Lakota Language Academy moves online

The month of June kicked off with the Lakota Language Academy. This two-week institute was held completely online for the first time ever. With support from Oglala Lakota College and multiple donors, Lakota Language Academy brought the curriculum, instruction, and Lakota conversations to a virtual environment.
Here is just some of the great feedback we heard from participants:
"I really appreciate the LSI instructors. They are patient and kind with us language learners. I have never felt ridiculed or embarrassed in my attempts to speak Lakota. It has been an encouraging learning environment, and my classmates are very supportive as well."
"I appreciate how much work it has taken for everyone to put this course into an online format!"

TLC linguist featured on Field Notes podcast

TLC linguist Dr. Dorothea Hoffmann was on a recent episode of the Field Notes podcast to discuss her work with the Malak Malak people of Northern Australia and other projects of which she's been a part. "In this episode, we discuss how as researchers we should be striving not only to help sustain the languages we work with but to go further and aim for regeneration and to help empower and create new speakers," host Martha Tsutsui Billins wrote. Listen to the episode here.

First-ever online Crow Summer Institute

For two weeks, Crow language learners had the opportunity to speak, listen, and engage with their language during the virtual Crow Summer Institute. This event was held in conjunction with Little Big Horn College. With this event being held online for the first time, Crow speakers from across the country were able to attend for the first time. Teachers adapted their materials to present them in an online classroom. Students participated in classes and breakout rooms over Zoom. To everyone who helped make CSI 2020 a success, we say "ahóoh!"

A short sample of the Stoney Nakoda Virtual Review

Stoney Nakoda elders meet virtually with linguist

From June 15-19, TLC held a virtual review event with Stoney Nakoda elders to go over upcoming Stoney Nakoda materials. Every day, up to four elders and a representative from the Stoney Education Authority met virtually with members of The Language Conservancy staff to carefully check words, phrases, and illustrations. Thanks to the hard work of these elders, the new level 1 textbook, alphabet book, and three picture books have been reviewed.

Lakota Language Consortium awarded CARES grant

The Lakota Language Consortium was one of the 317 recipients of the new NEH CARES grants. This funding will provide for the expansion of Lakota language e-learning resources for teachers and schools in North Dakota and South Dakota. You can read more about the CARES grants at neh.gov/news/neh-announces-40-million-cares-act-grants

Owóksape Teacher Portal set to debut this fall

The Owóksape learning platform has been making big improvements to better serve Lakota language teachers. The Owóksape Teacher Portal gives educators a virtual classroom environment. Teachers can create custom curricula by choosing from Owóksape's lesson plans. The interface allows teachers to track and manage students' progress. Teachers can schedule assignments, add quizzes, and export student reports. The teacher portal will be beta-tested at the upcoming Lakota Summer Institute North. Training will be offered for teachers on August 15 and the Teacher Portal is set to be fully released in September. Create your profile today at owoksape.com.

Coming Soon!

Meadowlark and the Rattlesnake tells traditional Lakota story

Meadowlark and the Rattlesnake is the newest Lakota children's book. It tells the story of a meadowlark watching over her children. When a rattlesnake appears, she will have to use her cunning to help her and her children escape danger. Follow Lakota Language Consortium to stay up to date on when you can order your copy of Meadowlark and the Rattlesnake.

New Crow picture book tells creation story

The latest picture book from the Crow Language Consortium tells the story of how the world came to exist. Isáahkawuattee Awakootáa Anníak is the first of the four-part Crow Natural World Series. Stay tuned for the release of this picture book and the other volumes of the series. Thanks to a generous donation, free copies for Crow teachers can be requested when the book is completed this fall.

Apache Level 1 Textbook coming this fall

The Apache Level 1 Textbook represents a fundamental first step in the development of Apache language learning materials. This textbook presents the basics of vocabulary and grammar for the beginner Apache learner. Filled with colorful illustrations and helpful exercises, the Apache Level 1 Textbook is a perfect place to start your Apache language journey. When completed this fall, this book can be requested at the San Carlos Department of Education office.

Upcoming Events

July 6-17 Lakota Summer Institute North Online

The Lakota Summer Institute North will be moving online for the first time. University of North Dakota and Lakota Language Consortium have partnered to bring this event to a virtual audience. LSIN will be held online from July 6-17, 2020. Beginner and pre-intermediate classes will be available to attendees. Professional Development credits are also being offered by UND.

July 27-31/Aug 3-7 Dakota Online Summer Institute

Join Dakhóta Iápi Okhódakičhiye and The Language Conservancy at the very first Dakota Summer Institute. This institute will take place online and focus specifically on Santee Dakota. The event will feature beginner and pre-intermediate courses for Dakota learners. For teachers, this institute will have courses that give educators valuable skills to enhance their own Dakota language classes. Registration ends July 3, so sign up today!

Aug 4-7 Stoney Nakoda virtual phonology & textbook review

In order to continue the work on the forthcoming Stoney Nakoda language materials, Native elders and TLC linguists will meet virtually again in August. This review event will help to finalize the production of the Stoney Nakoda Level 1 textbook, which will be debuted for educators at the Stoney Education Authority's professional development event August 26-28. Thanks to all the speakers helping accomplish this great work!

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