When the University of Oklahoma hosted its Native American Youth Language Fair this year, children from Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s after school program were among those to place.
Pre-K students placed first in the large group skit category, and after school’s 5 and 6-year-olds placed second in the video submission Pre-K through second grade category.
“Over 50 students participated across the Potawatomi Nation; to my knowledge, this was the first year we included students beyond Pre-K,” CPN Interdepartmental Potawatomi Language Lead Robert Collins said.
The group of students who placed first performed greetings in Potawatomi and counting to a “Bama Mine” song using puppets. The group that placed second performed the poem “Ke Penojéyek Ndawmen” (Children of the Land).
Collins said the children prepared for about a month and a half before the fair, with the Pre-K group having even more time with some of the material.
“We had integrated key elements such as greeting rituals, basic counting skills and the lively song ‘Bama Mine’ into our curriculum throughout the year,” Collins said. “This consistent exposure allowed them to engage with the material more confidently and enthusiastically.”
Also participating in the fair were 7 and 8-year-olds who submitted art pieces and 9 and 12-year-olds who submitted art pieces that were displayed during the fair.
Theresa Talbot also made skirts and vests with a turtle design for the Pre-K students to wear for the fair.
“The performance was phenomenal,” Collins said. “It was clear that the children relished the opportunity to showcase their hard work. Each moment exuded confidence, leaving no doubt about their commitment to succeed.”
Collins also added that many people play vital roles in teaching children the language, from leadership who support the efforts, to teachers at the Child Development Center, to the parents who actively participate.
“Your involvement is invaluable as we foster a love for our language and traditions,” Collins said.