Before Europeans arrived in what is now North America, a rich culture was thriving. Stories were handed down over generations through the spoken word and writings.
Highlighting that culture is the driving force behind an International Symposium on Indigenous Voices being held at UC San Diego Monday and Tuesday. More than 20 indigenous communities will be represented at the two-day symposium, which includes poetry readings, spoken word performances, book signings, and a film screening.
The United Nations declared 2019 as the year of indigenous languages. About two indigenous languages go extinct every month, according to the UN.
RELATED: San Diego State Hires First Tribal Liaison
Gloria Chacon, UC San Diego literature professor and event organizer, joined Midday Edition to discuss the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages and literature.
