<body><div>Char-Koosta News<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Ru8Uv_0vmFFy9k00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Ru8Uv_0vmFFy9k00" width="670" height="800" ><figcaption>Stephen Smallsalmon is an 85-year-old Pend d'Oreille elder and fluent speaker who works at Nk̓ʷusm immersion school and has taught for 22 years. He has dedicated much of his life to teaching the language with no plans to retire.</figcaption></figure>PABLO — The Salish Kootenai College campus hosted the Montana Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit on September 19-20. Members of the Indigenous community from several tribal nations near and far came together to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in preserving their native languages. The gathering was a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals, nonprofit organizations, tribal nations, and advocates who are fighting to keep cultural heritage alive.For those working in the field of language revitalization, they choose to say that tribal languages are asleep, not dying or lost. To say tribal languages are lost is not true as many tribes are working together, sharing advice, and helping each other succeed in waking up sleeping languages. The discussions also shed light on innovative approaches to language learning and assessment. One of the keynote speakers, Ron Corn representing the nonprofit MenominiyoU from the Menominee Nation out of Wisconsin shared how a linguistics student developed a grading framework to track proficiency levels. Inspired by the karate belt system, language students' and teachers' progress are tracked. The ambitious goal is to have 10% of the community reach “black belt” fluency by 2045, a significant leap from the current 0.0057% benchmark.Intergenerational knowledge-sharing also played a crucial role, as exemplified by Corn's testimony about learning to speak his language at the age of nine and thriving under the tutelage of an elder. Through weekly word lessons and positive reinforcement, his confidence and language skills blossomed, a testament to the power of mentorship and immersive learning."What I was hopefully trying to do was share my story and give people the encouragement and guidance that is necessary for young language warriors with real examples of what I and we experienced back home and then offer some suggestive program direction that we're trying out and having some initial success with," said Corn. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1My2y7_0vmFFy9k00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1My2y7_0vmFFy9k00" width="670" height="800" ><figcaption>Milani Sandoval was one of the keynote speakers at the summit who engaged the crowd with humor and stories about her journey working in the field of language revitalization.</figcaption></figure>Milani Sandoval was another keynote speaker at the summit. Sandoval is one of the founders of the Nk̓ʷusm Salish Language Immersion School as well as the Salish Language Program Manager at the Sélis-Qlispé Culture Committee, and a language teacher at Salish Kootenai College and has dedicated over 35 years to revitalizing the Salish language. Her presentation centered around the theme of the summit, "Passing on the Gift of Language: Multi-Generational Learning". A heartfelt and memorable tribute to her teachers and elders engaged the audience. "Language is our life and the way we live also was reflected in our teachings and our values and all the things that we're also giving to our kids. I feel like we're bridges from our elders to our young people," said Sandoval. When people of all ages are exposed to the language and learn, it has other benefits according to Micker (Mike) Richardson, Director of the National American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Collaboration Office. Richardson was a featured speaker on the Immersion School panel. He worked with tribal programs and language partners to promote language/culture revitalization throughout Indian Country towards the goal of language programs in tribal head start programs. “When they take state level tests, they usually do a lot better than the average for the state. And that's been proven in a lot of different programs. The thing is, is that the kids are learning two different languages and it makes them smarter." In a time when many Indigenous languages are at risk of being lost, immersion schools are spearheading inspiring efforts to revive and preserve tribal languages. Educators from Nk̓ʷusm Salish immersion school and other immersion schools shared valuable lessons and strategies during a panel discussion to close out the summit. Their insights shed light on the challenges and successes of this vital work.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1InqIx_0vmFFy9k00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1InqIx_0vmFFy9k00" width="670" height="800" ><figcaption>Chaney Bell promoted immersion schools and adult language programs as ways to revive tribal languages.</figcaption></figure>"We do a lot of hard work in the language and it's good to hear other people's stories and it gives you more motivation to continue this work," said Chaney Bell, a co-founder of Nk̓ʷusm. Bell attended the summit and was part of a speaker panel that discussed starting an immersion school, the importance of adult language programs, and Nk̓ʷusm's progress. “Teaching a language can be difficult. Running a school is difficult. Along with the language there's just so much, but you need to do it. Every tribe in this country needs to have their own language schools," said Bell. Over 20 years ago, the founders of Nk̓ʷusm were inspired by what they learned while visiting other immersion schools in New Zealand, Hawaii, and Alaska. "We went all over and listened to a lot of people. We traveled to our neighbor tribes and did things like this while we were trying to learn on our own, usually in the evenings, or whenever we can meet with an elder. But we got inspired to take that step," said Bell. Along the way, it became apparent that an immersion school wasn't enough. Adult language programs emerged as a critical component of these revitalization efforts. By developing fluent adult speakers, the schools are cultivating a new generation of teachers to pass the languages on. “The adult language programs have been a game-changer for us,” shared another panelist. “We’ve seen students go through the program and come back to teach at our school.”Engaging children through cultural activities, field trips, and community events also plays a central role. This helps immerse young learners in the languages and traditions.“Overcoming the dominance of English is an ongoing battle,” Echo Bell acknowledged. “But creating a rich language environment makes a big difference.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OaQ6j_0vmFFy9k00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OaQ6j_0vmFFy9k00" width="670" height="800" ><figcaption>Keynote speaker, Ron Corn from Menominee Nation in Wisconsin, was one of the highlights of the summit. His nonprofit, MenominiyoU, is setting trends with innovative strategies and guidance for developing a successful language program.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Supporting the teachers in these immersion programs is vital, the panelists emphasized. Language learning is demanding work, requiring creativity and perseverance.“We’ve had to get really resourceful, like partnering with outside organizations to provide speech and other services for our students,” one teacher shared. “It’s tough, but the positive impact on the kids is remarkable.”For tribes seeking to revive their endangered languages, the educators encouraged reaching out to established programs for advice and getting support from tribal elders. “This is such important, community-driven work,” one speaker affirmed. “The cultural connection and identity it fosters is invaluable.”As Indigenous communities continue to face a decline in fluent speakers, immersion schools are leading the way with innovative, grassroots efforts. Their dedication and resilience offer hope and inspiration for the future of Native languages.As the summit drew to a close, a sense of optimism permeated the air. Summits like this bring people together to learn from one another about available resources, seek guidance, and encourage one another. The participants not only shared their struggles but also their innovative solutions and unwavering determination. The path ahead may be arduous, but a collective spirit and commitment to preserving tribal languages serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Tribal Language Summit Unites Language Teachers, Students, and Advocates Working Toward Language Revitalization

PABLO — The Salish Kootenai College campus hosted the Montana Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit on September 19-20. Members of the Indigenous community from several tribal nations near and far came together to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in preserving their native languages. The gathering was a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals, nonprofit organizations, tribal nations, and advocates who are fighting to keep cultural heritage alive.