2nd Language Summit a Success

RAPID CITY – Over 400 registered participants helped to make this year’s language summit a success. The Lakota Dakota Nakota Language Summit was created by Tusweca Tiospaye in 2008 to unite the Oceti Sakowin of the Lakota Dakota Nakota Oyate, also known as the Great Sioux Nation, in efforts to keep the languages alive. The summit saw tribal people representing the entire Oceti Sakowin come together last week from reservations located in several states and Canadian provinces; including, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Montana, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. An opening prayer was offered by Wilmer Mesteth, Oglala Lakota. Featured keynote speakers included Ryan Wilson, Founder of the National Alliance to Save Native Languages; Darrell Kipp, Co-Founder of the Piegan Institute; along with Oswald McKay of the Canku Kaga Dakota School. Numerous break-out sessions were held at the Ramkota Hotel throughout the three day summit. Two breakfasts and three luncheons were offered in order for attendees to network about their own organizations and projects. In addition, a wacipi and hand game tournament were Friday night features. Michael Carlow, Jr. is the Executive Director of Tusweca Tiospaye which is a non-profit organization located on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The organization is devoted to the promotion and strengthening of the Lakota language. Their mission is to create a strong, healthy, and prosperous environment in which children and their families can learn and incorporate the Lakota language into their daily lives. Board members include Walter Pourier, Howard Bad Milk, Sr., George Patton, Darrell Eagle Bull, and Douglas Patton, Jr. For more information on the organization and upcoming events please visit http://www.tuswecatiospaye. org/






Photos by Vi Waln and courtesy of Tusweca Tiospaye