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May 2, 2024
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Edwin Benson: Video word post #11 of Mandan language

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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jodi@imfreedomalliance.org https://twitter.com/JodiRave
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The tiny public school in Flasher, N.D. is the target of Native American parent demands for cultural sensitivity training after a racially charged high school prom incident. Google Maps image accessed May 1, 2024

Dear Language Advocate:

Finally! I’ve had a bit of time to edit a short language video with Edwin Benson, the last man alive born into speaking Mandan as a first language. Benson, 78, lives in Twin Buttes, N.D., my home community on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Mandan, or Nu’eta, is one of the endangered languages of the world. Benson has been working with community members to revitalize the language. I’m honored to share those recordings.

In this  video, listen to the word of the day: No. Mikosh.

Thanks for being a part of the Twin Buttes Community language revitalization project.

Jodi Rave

Posted in Community Twin ButtesTagged
Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
jodi@imfreedomalliance.org https://twitter.com/JodiRave

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear is the founder and director of the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization with offices in Bismarck, N.D. and the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jodi spent 15 years reporting for the mainstream press. She's been awarded prestigious Nieman and John S. Knight journalism fellowships at Harvard and Stanford, respectively. She also an MIT Knight Science Journalism Project fellow. Her writing is featured in "The Authentic Voice: The Best Reporting on Race and Ethnicity," published by Columbia University Press. Jodi currently serves as a Society of Professional Journalists at-large board member, an SPJ Foundation board member, and she chairs the SPJ Freedom of Information Committee. Jodi has won top journalism awards from mainstream and Native press organizations. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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6 Comments

  • Maria
    June 23, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Pretty good post. I just came by your blog and wanted to say
    that I have really liked browsing your posts. In any case
    I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  • How I Make $5000 a Month Posting Links on Google
    June 25, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Loved your latest post, by the way.

  • Lanny Real Bird
    July 20, 2009 at 11:56 am

    Jodi:

    I have completed a video to compliment the “cd-audio” with signs. I am going to make some bulk copies, but I need some pictures (maybe about 4 or 5) that reflect the Mandan people. They are primarily for labels. An earthlodge interior, leaders, social settings, or Edwin or something.

    I sent a copy to the Chairman, Corey, Alice, and other, but I have not got much feedback (over a month ago). Give me a call or attach some photos that I could use on the DVD labels.

  • Chaney Bell
    April 19, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Yepn x̣est łu a skʷul, this is very cool but more important very much needed. The more support for indigenous language revitalization the better. This in my opinion, is the most important thing facing all tribes and I just want to say lemlmtš (thank you) for doing your part.

    Ta qe qes nÅ‚eptmstm, ta qe qes hoystm, ta qe qes cÌŒmsÌŒqnmistmtm. we will never forget, we will never stop we will never give up….

    Chaney

  • Chaney Bell
    April 19, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    and Cory it makes me proud and feel good to see all the good things you are doing, keep it up bro…

Comments are closed.