Native language summer schools gaining popularity
Check out this Associated Press story about the growing popularity of Native language schools. Take note that North Dakota, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico's public schools lead the country in teaching Native languages. So, why isn't Montana in the mix considering its much touted Indian Education For All mandate? Meanwhile, it's heartening to see language schools growing across the country. And Montana does have some of the country's best language immersion models, which are being guided outside the public school systems. To wit: the Piegan Institute on the Blackfeet Reservation, the Fort Belknap College immersion school on the Fort Belknap Reservation and the Nkwusm immersion school on the Flathead Reservation all have exemplary language programs.
Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A new Navajo language summer school is being offeredby Albuquerque Public Schools this year in New Mexico.
The program aims to help American Indian children in the area stay connectedto their heritage and motivate them to achieve more academically.
The Santa Fe-based Indigenous Language Institute which tries to preservenative languages says New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota leadthe country in allowing Native Americans to teach their languages in publicschool classrooms.
Robert Cook, the president of the National Indian education Association,says native language schools are growing nationwide.
Jodi Rave
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Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
(Mandan, Hidatsa/ Mniconjou Lakota)Founder & Editor in Chief
Spoken Languages: English
Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights
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