & Design Visitors Series endeavors to be accessible to all. If you have questions or would like to request an accessibility accommodation, please email art@illinois.edu.