Native language summer schools gaining popularity

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

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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.

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Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new Navajo language summer school is being offered by Albuquerque Public Schools this year in New Mexico.

The program aims to help American Indian children in the area stay connected to their heritage and motivate them to achieve more academically.

The Santa Fe-based Indigenous Language Institute which tries to preserve native languages says New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota lead the country in allowing Native Americans to teach their languages in public school classrooms.

Robert Cook, the president of the National Indian education Association, says native language schools are growing nationwide.

Jodi Rave

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