Language

Meeks recording for a language cd.

In the course of the history of the Prairie Band Potawatomi, language and culture has degenerated to a highly critical state of being. This means that there are less than ten remaining fluent speakers nationwide, many who are isolated within their own community. The language is being used less and less frequently, or not at all. Due to time constraints and budgeting, the tribal members are not becoming speakers of the language and are being taught only words and phrases. There are some adults who can understand the language but are not fluent speakers. The language of the Potawatomi is from the Algonquin rootstock. At one time the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi were one nation. Throughout time, these three split apart and became their own nations. Currently in the eight bands of Potawatomi, there remain fewer than 25 speakers. The Potawatomi language will become extinct in less than a decade if members don’t start acquiring and using it daily toward a goal of becoming fluent. Once the language is gone, the Potawatomi people will lose their cultural identity.

Meeks and Laverne working with the Phraselator.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Language and Cultural Department saw the need to create a plan for the revitalization of the Potawatomi language and culture. It was necessary for a group of Department staff and community members to identify key areas and prioritize them, which then evolved into a strategic plan. With limited resources, it is the intent that the work can be organized in the most efficient manner to fulfill the goals and objectives. The main goal is to revitalize the language and culture so the Prairie Band Potawatomi people will remain strong in their own self-identity.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Language and Culture Department is dedicated to the revitalization effort of “The People.”

Language Program Meeks Jackson, front; Laverne Haag, Billy Matchie