The document discusses Ivii'a, the critically endangered language of the Iviatam people, also known as the Cahuilla. It was once spoken across Southern California but is now limited to a few elderly speakers. The document outlines the three dialects of Ivii'a - Desert, Pass, and Mountain Cahuilla - and how the loss of the language has negatively impacted Iviatam culture and identity, leading to issues like substance abuse. It argues that Christian missionaries and colonial governments have benefited most from the erosion of Indigenous languages and cultures. Efforts to revive Ivii'a are discussed.

1. The Ivii’a
Language

2. Ivii’a is the language spoken by the Iviatam people,
now known more commonly as “Cahuilla.”
Though spoken in San Bernardino, Riverside, and San
Diego counties for millennia, Ivii’a is now critically
endangered.
What is Ivii’a

3. Where is Ivii’a
Spoken?
Ivii’a is one of many
indigenous languages
once spoken across
Southern California

4. Southern
California is home
to three unique
Language
Families.

5. These Three Language
Families contain dozens
of unique
languages and dialects

6. The Three Dialects of Ivii’a (Cahuilla)
Desert Cahuilla: Dialect of Ivii’a spoken
primarily in the Coachella Valley area.
Pass Cahuilla: Dialect of Ivii’a spoken from
the San Timoteo Canyon area to Palm Springs.
Mountain Cahuilla: Dialect of Ivii’a spoken
from the areas of Mt. San Jacinto to Mt. San
Ysidro.

7. How is the loss of their language and consequently
their culture affecting the Iviatam People?
It has resulted in a sharp
deterioration in their awareness of
their own cultural identity, place, and
their ancestral heritage and history.
• This in turn has led to a decline in
cultural practices and traditions.
Violence, Substance Abuse, and
Alcoholism have become prevalent
issues facing the Iviatam people as
their language, and consequently,
their culture have eroded.

8. Who/what benefits from the the Iviatam people’s
loss of their language and culture?
There are really only two beneficiaries
– colonial religions and governments.
Christian Missionaries
Primarily Catholic and Moravian
Colonial expansion, and the efforts
of European descendants to absorb
Native Americans and their land.
Primarily the United States and Spain

9. Quick history of Ivii’a, and the the Iviatam People
For the Iviatam people, tribal history is sung, but without the Language, no one will hear it…
Cahuilla Birdsingers performing in Needles, CA 1979
A Birdsong: “Death’s Heart Speaking to Coyote”
eew… kii' maiya naiy-yaa
blood… carrying me will not help
eew… kii' maiya naiy-yaa
blood… carrying me will not help
ala tuuq… kii' maiya nai-yaa
or else the light will go out… carrying me will not help
ah kimul… kii' maiya nai-yaa
you are the portal… carrying me will not help
ah… kii' maiya nai-yaa
you… carrying me will not help

10. Ivii’a Language Revivalization
Catherine Sauvel and Jane Penn, the
founders of the Malki Museum. The
Malki Museum is the oldest museum
founded by Native Americans on a
reservation in California.
Biff Andreas’ group, formed in
1974, was instrumental in the
revival of Birdsinging.
Arkamez Blankenship, founder of the
Limu Project, teaching language, history
and songs to families, children, and
whatever.

11. Why did I pick this topic?