Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Written by Katie Nichols, Content Specialist at GogyUpAccording to the Indigenous Language Institute, in the U.S. there were once more than 300 Indigenous languages spoken. Approximately 175 remain today. They also estimate that by 2050 only 20 (at most) will still be spoken without restoration efforts. This Indigenous Peoples’ Day we are taking time to gather and share resources concerning the erasure of Indigenous languages and current efforts for revitalization. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a starting point to explore and support revitalization efforts in your community.
Dr. Lindsay Morcom (Algonquin Métis, Bear Clan) dives into the history of language erasure and the importance of the survival of Indigenous languages. She offers a focus on policy, education, and support in ensuring Indigenous languages are passed on.
Wicoie Nandagikendan, a Minneapolis-based Dakota and Ojibwe Immersion Program started by the Native American Leaders’ Circle, focuses on language immersion in early childhood and training for language immersion teachers. It is the first Indigenous urban preschool immersion program created in Minneapolis. Learn more about the history and development of language revitalization in Minneapolis.
The St. Croix Chippewa and Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have started an early childhood immersion school for the Ojibwe language. Waadookadaading, the immersion school, is located at Lac Courte Oreilles in Wisconsin. “Language alone does not convey or connect people to culture. It is a medium through which culture can be learned. Ojibwemowin, the Ojibwe language, is a language of action. In the Ojibwe worldview, there are two ways to learn, by observing and by doing. At Waadookodaading, the staff, students, and community have an opportunity to learn in this way.” Learn more about the teaching methods at Waadookadaading.
The Ho-Chunk Nation created the Hoocąk Waaziija Haci Language Division to ensure the Hoocąk Language continues to be a living language. Hoocak Waaziija Haci trains a number of emerging teachers through the Master/Apprentice Program. Many of the apprentices go on to teach the Ho-Chunk Language class at Tomah High School. Learn more about the history of the Ho-Chunk and the work being done by Hoocak Waaziija Haci.
Out of 8,700 enrolled tribal members and nearly 2,200 descendants of the Menominee Nation, there are fewer than ten first language speakers and fewer than 20 fluent speakers of Menominee. Before European contact over 2,000 people spoke their language. Mawaw Ceseniyah - Center for Menominee Language, Culture, and Art, is working to revitalize the Menominee language, from pre-school age to college. Ron Corn Jr., one of the fluent speakers of the Menominee language, has devoted his time to immersing his youngest daughter in the language with the hope that she will be the first child in over a generation whose first language is Menominee and not English. Learn more about Ron’s efforts and the importance of immersing children in Indigenous languages from early on.
We hope you take this Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the work being done to revitalize Indigenous languages and look for opportunities in your community to support these vital efforts. To start you off here is an online directory of Language Programs, Organizations, and Funding Sources that promote revitalization, stabilization and documentation of Indigenous languages.