FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LLC
Learn about LLC's people, LLC internships, and the awards & honors LLC has received.
About Us
Lakota Language Consortium is working to save and grow one of the largest remaining Native American language groups, Lakota, for the generations to come. We also hope that our work with Lakota may provide a blueprint for revitalization work in other Native American languages.Learn more
LLC is working to ensure that the Lakota language can be used in every household of the reservation and that Lakota children can be raised as first language speakers. This work includes providing every Lakota parent with the means to speak Lakota daily, and every Lakota child with the means to become a fluent second-language speaker and writer at school. Young Lakota are already developing the language’s modern usage on every media platform. LLC’s vision is to help tribal leaders and teachers build a lasting foundation – in linguistic understanding and diligent practice -- for speaking, reading and writing vibrant Lakota.
Lakota Language Consortium is one of the foremost Native American language organizations in the United States. LLC is made up of Native community leaders, linguists, and volunteers. Its primary mission is the complete revitalization of the Lakota language -- one of only a small number of Native American languages left that has a significant chance of survival.Learn more
Over the past decade, LLC's coordinated work in Lakota language revitalization has produced the first-ever professionally developed Lakota language materials for school children. Participation of 20,000 Lakota children from more than 53 schools across North and South Dakota make the Consortium the most active language revitalization organization of its kind. LLC trains teachers in second-language education methods, produces the language materials, sponsors community and educational events, and directs other efforts to preserve the unique identity that Lakotas have maintained through their language.
Native American languages have suffered especially destructive historical pressures whose effects are only now starting to be fully realized. Perhaps only a dozen Native American languages of the original 400-500 have a chance of surviving beyond the next thirty years. Government aid for this problem has been severely limited and the few grant-making private foundations working on language revitalization have been strained by the demand. There are very few organizations working to raise funds for endangered Native American languages.Learn more
Over the past decade, LLC's coordinated work in Lakota language revitalization has produced the first-ever professionally developed Lakota language materials for school children. Participation of 20,000 Lakota children from more than 53 schools across North and South Dakota make the Consortium the most active language revitalization organization of its kind. LLC trains teachers in second-language education methods, produces the language materials, sponsors community and educational events, and directs other efforts to preserve the unique identity that Lakotas have maintained through their language.Learn more
LLC is always working on new ideas, materials and projects to promote and preserve Lakota language and culture. Currently, LLC is developing new textbooks and audio CDs for the classroom as well as collaborating with our sister organization, The Language Conservancy, and Florentine/Hott Productions to produce Rising Voices/ Hótȟaŋiŋpi, a documentary on the growing Lakota language revitalization movement.Learn more
HISTORY
After years of joint projects with the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota, LLC was formally established as a non-profit in 2004 to meet the growing needs of the Lakota language community for materials, resources and media ventures.
Our Story
BOARD
LLC is governed by a Board of Director that draws from a diverse pool of talent. Tribal community educators and cultural leaders work closely with LLC linguists, media experts and education developers to promote the Lakota language.
Our Board
PEOPLE
LLC draws upon the expertise of a staff and volunteer team of language consultants, educators, artists, linguists, computer programmers and community leaders dedicated to saving indigenous languages.
Our Staff 
VOLUNTEERS
We are always looking for motivated individuals who would like to contribute their skills and time. We have a variety of areas where volunteers would be welcome, including fundraising and technology.
AWARDS
Over the years, LLC has won many grants and prizes and has been celebrated for its accomplishments. See just a few of the honors awarded to Lakota Language Consortium.
Our Awards & Honors
INTERNSHIPS
Internships at LLC are a great way to develop writing, media, design and computer skills as you help move the Lakota cause forward in meaningful way.
Intern with LLCStill have questions? For more information, submit your question through the contact form or email us at info@lakhota.org.