Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Preserving Minnesota's native languages

Ojibwe language
Ojibwe language dictionary
Robert Snache / Creative Commons via Flickr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Two Minnesotans have received funding for projects to help preserve endangered native languages in the state.

Scott DeMuth received a scholarship from the Hawkinson Foundation to develop a curriculum for the Dakota language immersion school in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota's Mary Hermes is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to videotape native speakers to preserve some endangered languages.

From The New York Times:

Throughout the United States, many Native American languages are struggling to survive. According to Unesco, more than 130 of these languages are currently at risk, with 74 languages considered "critically endangered." These languages preserve priceless cultural heritage, and some hold unexpected value -- nuances in these languages convey unparalleled knowledge of the natural world. Many of these at-risk languages are found in my home state of California. Now for some, only a few fluent speakers remain.

Hermes joins The Daily Circuit to discuss the endangered languages and what's being done to document and preserve them.

Video: Who Speaks Wukchumni?