Immersion program uses cultural practices to teach Ojibwe and Dakota languages

Students in an Indigenous language immersion program in Minnesota are learning Ojibwe and Dakota through cultural activities, including a field trip to a maple tapping camp, according to MPR News. The program, Wicoie Nandagikendan, teaches students entirely in Indigenous languages, with lessons that include traditional food preparation and harvesting practices. Teacher Liz Zoongwegiizhigook Zinsli said she speaks only Ojibwe with students to support language development.

Program leaders said fewer than 1,000 fluent Ojibwe speakers remain in Minnesota, with even fewer Dakota first language speakers, according to MPR News. Executive director Fawn Youngbear-Tibbetts said the goal is to build the next generation of speakers. The program recently faced funding freezes but remained open with support from local organizations. Leaders said a Dakota immersion classroom is expected to reopen in the fall, expanding language learning opportunities for students.