Dakota Wicohan is a regional non-profit language support organization that seeks to revitalize the Dakota language in Minnesota to a living language. Dakota Wicohan’s long range strategic plan includes building a strong teacher base, recording speakers, developing teaching tools from filming fluent speakers, developing additional learning opportunities, as well as, long term educational plans. Their grant requested money to provide an interactive Dakota language learning camp for a minimum of 40 Dakota youth.
Grant Activities: The short term goals are to use language and traditional teachings as literacy tools through the development of an Anishinaabemowin Family Literacy program taking place throughout the 2012-2013 school years. The Anishinaabemowin Revitalization team will consist of school staff, elders, tribal government employees, parents, and community members. A written plan for revitalization will be concluded by June 2013. An increased capacity for immersion programming will result through the development of local speakers, materials, and an effective school based program.