Virtual Lakota Language Weekend

Last month the Lakota Language Consortium partnered with RCAS Title VI Indian Education for a second Virtual Lakota Language Weekend. Parents, RCAS staff, and students of all ages participated in this community event to increase their knowledge of Lakȟótiyapi. Another language weekend is underway for Rapid City Area Schools. Thank you to Cherella Hughes, Amanda Carlow, and Alex Fire Thunder for instructing. We hope to see you and new participants soon!

Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Weekend

Towards the end of March, the Language Conservancy hosted the second Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Weekend with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe! About 20 participants joined this two day virtual event to learn greetings, colors, and more. Many of the participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join other community members in learning their sleeping language. TLC is excited to partner with the community for more events and language materials to further revitalize the language. Thank you to instructors Sam Myers, Aryn Freeman, Josh Omran, and everyone who participated in the language weekend.

Ute Mountain Ute Dictionary Project

As some of you may know, we have been underway with the Ute language dictionary project since 2019, when we partnered with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and took the first steps toward language preservation and revitalization. The creation of the Ute dictionary marks a historic event for both the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal community and all of southwest Colorado. Generous grant money has facilitated the continuation of this project. As of now, we are working with ten elders and Native speakers on the finalization of the dictionary database. In 2019 the first Rapid Word Collection (RWC) captured over 5000 words which were recorded and stored in a digital archive. By converting the RWC method to take place virtually in January 2021, Ute speakers worked remotely with linguists adding 5000 more words! Completion of re-recording will be done in May. This has been such a fun project, and we are humbled to have this opportunity to work alongside the Ute Mountain Ute community in the development of their new dictionary.

Product Spotlight

Maajitaawaad Ji-Bakwezhiganikewaad now available on the
Ojibwe Media Player

A new book has been added to the Ojibwe Media Player! Maajitaawaad Ji-Bakwezhiganikewaad—a charming story that will make readers want to prepare delicious fry bread—is the fourth installment in a series of books adapted for the interactive app. Designed for readers and language learners to follow along with their favorite Ojibwe picture books, the Media Player has the added bonus of being a digital resource for students of all ages. Download the Media Player app on your Apple or Android device today!
You can also order a copy of Maajitaawaad Ji-Bakwezhiganikewaad in the GIM bookstore.

Water is Everywhere!

In recognition of World Water Day on March 22nd, TLC released a new picture book called Water is Everywhere! The Lakota and Crow version of the book are now available to order in the TLC bookstore. As a beginner science book, Water is Everywhere! introduces young readers and listeners to facts and words related to water. This book is part of a four part Science Series that allows readers to focus on the natural world around them while practicing their language skills. Order your copy of this early reader picture book in the bookstore today!
We are also offering up to 10 free books to classrooms and homeschool educators. Educators can request free books by emailing customer support at customersupport@languageconservancy.org.

Upcoming Events

June 7-25: Crow Summer Institute

Join Little Big Horn College and the Crow Language Consortium for the 9th Annual Crow Summer Institute. The institute will feature a learner track with beginner grammar and communicative Crow classes. Crow language teachers are also welcome to register for the teacher track and join other instructors in enhancing their teaching and language skills. As of now, this event will follow a hybrid format with a choice of attending in-person, virtually, or a mix of both. More information about this event can be found on the registration site. Register for the Crow Summer Institute today by clicking here!

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