New language classes stress learning the Blackfeet world view (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

New language classes stress learning the Blackfeet world view.

By John McGill, Glacier Reporter Editor
http://www.goldentrianglenews.com/articles/2005/02/10/glacier_reporter/news/news4.txt

It's not just a regular language class where students memorize lists of
words and phrases. When Ed North Peigan writes a word on the board, his
classroom of students listen to stories from their own culture that
explain the word and its meaning, putting the language into the context
of a world view unique to the Blackfeet people.

Afforded office space at Tribal Headquarters by the Tribal Council,
North Peigan offers morning and afternoon classes free to anyone who is
willing to commit to being there at least once a week.

So far, he reports students are coming to him from Blackfeet tribal
government and from Blackfeet Community College, as well as Siyeh
Development Corp. and Blackfeet Housing.

"We're trying to learn as much as we can about the Blackfeet language
because Ed has a different way of explaining it to the students," one
of his learners said.

Those gathered in his class last week said the combination of
definitions and the stories that bring them about are what's needed for
a complete understanding of the Blackfeet world view.

According to Sooney Little Plume, what the Blackfeet had was knowledge
of the natural world that surrounded them, knowledge contained in the
stories passed down through generations. Since their understanding was
of the real world around them, Little Plume said today's Blackfeet can
find answers about the world in which they live simply by returning to
the language and the balance it entails.

For more information about the Blackfeet language classes, call Ed North
Peigan at 226-9101.