Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Language Department began offering Potawatomi classes to public school systems in 2017 after the curriculum met Oklahoma state standards for a world language credit. The department expanded to Shawnee Middle School in 2021. At the beginning of the academic year, it presented sixth graders the option to take Potawatomi as a 9-week elective course.
The January 2022 Language update from CPN Language Department Director Justin Neely discusses Potawatomi language courses in area schools, on-going classes by the department, children’s book efforts, and more.
During this episode, we visit Bodéwadmimwen classes that are in-person again. We also talk to a Tribal member with experience in the Oklahoma film industry as a costumer and hear from the Oklahoma Gaming Industry Association Chairman about its recent history and future.
This month, the CPN Language Department discusses their newest classes, the expansion of offerings in public schools, and its online resources as well as a prayer for Thanksgiving.
Language Department Director Justin Neely talks about departmental achievements, online resources and the future of the staff’s work.
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.