Potawatomi language instructor Robert Collins sees the language lessons with CPN Police Department Sgt. Chris Berry and others across the country as an opportunity to hone his skills while helping others grasp Bodéwadmimwen.
The CPN Language Department has been keeping busy with many projects. They are continuing their work on a series of children’s books while teaching Monday-Thursday in the Child Development Center’s two facilities. They are also working on videos, potawatomidictoniary.com and more.
CPN Language Department Director Justin Neely discusses the end of the semester with online language classes, the future of onsite classes, resources and more.
The US Department of Interior’s Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development awarded $3 million as part of its Living Languages Grant Program. Eighteen tribes across the country received funding, including approximately $200,000 to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, which will extend its language learning resources.
Read about what the language department has been working on so far in 20201, including a new cartoon, new posters, this year’s storytelling event and more.
Attending Family Reunion Festival as a child exposed Ragan Marsee to Bodéwadmimwen for the first time, which inspired her to connect with her Potawatomi culture and language. Today, she serves in the CPN Language Department as an aid, teaching students Bodéwadmimwen.
Language Department Director Justin Neely discusses ways to learn Potawatomi during the upcoming year and what staff accomplished in 2020.
CPN Language Department Director Justin Neely discusses upcoming projects, recent accomplishments and more language learning opportunities in the December 2020 update.
Speaking with and teaching a dog commands in Potawatomi offers fun ways to learn the language with simple phrases, especially for beginners.
Although mastering the language has its difficulties, picking a few words and using them with younger generations helps ensure Bodéwadmimwen stays alive and strong for years to come.