Introduction
Indigenous Language

Meet Dr. Anna East, Tribal Relations and Education Fellow

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Dr. East Video Transcript

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Indigenous Language Program at MTDA

HISTORY

The MTDA Indigenous Language Program is part of a larger statewide effort in Montana to preserve and revitalize heritage languages. In 2021, MTDA was directed by the Montana Legislature and Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy in particular to design and offer courses teaching Indigenous languages for the tribes that want them. Given that Montana’s tribal nations are sovereign and diverse, the courses are being developed in partnership with language communities that are interested and ready.

Through generous start-up support from the 21st Century Teaching and Learning Initiative at the University of Montana, funded by the Dennis and Phyllis J. Washington Foundation, a Tribal Relations and Education Fellowship position was created at MTDA in July 2022. The primary purpose of this position is course development and supporting the instructors who will teach these courses.

COURSES

In fall 2022, the first heritage language course in Neyio (Cree) launched. It is available to any public school student whose school uses MTDA services.

The next course to be offered was Apsáalooke (Crow) in spring 2023.

This spring, we are launching two more indigenous language courses, Dakota and Nakoda.

These courses are offered each semester, as long as there is teacher availability and student interest.

OTHER PROJECTS

From fall 2023 through spring 2025, we have worked closely with Browning Public Schools to digitize a district-wide assessment of Blackfoot language.

Currently, we are developing practice modules for use alongside classes offered online (via Facebook live) by two language groups of Fort Belknap: the Aaniiih and Nakoda languages. Students can watch the FB live class as it happens or later since they are recorded, and practice what they learned via our practice modules.

Aaniiih lessons and practice modules here

Nakoda lessons and practice modules here

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