Background
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage language of our students and fostering the growth of fluent Lakȟóta speakers.
In the past, we offered Lakȟóta language classes in our schools, but we realized that simply teaching the language was not enough to create fluent speakers. Recognizing the importance of revitalizing our students’ cultural heritage and identity, we have made a more serious commitment to this movement.
With fewer than 6,000 fluent Lakȟóta speakers remaining, it is crucial that we provide opportunities for Lakȟóta youth to learn and embrace their language. Our comprehensive Lakȟóta language curriculum, spanning from K-12, has yielded positive results. Students have shown improved academic performance and greater proficiency in both school and home environments.
Recent funding has allowed us to develop online multimedia tools for learning Lakȟóta, create Lakȟóta language-based literature for students, and offer hands-on opportunities that encourage the use of the language within families and the wider community. These resources have enhanced the learning experience and made the language more accessible and engaging for our students.
Dual Immersion Program
One of our significant achievements is the introduction of the Lakȟóta Dual Immersion Program. In 2019, we launched the first Lakȟóta Dual Immersion Class for kindergarten students, where subjects are predominantly taught in Lakȟóta, with some instruction in English. Today, our students are fully immersed in Lakȟóta from kindergarten to fifth grade, and we are actively working towards expanding the program to higher grades. The results have been remarkable – even after just a few months of instruction, some of our kindergarten students are already reading and completing their schoolwork in Lakȟóta.
Through the Lakȟóta Dual Immersion Program and our comprehensive curriculum, we are fostering a deeper connection between our students and their culture and spiritual identity. This connection not only enhances their academic outcomes but also instills a sense of pride and belonging.
Join us in our efforts to revitalize the Lakȟóta language, celebrate our vibrant cultural heritage, and empower future generations with the gift of fluency in their ancestral tongue. Together, we can ensure the preservation and continued thriving of the Lakȟóta language for years to come.