The September update from the CPN Language Department highlights the first-of-its-kind master apprentice program that took place during the summer of 2023, as well as fall semester offerings in schools and online.
CPN was one of four Native Voices Endowment grant recipients in 2022, which the language department used to fund a summer master apprentice project in 2023. The grant helped pay for three students to study Bodéwadmimwen for eight hours, five days a week for eight weeks. One language department staff member also joined the group as well as a graduate student and two Tribal members eager to audit the class, making a total of seven students.
The August 2023 Language Department update from Director Justin Neely reflects on the first Master Apprentice program and the admirable work students of Bodéwadmimwen to learn and carry on the language.
This month’s language update highlights the summer apprentice program, Family Reunion Festival and more.
This month’s language update highlights the impressive showing of young Potawatomi students at the recent Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair, the upcoming summer apprentice program with the Department, and more.
This month’s update from the Language Department features the upcoming Master Apprentice program this summer, and the Department’s presence at the Oklahoma Language Fair.
The March 2023 language update highlights the beginner course series starting March 15 as well as a recent Endangered Language Fund grant to support summer apprentices.
This month’s language update introduces a new beginner learning course and highlights the Winter Story Telling event on February 21, 2023.
James “Jim” Thunder, Sr., a Potawatomi elder who was one of the few remaining native-speakers and helped lay the groundwork for current efforts to teach Bodéwadmimwen, has walked on. Thunder’s legacy covers not only the years he spent teaching the language but also the documentation he created and shared with Potawatomi everywhere, no matter where they lived. He laid the foundation for future generations to learn Potawatomi.
This episode explores language, specifically Bodéwadmimwen in a historical context. We hear from a CPN musician and filmmaker who created a music video showcasing the past, present and future of Potawatomi. We also discuss the legacy of a first language speakers who recently walked on.