MHA languages are in in need of support: the average age of fluent speakers is 65 and older, learning materials and methods are not consistent across school systems, there are too few trained language teachers, and our advanced students’ needs are not being met.
Despite these obstacles, we are determined to revitalize our languages! The Project was created in late 2013 and officially began in 2014; it is projected to take 10 years to achieve our primary goals:
- To activate as many learners of Mandan as possible within the community (10 new learners per year, over the next 3 years, and 25 new learners per year for the following 3 years);
- To enhance the comfort level of the community with the language;
- To establish second language learning programs in Twin Buttes and New Town as a way to support the language, learners and teachers in all the communities;
- To establish a robust system for creating and supporting new speakers, including immersion schools and strong language programs in elementary and secondary education schools;
- To create sequenced learning materials for all language learning levels that will move students from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels of the language in a consistent, standardized and effective way in all reservation communities.
The project is designed to build local capacity for managing and developing language resources, revitalization materials and efforts. Today we are working to train, certify, and employ more language teachers in MHA Nation schools and to encourage public familiarity with written and spoken Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara in MHA communities.
We’ve made big strides in our mission to save our languages, and are looking forward to making more progress. The success of our initiative depends on not only better learning in schools but also widespread interest and participation among our communities. This is why we hope YOU will join and support the MHA Language Project!
About MHA Nation
The Three Affiliated Tribes – Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara – form MHA Nation. Although the three tribes have shared culture and history for a long time, each tribe keeps its own sense of identity and tribal relationships. Learn more about MHA Nation at the official tribal webpage and visit the Arikara and Hidatsa MHA Language Project pages.