As Minnesota’s state Zoo, we are committed to ensuring that our programs are accessible to all our citizens – regardless of age, geographic location, disability or background. “Zoo Unlimited” is our community outreach and access initiative that unites a wide range of programs and policies designed to ensure every Minnesotan has unlimited opportunities to form stronger connections with the natural world. Legacy funds help us implement this program bridge barriers that keep people from connecting with all the Zoo has to offer.
Over the next two years, through continued implementation of the Immersion Head Start program, Master Speaker/Apprentice program, incorporation of "lessons learned,: coalescence of materials and teaching tools we will create and share a content-based culturally appropriate authentic curriculum for Ojibwe Language Immersion at the Head Start, Kindergarten and First Grade levels. The development process will be an organic, real-time "in classroom" methodology incorporating models from successful Ljibwe language immersion schools.
Develop youth's understanding of the language, their culture and themselves; equip youth with the knowledge, skills and qualities needed for leadership; encourage youths' appreciation forlanguage, cultureal values, teachings, traditions and spirituality; and build youth leadership through meaningful engagement in real community issues.
The goal of the Cansayapi Dakota Iapi (Language) Program is to establish a permanent Dakota language program at Lower Sioux that promotes continuous language learning and speaking opportunities across the generations and community.
Reestablish the Lower Sioux Cultural Resource dedicated solely towards tribal youthby hiring workforce to manage and oversee programming. Increase cultural, language and beliefs into all youth programs - develop and format cultural based youth programming. Strengthen and open dialogue between the youth and elder populations to pass on language and cultural knowlege; build partnership with Lower Sioux Senior Services. Utilize technology to aid in education and awareness; create technological resources geared specifically toward youth language learning.
Increase rural community capacity to teach and transmit Dakota language. Create a safe, nurturing immersion - learning environment that actively engages 15 intergenerational families in learning and speaking Dakota together through traditional Dakota lifeways.
