Session 1: 8:30-9:15
Welcome & opening keynote address
Chris La Tray "The Sovereignty of Language"
Session 2: 9:30-10:30
Session 2A - A method of teaching indigenous language
Presenter: Burt Medicine Bull, Chief Dull Knife College
Room: TBD
Description: This is a method which I have created in my 14 1/2 years of teaching Cheyenne language at the college level. I first introduce the Cheyenne alphabet and the sounds as well as the glottal stop sign, the esh š, the silent vowels that signify an silent vowel which Cheyenne language contains. More recently, in the past year, I have incorporated a mixture of Plains Indian Sign language and American Sign Language along with oral Cheyenne language. I also use Choral Response which entails going from English to Cheyenne, Cheyenne to English (I call this, training to become an Genius). Repetition is a MUST, it is really important in learning a Language. Lastly, the use of Assessment or testing to find out if the student has retained and comprehended language learning(mock quiz called Formative assessment, finally, Summative assessment known as the Final exam).
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 2B - Oral Language Instruction through Images - Accelerated Second Language Acquisition
Presenter: Robert Hall, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: A small language lesson in Blackfoot. Completely oral with no translations. Utilizing images you will easily learn words and small sentences.
Who should attend: Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 2C - Cultural-Based Education
Presenters: Dr. Ramey Growing Thunder & Fort Peck Tribes Language & Culture Department Staff: Alexx James, Winona Runsabove-Killeagle, and Ethan Three Stars
Room: TBD
Description: We will share some of the FPT Language and Culture Department’s developed cultural and language curriculum and materials. We will also share some of our experiences and how we connect the youth to the community to the school.
Who should attend? Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Community members/family
Session style: Traditional presentation style
Session 2D - Class 7 Circle: Questions, Answers, and Guidance
Presenter: Matt Bell, OPI
Room: TBD
Description: We will focus on Class 7 licensure, renewals and other related topics. We will also explore ways to incorporate language and culture opportunities into the curriculum.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: conversation/discussion
Session 3: 10:45-11:45
Session 3A - Using Plains Indian Sign Language in the classroom with your target language
Presenter: Terry Brockie
Room: TBD
Description: Often forgotten, Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL) was once the most common form of communication used on the Plains. Learn to incorporate your Tribal language with PISL USING basic verbs, nouns, & various high frequency words/phrases.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, conversation/discussion
Session 3B - Oral Language Instruction through Images - Accelerated Second Language Acquisition
Presenter: Robert Hall, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: A small language lesson in Blackfoot. Completely oral with no translations. Utilizing images you will easily learn words and small sentences.
Who should attend: Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 3C - Dual Immersion in the Public School Classroom
Presenter: Lavonna Little Owl Real Bird & Reva Little Owl Not Afraid, Crow Agency Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Implementing your native Language in the classroom.
Who should attend? interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session style: Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers
Session 4: 11:45-12:45
Lunch: Mariah Gladstone
Session 5: 12:45-1:45
Session 5A - Using Plains Indian Sign Language in the classroom with your target language
Presenter: Terry Brockie
Room: TBD
Description: Often forgotten, Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL) was once the most common form of communication used on the Plains. Learn to incorporate your Tribal language with PISL USING basic verbs, nouns, & various high frequency words/phrases.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, conversation/discussion
Session 5B - Dual Immersion in the Public School Classroom
Presenter: Lavonna Little Owl Real Bird & Reva Little Owl Not Afraid, Crow Agency Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Implementing your native Language in the classroom
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 5C - Nitsipohwahsin “Real Speak”
Presenter: Arthur Westwolf, Sr, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Various techniques on teaching Native languages.Techniques such as Accelerated Language Acquisition and Total Physical Response. These methods can be developed for various Tribal languages. The use of technology is utilized for students and language instructors. Students are participants continuously moving and practicing techniques. Participants are encouraged to discuss converse and ask questions.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, conversation/discussion
Session 5D - Utilizing Native Language the Classroom.
Presenter: Willamina Tailfeathers, Shaylea Tatsey, Jocelyn Big Throat, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Ways to start using native language, ways to add to the daily topics, and how to create worksheets or other activities in the classroom.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers
Session style: traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 6: 2:00-3:00
Session 6A - A method of teaching indigenous language
Presenter: Burt Medicine Bull, Chief Dull Knife College
Room: TBD
Description: This is a method which I have created in my 14 1/2 years of teaching Cheyenne language at the college level. I first introduce the Cheyenne alphabet and the sounds as well as the glottal stop sign, the esh š, the silent vowels that signify an silent vowel which Cheyenne language contains. More recently, in the past year, I have incorporated a mixture of Plains Indian Sign language and American Sign Language along with oral Cheyenne language. I also use Choral Response which entails going from English to Cheyenne, Cheyenne to English (I call this, training to become an Genius). Repetition is a MUST, it is really important in learning a Language. Lastly, the use of Assessment or testing to find out if the student has retained and comprehended language learning(mock quiz called Formative assessment, finally, Summative assessment known as the Final exam).
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 6B - Level Up Language Learning
Presenter: Whitney TopSky, Box Elder Schools
Room: TBD
Description: This presentation is for teachers who want to use online games to boost engagement and competition in their classrooms. Participants will learn how to create a game online. Laptop or similar device with internet access will be needed.
Who should attend? Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, traditional presentation style
Session 6C - Nitsipohwahsin “Real Speak”
Presenter: Arthur Westwolf, Sr, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Various techniques on teaching Native languages.Techniques such as Accelerated Language Acquisition and Total Physical Response. These methods can be developed for various Tribal languages. The use of technology is utilized for students and language instructors. Students are participants continuously moving and practicing techniques. Participants are encouraged to discuss converse and ask questions.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, conversation/discussion
Session 7: 3:15-4:15
Session 7A - Utilizing Native Language the Classroom.
Presenter: Willamina Tailfeathers, Shaylea Tatsey, Jocelyn Big Throat, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: Ways to start using native language, ways to add to the daily topics, and how to create worksheets or other activities in the classroom.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers
Session style: traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 7B - Level Up Language Learning
Presenter: Whitney TopSky, Box Elder Schools
Room: TBD
Description: This presentation is for teachers who want to use online games to boost engagement and competition in their classrooms. Participants will learn how to create a game online. Laptop or similar device with internet access will be needed.
Who should attend? Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, traditional presentation style
Session 8: 4:30-5:30
Youth Panel: Why Language Matters
Session 9: 8:30-9:30
Session 9A - TO REMAIN INDIGENOUS...
Presenter: Crystal Redgrave
Room: TBD
Description: This presentation sets the vision for Indigenous education. It builds from core Indigenous knowledge, values, and beliefs. What we think, what we say, and what we do in everyday life comes from the language we speak, the content we learn, and engagement with others. This model is an education model and a life model that resets the aim of education.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: traditional presentation style
Session 9B - Effective Strategies to Implement Indigenous Language Programs
Presenter: Dr. Velma Pretty On Top, St. Labre
Room: TBD
Description: Native language preservation and language revitalization are worldwide movements and the most effective Indigenous language programs will be highlighted in the session. Dr. Pretty On Top will present her research on effective and proven Indigenous language programs in Indian schools and Indian communities.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 9C - Beginning Cree
Presenter: William The Boy, Box Elder Schools
Room: TBD
Description: I start with basic words and use TPR at the beginning. Then I show them parts of the grammatical structure with them saying the words as they go.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 10: 9:45-10:45
Session 10A - Revitalizing Language Through Innovation: Technology and Creativity in the Classroom
Presenter: Marci Burd, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: This session explores innovative approaches to teaching language by integrating modern technology and creative strategies into the classroom. Participants will learn how to use digital tools, apps, multimedia projects, and culturally grounded activities to make language learning engaging and accessible for students of all ages. Designed for educators, language advocates, and community members, this presentation offers practical resources and inspiration for breathing new life into language revitalization efforts while honoring traditional knowledge.
Who should attend? Elementary teachers, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 10B - Effective Strategies to Implement Indigenous Language Programs
Presenter: Dr. Velma Pretty On Top, St. Labre
Room: TBD
Description: Native language preservation and language revitalization are worldwide movements and the most effective Indigenous language programs will be highlighted in the session. Dr. Pretty On Top will present her research on effective and proven Indigenous language programs in Indian schools and Indian communities.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 10C - Creating a Culture of Connection Through Restorative Practices
Presenter: Crystal Hickman, OPI
Room: TBD
Description: Restorative practices focus on the relationships between individuals- including building, maintaining, and repairing relationships to form healthy, supportive & inclusive schools and communities. Within a school system, restorative practices build community by fostering communication and relationship skills and repairing harm that occurs in- or outside of school.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family, Paraprofessionals, and support staff
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques, traditional presentation style, conversation/discussion
Session 11: 11:00-12:00
Session 11A - TO REMAIN INDIGENOUS...
Presenter: Crystal Redgrave
Room: TBD
Description: This presentation sets the vision for Indigenous education. It builds from core Indigenous knowledge, values, and beliefs. What we think, what we say, and what we do in everyday life comes from the language we speak, the content we learn, and engagement with others. This model is an education model and a life model that resets the aim of education.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: traditional presentation style
Session 11B - Revitalizing Language Through Innovation: Technology and Creativity in the Classroom
Presenter: Marci Burd, Browning Public Schools
Room: TBD
Description: This session explores innovative approaches to teaching language by integrating modern technology and creative strategies into the classroom. Participants will learn how to use digital tools, apps, multimedia projects, and culturally grounded activities to make language learning engaging and accessible for students of all ages. Designed for educators, language advocates, and community members, this presentation offers practical resources and inspiration for breathing new life into language revitalization efforts while honoring traditional knowledge.
Who should attend? Elementary teachers, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 11C - Beginning Cree
Presenter: William The Boy, Box Elder Schools
Room: TBD
Description: I start with basic words and use TPR at the beginning. Then I show them parts of the grammatical structure with them saying the words as they go.
Who should attend? Early childhood teachers, Elementary teachers, Middle school/high school teachers, Post-secondary teachers or teachers of adults, Administrators, Community members/family
Session style: interactive/engaging/participants are moving and practicing techniques
Session 12: 12:15-1
Closing keynote address
James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
12 renewal units available