What does stewardship mean?

Short Answer #

Stewardship means caring for language and cultural resources in a responsible way that protects their value for current and future generations.

Expanded Answer #

Ownership and stewardship are related but distinct concepts. Ownership focuses on authority. Stewardship focuses on responsibility. Good stewardship involves:

• Preservation
• Organization
• Protection
• Accessibility
• Sustainability

Language resources often represent contributions from many people across many years. Future generations may depend upon the decisions communities make today. Stewardship recognizes this responsibility. A well-managed recording collected today may continue supporting learners fifty years from now. A story documented today may become an educational resource for future generations. Stewardship helps ensure these possibilities remain available.

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