Osage Nation’s Immersion School, Daposka Ahnkodapi, Receives Accreditation

Oklahoma State Department of Education voted in favor of private school accreditation

Daposka Ahnkodapi educators and staff

PAWHUSKA, OKLA. – In a special meeting on Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Oklahoma State Department of Education voted in favor of approving the Osage Nation’s immersion program, Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary, for private school accreditation.
 
“With the school fully accredited, we look forward to growing and fulfilling our mission each day,” said Daposka Superintendent Patrick Martin. “We appreciate the vision of Chief Standing Bear for making this school possible, and the support of Congress, knowing how important this school is to keeping our language and culture alive. Supporting our children and educating them in Osage ways gives us all hope for the future of our Tribe. It is an investment in the future and takes dedicated people with vision to fulfill it.”
 
Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary was established in 2015 with the belief that immersing students in the Osage language and culture will strengthen the self-esteem and Osage identity of the next generation of Osages.
 
“This confirms the incredible program we have,” said Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. “Our belief in teaching the Wahzhazhe language in the classroom is reinforced by this accreditation. Congratulations to the students, teachers, parents and Superintendent Patrick Martin.”
 
Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary serves Osage children from 6 weeks old through fifth grade. It provides a place where children can begin to learn the Osage language, at a preverbal age, by hearing the Osage language spoken for several hours each day.
 
Enrollment information can be found at www.osagenation-nsn.gov or by calling 918.287.9772.