Dakota Language Teacher Apprenticeship Project

Emerging leaders...dedicated learners. Our learners commit to an intensive three-year apprenticeship program, in which they are not only the learners but assume roles in hands on instruction and facilitation; teaching and leading the next generation. Throughout the year, our apprentices go to school each day, learn from their master elder speaker each week, receive monthly training and engage youth in community education sites by teaching the Dakota language, history, and life ways. Apprentices also facilitate an annual summer language camp - like this past summer's Sunktanka (horse) camp where 32 youth learned Dakota language commands and horse language while trail riding. Like any other apprenticeship, learners dedicate their life and livlihood to learning and mastering a skill. This dedication is matched with advocacy, scholarship, mentorship, and financial support to offset loss of income. The Dakota language crisis requires a concentrated effort in nurturing and developing future speakers and teachers.

One of our apprentices, Dallas Goldtooth, teaching...