Portage Online shared the story of Garrett Tacan, a Language and Culture Teacher with Dakota Tipi School, and his work teaching the Dakota language to youth of all ages. “I find that younger kids, like the early years, they pick it up easier [than middle and high school students], they retain it a lot longer,” explained Tacan. He explained that language and culture are interwoven concepts that must be taught together and shared how exposure to cultural events like ceremonies and powwows bring with them lessons in the language. Pointing to MB’s recent investment in Indigenous language degrees, Tacan asserted that these types of programs will reinforce the work he is doing in the K-12 system. “To all the young natives, be proud of who you are, be proud of your culture,” concluded Tacan. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are, just to be proud of the person that you are, be proud of your heritage.”
