Ivan F. Star Comes Out. Photo from Native Sun News
Our ancestors are gone, but their language lives on
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out
www.nsweekly.com Multiculturalism within dominant society is not favored simply because it goes against the goal of unifying into one language, culture, and history. Multiculturalism is rooted in diffusing the formation of minority identity. Even so, it has been debated that integration of native language and culture contributes to a Lakota child’s self-esteem which could improve academic achievement. Consequently, as we enter the 21st century, we are facing a situation wherein our future appears bleak. Our youth continually suffer with high dropout rates, low academic achievement, teenage pregnancy, and now suicides. Although a few of our elected leaders are absorbed with self-preservation activities, some of them are actually trying to make a difference in this situation. Also, we are confronted with a situation where the majority of Lakota language speakers are 60-years and older, and that is a small and continually diminishing population. Each time an elder leaves this world, Lakota language use dies also. When will we realize that our language, culture, history, spirituality, and our identity or cultural distinctiveness can lift our youth out this quagmire? When our language was strong among the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires), these components were singular. For example, there was one creation story and thus one belief system. Today we have more than one faith. Adding to our situation, we have vainly endeavored to transmit Lakota language via English language methods. Fact is language and all its supportive elements have been steadily declining.
Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Our ancestors are gone, but their language lives on (Ivan F. Star Comes Out, POB 147, Oglala, SD 57764; (605) 867-2448; mato_nasula2@outlook.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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