Last month, Maȟpíya Lúta hosted an impactful cultural exchange with youth from the Poarch Creek Band of Indians in Alabama. From June 24th to 26th, our summer interns had the opportunity to connect with these young leaders, sharing stories, learning from one another, and deepening their understanding of the importance of cultural preservation.
Amanda Carlow, the director of the Lakota Language Othi, shared her thoughts on the significance of such exchanges: “I envision cultural exchange programs, like the one with Poarch Creek, as more than travel opportunities—they are powerful spaces to witness how language lives in other communities. They allow us to see the status of Indigenous languages elsewhere and learn what youth in those communities are doing to protect and promote them. These experiences inspire and empower our own youth to stay active, or to join, the language revitalization movement—doing their part to keep our language alive for this generation and for generations yet to come.”
Throughout the exchange, the Poarch Creek youth arrived on campus on June 25th to meet with Maȟpíya Lúta interns. The morning began with introductions in the High School Library, followed by apresentation on the role of language and social media in cultural preservation. The day continued with a visit to the Heritage Center and lunch, where both groups connected over shared meals and stories.
One of the most memorable moments of the exchange came during a fun TikTok session. Senior intern Kinley Fox reflected on the experience, saying, “The most memorable moment with the Poarch Creek youth was getting to know them by doing our individual TikToks. They were funny, outgoing, and kind to us and our language.” Fox continued, “Listening to them talk makes me realize that we both have a lot in common as far as our ability to take pride in our identity by rebuilding what we once lost. It makes me want to further participate in the ceremonies and language that we have, not just for this generation but the next generation to come. That way, we won’t ever have our culture stripped away from us again, as long as we continue to embrace our identity.”
The cultural exchange continued on June 26th, with the Poarch Creek youth making TikToks, going fishing, watching the horse races, and picking sage alongside Maȟpíya Lúta interns. The day wrapped up with a group reflection and left everyone with a renewed sense of cultural pride and a commitment to language revitalization.
This exchange highlighted the power of language in connecting communities across time and space, fostering not only a deeper appreciation for one’s own culture but also a shared commitment to keeping Indigenous languages alive. It was an unforgettable experience that will continue to inspire the youth of Maȟpíya Lúta as they take part in the ongoing movement to preserve and revitalize the Lakota language.