The Lakota Language & Education Initiative is paramount to the liberation and reclamation of our Lak̇ol Wiċoḣʼaŋ (way of life) and Lak̇ol woyukcaƞ (thought).

This initiative fosters a Lak̇ot̄a learning environment that develops strong leaders who are rooted in Lak̇ol Wiċoḣʼaŋ, are academically prepared and have the tools to live a healthy and holistic life. To nurture and heal our communities, we take this intentional approach to restore our relationship to the learning, teaching and speaking of Lak̇otiyap̄i.

It is through this initiative that we work diligently to acquire, preserve and protect our language and lifeways through a multi-generational and intergenerational approach.

Our work includes:

• Wak̄iƞyaƞ Oṗa Owayawa | Thunder Valley Montessori Lakota Immersion program

• Owayawa Bebela | 1-3 Lakota Immersion Montessori rooted our language and lifeways.

• Owayawa Cikʼala | 3-6 Lakota Immersion Montessori rooted our language and lifeways.

• Owayawa Ṫaƞk̄a | Elementary Immersion Class that provides immersive learning for grades K-1 that reflects the beliefs of our ancestors inside our ancestral language.

• Wayawa Ṫaƞk̄oƞk̄iƞyaƞ | Lakota Reclamation Program to increase knowledge and confidence in the Lakota language within our staff, families and communities.

• Wowapi na Itowapiṡkáƞṡkaƞ Kaġapi | Curriculum Development that is comprehensive and culturally-infused for our children, families and adults. The comprehensive curriculum is designed by our fluent speakers, educators, and community.

• Wowahok̄uƞkiye | Teachings of Our Elders preserves the history and knowledge of our fluent speakers.