Honoring Language Warriors : An evening of inspiring words

Established in 2006, Wicoie is a small non-profit but a national leader in language immersion at the early childhood level. Unlike many other immersion programs we focus on teaching 2 indigenous languages Dakota and Ojibwe to our youngest community members and their families. Teaching our youngest community members is crucial to keeping our languages and cultures healthy and thriving. We are determined to help grow and usher in the next generation of First speakers of Minnesota's first Languages.This year, Wicoie is celebrating our 16th year of revitalizing our Dakhota and Ojibwe languages. Partnering with families and the community, we were the first indigenous urban preschool language immersion program created in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We offer books and materials for parents and caregivers who are interested in learning the Dakhota and Ojibwe languages. Adult participation enhances the early childhood learner’s experience, revitalizing and sustaining these languages for the future.As the cost of early childhood education rises exponentially throughout the country our families have been hit with an extreme financial burden. We have been fundraising to be able to provide full scholarships for our families.“Ultimately the survival of Indigenous languages depends on the will of the community,” Lahoucine Arnouzy, researcher, Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture of Morocco.“You’ve got to know your language to understand your culture.” Beatrice Taylor, Ojibwe

Wicoie Nandagikendan

Wicoie Nandagikendan, Dakota and Ojibwe language immersion preschool, is hosting an evening of inspiration and hope for Indigenous Languages

Day Block Event Center

<h1>Wicoie Nandagikendan presents</h1><h1>An evening of inspiring words honoring indigenous language and culture</h1><p>Minneapolis, MN 55404 – Wicoie Nandaginkendan, a Dakota and Ojibwe language immersion preschool will host an evening of inspiration and hope. The line-up is an impressive one; Message from *Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth), Message from MN 2022 Book Award Author Diane Wilson (Lakota/Dakota) *Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Anne McKeig (White Earth), AIM Executive Director Lisa Bellanger and Cultural Educator (Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe), Executive Director Women Winning Nevada Littlewolf (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) and Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins. </p><p>This will be a hybrid event with the VIP reception an in-person event and our general admission will be accessed virtually. The VIP reception will be catered by “Owamni.” The James Beard Foundation recently named, “Owamni” as the best restaurant in America. Dana Thompson co-owner of Owamni will be entertaining our guests as she is also a Jazz singer. Asignaak, A women’s hand drum will also perform.</p><p>Wicoie Nandaginkendan is the first indigenous urban preschool immersion program created in Minneapolis. Wicoie Nandaginkendan offers a half day immersion experience comparable to the preschool lessons in the English classrooms but they are taught entirely in Dakota or Ojibwe languages. Children who attend our program are found to be testing higher than those who are not in an immersion class and are Kindergarten ready. Participation in our program will increase the students positive cultural identity, self esteem, cultural self efficacy, meta cognition, creativity and other skills that helps increase their critical thinking skills, mental flexibility, and sensitivity to others. Our students upon entry do not need to know Dakota or Ojibwe to be enrolled. </p><p>Tickets: VIP reception $125 (+ General Admission $40. The VIP reception begins at 6pm. Open bar upon arrival. Parking is located behind the center. The event venue is the Day Block Event Center located at 1103 S. Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415.  Please visit our website at: wicoienandagikendan.org for ticket information. * At the time of this PR speakers have not confirmed.</p><p></p>

<p>According to Ethnologue, of the 115 Indigenous languages spoken in the U.S. today, 34 are in danger and 79 will go extinct within a generation without serious intervention. In other words, 99% of the Native American languages spoken today are in danger or near extinction. Dakhota is on the critically endangered language list with one first language speaker left in Minnesota (first language was Dakhota)! The Ojibwe language is not far behind in terms of being critically endangered.  Your participation  can help save and revitalize indigenous languages in Minnesota! </p>

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Honoring Language Warriors : An evening of inspiring words

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Honoring Language Warriors : An evening of inspiring words

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