Loren Bommelyn

Loren Meʼ-lash-ne Bommelyn (born 1956) is a tradition bearer for the Tolowa tribe. He has dedicated himself to preserving the traditional songs, language, and basketry. He is the foremost ceremonial leader of the tribe, and its most prolific basketweaver. He is a fluent speaker of the Tolowa language and taught for many years at Del Norte High School in Crescent City, California. He earned his master's degree in linguistics from the University of Oregon. After years of studying with Tolowa elders, Bommelyn has published educational material about the Tolowa language. He played a role in convincing the University of California system to accept Native American languages as part of its entrance requirements for world language. He has advocated the use of the Tolowa language in modern technology, including Facebook and texting.

As of 2012, Bommelyn's son, Pyuwa Bommelyn, is studying linguistics at the University of Oregon to continue Tolowa language preservation efforts.

Basketry While women make most baskets among Northern California tribes, men traditionally weave open-work baskets with entire plant shoots. This requires both extreme physical strength and dexterity. Bommelyn specializes in these open-work, utilitarian baskets, especially those made with hazel shoots. He wove his first basket at the age of 12. Today he is known particularly for his work baskets and baby cradles. He was recognized for his work in preserving, practicing and promoting of Tolowa cultural traditions "including its language, native regalia, ceremonial dances and songs, and basketmaking.... He is today the single most knowledgeable individual of the indigenous language."

Published works Bommelyn, Loren. Now You're Speaking Tolowa. Arcata, California: Center for Indian Community Development, Humboldt State University, 1995. ASIN B0006QF9EA. Givón, T. and Loren Bommelyn. "The Evolution of De-Transitive Voice in Tolowa Athabaskan." Studies in Language. 24:1, 2000: 41–76.