Osage Nation Language Department Announces 2021-2022 Community Class Schedule

The Osage Nation Language Department (ONLD) opens registration for 2021-2022 community classes on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. Virtual and in-person classes begin Monday, September 13, 2021 for all ages. A variety of levels are offered including Children’s Classes, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Reading & Writing, among others. All classes are free of charge.
 
“We’ve made great progress in our work to bring back the Osage language to daily use,” said Chief Standing Bear. “The staff at the Osage Language Department do an incredible job and I encourage Osage community members across the globe to take part in these community classes. Learning and speaking our language is key to maintaining our vibrant traditions.”
 
Osages were originally in what are now Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas and they were removed to what is now the Osage Reservation in the late 1800s. In spite of their circumstances, they were able to hang onto their language and ways. As time passed, the “pure Osage” language was diluted by European influences. Osages who were born in 1906 and later were sent off to boarding schools, while there they were forced to quit speaking Osage and speak English. Osages who were born from 1940 forward had English as their first language; they heard Osage spoken. The language diluted even more and much of the meaning was lost.

In 2003, the ONLD was built with a mission to revitalize the Osage Language to its purest form and to teach Osage people to speak Osage with unique ways and in daily conversation.

“The commitment of our people to maintain our language is inspiring,” said Vann Bighorse, ONLD Director. “We are excited to begin another year of classes and continue building our curriculum to meet the needs of Osage people.”

To further support revitalization efforts, the ONLD collaborated with the Osage Nation Cultural Department, utilizing CARES Act funds, to launch a new website in March 2021: www.osageculture.com. The website includes a variety of tools to learn the Osage language including a dictionary and access to download the Osage keyboard to desktop and mobile devices. The departments also created a series of videos dedicated to sharing, preserving and celebrating the values, teachings and tribal ways of the Wahzhazhe people. These videos are available on the Osage Nation YouTube channel.

Registration for ONLD’s Community Classes opens on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at www.osageculture.com. Classes begin Monday, September 13, 2021. For questions, please contact langinfo@osagenation-nsn.gov.