A Historic Milestone: First Kichwa Language and Culture Workshop Series Concludes at Our University

CLaSE marked a small but powerful piece of history with the conclusion of the first-ever Kichwa Language and Culture Workshop Series offered for free in our university. A vibrant, in-person course that brought together students, faculty, and community members in a shared journey of learning and cultural appreciation.

Organized by LAIC – the Latin American Indigenous Collaborative at CLaSE, this initiative stands as a testament to the growing interest in and commitment to Indigenous languages and the rich cultural traditions of the Pueblos Originarios of the Americas. For the duration of ten weeks, participants met every Monday evening to study Kichwa—the language of the Kichwa people of Ecuador—and to explore the values, worldview, and ancestral knowledge embedded in this living language.

The workshops were led by a Kichwa instructor from the Otavalo community, Atik Paguay, whose powerful presence first became part of our campus last November when they inaugurated our center, CLaSE, with a ceremonial inauguration grounded in Indigenous wisdom. Their return to lead this course brought continuity, depth, and authenticity to a program that quickly captured attention and hearts across campus.

From the very start, the workshop series saw full enrollment, an active waitlist, and a classroom full of enthusiastic learners each week. The energy in the room grew with each session, as students connected not only with the language but also with the stories, art, traditions, and values that it carries. The final session concluded with a celebratory gathering featuring food, laughter, and the presentation of Certificates of Completion to both the instructor and each participant organized by the director of CLaSE, Dr. Antonella Calarota-Ninman.

This moment is more than a course completion, it is a landmark in our university’s evolving relationship with Indigenous knowledge, language preservation, and cultural respect. It reflects a deep and growing awareness of the importance of centering and uplifting the voices and traditions of Indigenous communities.

As we look ahead, we are energized by the response to this workshop series and committed to continuing our support for Indigenous communities, language revitalization efforts, and intercultural understanding. The success of this course is only the beginning. Through LAIC at CLaSE, and in partnership with community leaders and cultural experts, we aim to expand offerings, support second-level courses, and welcome more opportunities for dialogue, learning, and solidarity.

We celebrate this meaningful step forward—and all those who walked the journey with us.

Keep in touch if you’d like to learn more and register for our next free Kichwa Language and Culture workshop series by writing to Dr. Antonella Calarota-Ninman at calarotaa@montclair.edu