Lakota Language Immersion Weekend Fundraising
Where: Oglala Lakota College Rapid City, South Dakota
When: 2027, date TBA
Who: 20 Indigenous Participants
Why: Vitalization and Preservation of the Lakota Language
Goal: $30,000 or more
less than 2% of all climate funding reaches Indigenous peoples
The survival of our planet is dependent on the protection and advancement of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Climate solutions live within Indigenous languages. The liberation of our communities and the liberation of our planet are intertwined.
In 2006 there were 6,000 First Language Lakota speakers
Today there are only 1,500 with most above the age of 65
In Oglala County, SD, the average life expectancy is 60 years old
On Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the median annual income is $7,772 per capita
“We are not decorations; we are leaders of climate solutions.”
Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, Dënesųłiné, founder of the Woven Project, COP30
what’s included?
20 participants will receive:
transportation stipend
accommodations
meals throughout the weekend
childcare stipend
immersive language learning
cultural skills classes
classes led by:
skilled Lakota teachers and fluent elders
Lakota community members (beadwork, plant knowledge, ancestral skills)
who is this for?
Indigenous Lakota language learners - many from the Maȟpíya Lúta 4-year Lakota Language Program
Maȟpíya Lúta‘s free adult classes run 8-9pm EST Monday-Thursday, for 9 months
Each year we receive 4 CEU credits (Continuing Education Units) from South Dakota State University
Relatives on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and distant learners (California, Texas, New York, and more)
why don’t you apply for a grant, crowdsource, or do student sponsors?
Many Lakota learning groups apply for the same grants and only one grant is currently available to be awarded in the Lakota community for adult language learning.
I have personally observed many instances of lateral violence in the native community when it comes to receiving money. examples include: “why do they get that money?” “they don’t deserve that opportunity.” leading to doxing or take-down campaigns.
I would like to keep this as quiet as possible for the first year, meaning no advertisements and invitation-only.
Participants should be allowed the dignity of not having to campaign or ask for money for the ability to attend this weekend.
working budget
The weekend is free for every participant. Here’s where your support goes:
Honoring our elders and teachers: $6,000
Honoraria for fluent Lakota-speaking elders and our lead teacherBringing students to Rapid City: $5,000
Travel stipends for 20 studentsBringing elders to Rapid City: $2,000
Travel for elders coming from across Turtle IslandLodging: $3,900
2-3 nights’ housing for students, elders, and teachersMeals: $3,750
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for 3-4 daysChildcare: $1,500
Stipends so parents can take partGathering space: $1,200
Venue for the weekendLocal transportation: $800
Van rental and gasLearning materials: $750
Printing, class suppliesCoordination and logistics: $2,500+
Planning and running the weekendContingency: $2,600
For any unexpected costs
Total: $30,000 or more
how to help
01
donate
I am seeking private donations that will help to fund the entire immersive weekend.
02
financial advice
I am seeking tips on how to receive the funds when it comes to taxes, fiscal sponsorship, or otherwise.
03
organizational advice
I am seeking to understand how to use, distribute, and transparently manage this money.
a note from amy
many elders say that we lived so closely with the earth that our language comes from the water, wind, land, and animals.
being reunited with the Lakota language has been an immense gift and a life changing experience. our fluent elders are urging us to utilize their knowledge before they pass on. time is of the essence when it comes to Lakota language learning.
Sign up for updates
Get notified when the fundraising link is live along with other project updates.