For three weeks, Lakota language learners and teachers gathered together at the University of North Dakota (UND) to bolster their language skills. Classes on teaching methods, grammar and communication methods took place providing a premier Lakota language learning.
The goal of this intensive program was to provide language learners with the tools they need to continue pursuing an understanding of the Lakota language.
Participants spent over 100 hours in the classroom, which contributed to an immersive Lakota experience. This year’s instructors included Jan Ullrich, Corey Yellow Boy, Kim Campbell, and Marek Kupeic.
“Our job as instructors is to give people the tools they need in order to continue learning the language,” says Kupeic.
This year there were 33 students at the Lakota Summer Institute North, all of whom demonstrated a superb level of commitment to the Lakota language. A few students had even participated in past Summer Institutes, so it was nice to see some familiar faces.
Two of our participants were recipients of the New York Community Trust Scholarship, which allowed them to be a part of this event. We would like to thank those recipients for participating, as well as the New York Community Trust for being a part of our program this year!
We look forward to next year’s Summer Institutes!
LSIN in the News
Want more info on this year’s Lakota Summer Institute North? Check out these sources:
The Forum at Fargo Moorhead
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INFORUM’s piece on the Lakota Summer Institute provides more details on the urgency of learning and teaching Lakota.