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.