Potawatomi Language
The Department of Language and Culture offers programs and classes for those interested in learning the Potawatomi language.
May Language Events
Using Technology to Save an Ancient Language
Webcasting and Videoconferencing Now Offer Language Learning to More Pokagons
For the first time, geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to learning the Potawatomi language.
Thanks to a recent purchase of video conferencing equipment, Pokagon Band language learners can now take advantage of even more learning opportunities. Two or three Fridays a month citizens can come to the Community Center to view and participate in language classes broadcast from Forest County Potawatomi. Jim Thunder (Forest County Potawatomi) teaches the classes.
“It’s a phenomenal program,” said Teresa Magnuson, director of language and culture. “Seven of the eight other Potawatomi bands have purchased video conferencing equipment to increase language learning opportunities and network with other Potawatomis. It’s a really big deal that everyone has this.”
Classes are intended not just for learners, but for those who want to teach Potawatomi. In the morning course work is geared to learners, in the afternoon the focus is on teacher training. Forest County’s language program is funded by a grant from the Administration for Native Americans. The department hopes to utilize the equipment more often in the future.
In addition, learners can participate in twice-monthly Pokagon Band language workshops from their own homes. Different Potawatomi language speakers and presenters facilitate the classes, utilizing webcasting technology to broadcast to anyone with an internet connection.
“We have had requests for more language opportunities from citizens who live outside of driving distance,” said Magnuson. “This is an attempt to reach those citizens.”
So far three classes have been webcasted, and they will be archived on the website for those who missed the initial broadcast or want to review. The presenters will include Lillian Rice, John Winchester, Frank Barker, Thomas Loftis, Kyle Kovich, and Kim Wensaut. Check the monthly Language and Culture calendars on the website and in the Pokégnek Yajdanawa for specific dates and times for these opportunities.
To view webcasted language classes, click here, and to view the schedule .
Reoccurring Programs
Potawatomi Language Workshops
Twice a month, language instructors are invited to share their knowledge about the Potawatomi language.
Elder’s Language Class
Elder’s Language Class is a beginner level class that integrates the 200 Words to a Community Project’s content. The class is taught by John Winchester (Pokagon Potawatomi) and is held every Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Elder’s Hall.
Adult Language Class
Adult language classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday with Thomas Loftis.
Language Video Conferencing
Two or three Fridays a month students can come to the Community Center to view and participate in language classes broadcasted from Forest County Potawatomi and Hannahville Potawatomi. Jim Thunder teaches the language lessons in the morning, with teacher-skills training classes in the afternoon taught by Northern Michigan University College of Education professors.
Annual Programs
Hannahville Language Immersion Camp
The week long language immersion gatherings are part of Hannahville Potawatomi's Ewikkendaswat Ekenomagewat Project, a three-year ANA language revitalization project to provide language instructor skills training during the academic school year and summer language immersion camps to increase listening and speaking fluency. Participants have committed to learn, speak and teach the Potawatomi language for future generations.
Registration for Summer Language Immersion is open to community members-at-large, as well as to other Potawatomi Bands. Mornings are spent with the speakers, while afternoons are filled with planned language activities to practice and speak language learned during the morning sessions. Continental breakfast and lunch provided; dinner on your own.
Winter Stories
The Winter Stories is an annual gathering of language speakers and learners to share and hear traditional and contemporary stories in the Potawatomi language. Last year, the morning sessions were filled with storytelling by first language speakers with grammar lessons in the afternoon.