From December 19th to 21st, Maȟpíya Lúta Owáyawa hosted a groundbreaking conference and training event, Creating Spaces and Speakers, dedicated to Indigenous language revitalization. The event brought together over 110 attendees for a powerful weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration.
The conference featured two distinguished keynote speakers. Dr. Anton Treuer, an Ojibwe professor at Bemidji State University and a renowned author, captivated the audience with his insights on education, cultural preservation, and equity. Treuer holds degrees from Princeton University and the University of Minnesota and has received numerous awards and fellowships, including recognition from the MacArthur Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. His lifelong dedication to cultural and language work has made an impact across the world.
The second keynote, Kalāmanamana Harman, is a Native Hawaiian advocate and Elder-in-Training at Tamalpais Trust. A graduate of Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u, a Hawaiian medium school, and Dartmouth College, Harman’s work focuses on supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and preserving Hawaiian traditions. She also helps lead a Hawaiian dance school, demonstrating her commitment to community and cultural education.
In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference hosted presenters from 12 organizations, including Hoyeya, Maȟpíya Lúta, Wóiwahoye Gluótkuŋzapi, Gen7, Wakanyeja Tokeyahci, Sicangu Co, Thunder Valley, Lakolya Waoniya, Oceti Sakowin Community Academy, Oglala Lakota College, and United Tribes Technical College. Presenters shared their journeys, offered training sessions, and participated in discussions that fostered collaboration among Indigenous language advocates.
One enthusiastic presenter shared their gratitude, saying, “I’m super honored to have had the opportunity to speak at Wóiwahoye Gluótkuŋzapi – Maȟpíya Lúta’s Creating Spaces & Speakers Laḳ̂į́ota Language Conference this weekend! This was my first time presenting at any conference, and I’m grateful for the experience. Alex spoke as well and did his presentation entirely in Laḳ̂į́otíyapi for the first 30 minutes. It was amazing to hear the keynotes from Anton Treuer and Kalāmanamana Harman. Wonderful job to the organizers!”
Another attendee remarked, “Congratulations to your organization for hosting an awesome conference! My mom, who was hesitant to attend, was moved to tears during the opening reception. I loved being surrounded by Lakota, Dakota, Hawaiian, and Ojibwe speakers.”
The event was enriched by the presence of representatives from many Indigenous nations, including:
- Ojibwe
- Hawaiian
- Oglala Lakota
- Sicangu Lakota
- Khul Wichasa
- Cheyenne River
- Crow Creek
- Sisseton Wahpeton
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- Northern Arapaho
- Anishinaabe Leech Lake
- Three Affiliated Tribes
- Dine
- Bdewakanthuwan
A particularly moving moment during the conference was the recognition of ten children who have been raised speaking Lakota since or prior to the age of two. Additionally, over 20 fluent speakers were honored for their contributions to language preservation. Gloria Warrior who has been part of the language revitalization movement since the first daycare was opened was honored in a special recognition. Lakota and Dakota were consistently spoken throughout the conference by these fluent speakers, the children, and the many second-language learners in attendance.
The Creating Spaces and Speakers conference highlighted the power of Indigenous language as a foundation for cultural identity, connection, and resilience. The collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and commitment displayed at the event will undoubtedly inspire further growth and revitalization efforts for years to come.