Winter Stories Language Conference to be Held This Week

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Native Brief: MAYETTA, KANSAS - The Prairie Band Potawatomi Language Department is planning to host E Pok Yatsokagnen, Winter Stories, today and tomorrow at the Bingo Hall and Prairie Band Casino & Resort.

E Pok Yatsokagnen

For the past eighteen years, the nine Potawatomi Nations located in the United States and Canada have come together for a three day event called a Gathering that is held once a year. As part of the Gathering, a language conference has been held the past few years that has allowed for the teaching and exchange of information between the tribes about the Potawatomi language.

Tribal Council member Jancita Warrington will open the conference with a welcome, and well known Potawatomi speakers Jim Thunder and Lillian Rice, both from the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe in Fulton, Michigan, will also be featured at the event. Members from some of the other Potawatomi tribes like the Pokagon Band, Hannahville Band and Citizen Potawatomi Nation are also planning to attend.

The Language Program includes a staff of six and is located in the basement of the Fire Keepers Elder Center. Some activities and classes are also held at the Language House that is located 158 Road on the Reservation. Last year the program was awarded an Administration for Native Americans (ANA) grant that is focusing on an immersion approach called a Master Apprentice Program in regard to learning the Potawatomi language.

Since 2007 language classes have been offered through a series of sessions that are dedicated to teaching the language and cultural ways to adults and families. The language staff is also active in supporting the Child Care Center and Boys & Girls Club.

Potawatomi tribes besides the Prairie Band are: Pokagon Band, Dowagiac, Michigan , Hannahville Indian Community, Wilson, Michigan; Forest County Potawatomi, Crandon, Wisconsin; Gun Lake Band, Dorr, Michigan; Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, Fulton, Michigan; Walpole Islandl, Wallaceburg, Ontairo; Wasauksing First Nation, Parry Sound, Ontario; and, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Shawnee, Oklahoma.

posted February 21, 2012 6:00 am est