Native Languages Center

LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ›

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

Spirit Lake Reservation, Fort Totten, ND
littlehoop.edu ➚

Language

Dakota

Academic Programs

Certificate in Dakota Language ➚

Language in the Community

Spirit Lake Tribal Council issued a proclamation in August 2025, designating the Dakota language as the core language of the Spirit Lake Tribe. The proclamation mandates the immediate and permanent inclusion of Dakota in all educational institutions, Tribal programs, and businesses within the Tribe’s jurisdiction. The proclamation, emphasizes the importance of the Dakota language as a vital connection to the Tribe’s heritage, identity, and community. It highlights the Council’s commitment to fostering health, education, and social welfare while acknowledging the historical impact of the federal Indian boarding school system on language and cultural practices.

Language

The primary dialect of the Dakota language spoken in Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota is the Eastern Dakota dialect, specifically associated with the Sisseton (Sisíthuŋwaŋ) and Wahpeton (Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ) bands. The Dakota language is primarily divided into two main, closely related dialects, often called the "D" dialects, which are part of the larger Očeti Šakowiŋ (Sioux) language family: Eastern Dakota (Santee-Sisseton) and Western Dakota (Yankton-Yanktonai). While distinct in vocabulary and grammar, these dialects are largely mutually intelligible.

Teaching Requirements in North Dakota

To teach Native languages in North Dakota individuals can obtain a Native American Language/Culture License. ➚ The North Dakota Standards and Practices Board may license an individual as an instructor of North Dakota American Indian languages and culture if the individual is recommended for licensure to teach North Dakota Native language by an Indigenous language board created by a Tribal government in this state and if the individual:

Displays competence in North Dakota American Indian languages and culture and has successfully completed a three-semester hour course in classroom instruction at a tribal college or other institution of higher education; or
Holds a baccalaureate degree and has knowledge of and experience in North Dakota American Indian languages and culture.

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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