About Us

The Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian (ACLA) is led by a dedicated team of Lokono leaders and language advocates committed to preserving and revitalizing the Lokono language and culture. At the forefront of this movement is Aaron Dundas, the Founder and current President, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in mobilizing efforts to safeguard the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Lokono people. Assisting in this mission is Ivan Cornelius, who serves as Vice President, bringing deep-rooted knowledge of Lokono traditions and a commitment to fostering community engagement in language revitalization.

Timothy Andrews, serving as Secretary, plays a crucial role in organizing and maintaining communication between ACLA and the Lokono villages that have joined this initiative. His experience in indigenous governance and advocacy has been invaluable in strengthening the council’s outreach. Skeitha Thomas, as Director of Social Media, is responsible for expanding ACLA’s digital presence, ensuring that Lokono language and cultural content reach a wider audience. Through strategic online initiatives, she is working to create a strong digital archive of Lokono knowledge, making language resources more accessible to both Lokono speakers and language learners.

The Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian is proud to have established partnerships with the Lokono villages of Wakapoa, Moraikobai, Orealla, Mashabo, and Capoey, with plans to welcome delegates from each of these communities to actively contribute to the organization’s work. This collaboration ensures that our revitalization efforts are deeply rooted in community involvement, empowering local leaders to take an active role in safeguarding their language.

To further strengthen our linguistic and research capacity, Dr. Juan Aviles Morales, MD, has been selected to work with ACLA as a consultant and linguist. Dr. Aviles has extensive experience in indigenous language documentation and has been actively engaged in Lokono language preservation efforts. His expertise will play a key role in developing a comprehensive Lokono dictionary, designing a teaching curriculum, and documenting oral histories to ensure the survival of the Lokono language for future generations.

Together, the Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian is committed to creating a lasting impact on Lokono language education and cultural preservation. With a dedicated leadership team, growing community involvement, and expert linguistic support, we are building a sustainable foundation for the revitalization of our ancestral language.