The Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota doesn't want to see the Dakota language go away.

But of the 4,400 people who live on the Fort Totten Reservation, only about 120 are fluent in the language. "We're losing these native speakers," Cynthia Lindquist, the president of the tribal college, told the Associated Press.

Every Tuesday, people gather at Candeska Cikana or "Little Hoop" College to speak Dakota in a non-classroom setting.

Get the Story:
Grants meant to preserve language (AP 12/19)

Native Languages Bill:
Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act (H.R.4766)

Relevant Links:
Indigenous Language Institute - http://www.indigenous-language.org

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