Native Languages Center

LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ›

Oglala Lakota College

Pine Ridge Reservation; Kyle, SD
olc.edu ➚
Lakota Studies ➚

Language

Lakota

Academic Programs

Certificate in Lakota Language
AA in Lakota Studies
BA in Lakota Studies (with option for emphasis in Lakota language)

Language in the Community

Lakota language is taught in the public schools and Tribal schools on the reservation. Red Cloud Indian School offers comprehensive Lakota language curriculum for K-12 students.

Language

Lakota (Lakȟótiyapi) is a Siouan language spoken by the Lakota people. It is one of the most widely spoken Native languages in the United States, primarily spoken in the northern Plains states of North Dakota and South Dakota. Lakota (Teton), Western Dakota, and Eastern Dakota are often considered to be three different dialects of the shared Sioux language.

Teaching Requirements in South Dakota

To teach Native languages in South Dakota individuals can obtain a 5-year renewable Native American Language and Culture Permit ➚ without a standard teaching degree. Requirements include an oral/written proficiency, a 3-hour methodology course, and recommendation from a Tribal language board or recognized institution. ➚

Students who complete and pass the Certificate in Lakota Language from OLC can be certified to teach Lakota language in the community and Tribal schools.

Explore More Language Programs

The map below shows the locations of the 37 TCUs across the country. To learn more about each TCU and the language programs offered within those institutions, hover over each pin on the map.

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