Lakota language program will teach educators about American Indian culture (fwd)

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Lakota language program will teach educators about American Indian culture

By Jon Walker
Argus Leader
Published: June 5, 2007
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070605/NEWS/70605018/1001

A Lakota language immersion program June 24-29 at St. Joseph Indian School
in Chamberlain aims to help educators understand American Indian culture in
South Dakota.

The first-time program has room for 20 participants, who will receive free
lodging and meals. The effort, part of Gov. Mike Rounds’ 2010 education
initiative, is to help educators help students by understanding their
culture.

“Native American students make up about 10 percent of the population in
public schools,” said Mary Stadick Smith of the Education Department.
“Unfortunately, when you look at achievement scores, the American Indian
subgroup does not do as well as the whole student population. We’re always
looking at what we can do to help close that gap.”

Francis Whitebird, Ben Black Bear Jr., Sandra Black Bear and Philomene White
Lance will lead the classes, which will focus on speech rather than writing.

Participants will study history, song, dance and spirituality and take part
in the sacred “inipi,” or sweat.

Teachers, counselors and students may apply. To register, call 605-773-8194.