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Project Coordinator - Louis Headman Project Assistant - LANGUAGE GRANT The purpose of this grant is to assess the current state of the Ponca language, because it is an endangered language, it will include partnerships with the University of Oklahoma Sam Noble Museum, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, focus groups, and one-on-one meetings with Tribal Elders in order to obtain current statistical data on the current state of the Ponca language. The project will be using a language assessment survey to assess the status of the language and to determine long-range goals for preservation and revitalization. A long range plan to reintroduce, maintain and preserve the Ponca language will be written in consultation with a Council of Elders, a linguist, and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. We are going to need a total of 1,423 surveys to be completed.
From left to right standing: Eddie Brokeshoulder– Project coordinator, Candice Kent– Project Assistant, Otis Warrior, Clarene Arkeketa, Thomasine Blueback, Scotty Simpson Jr.-Business Committee member, Virginia Buffalohead, Sitting from left to right: Geraldine Primeaux, Suzanne White Eagle, Hazel Headman, Cynthia Vetter.
On Thursday January 22nd, 2009 a community meeting was held to discuss the ANA language grant. The meeting included door prizes and an Indian taco dinner served to those who were in attendance. The meeting went well and a good number of tribal members attended. We had over 50 people sign in for the meeting, and we want to thank everyone who attended. Community members discussed future planning activities in the areas of master apprentice, language immersions and multimedia programs and development of teaching curriculum for youth and adults . At the end of the meeting, tribal members concluded that the Ponca language needs to be revitalized and preserved for future generations and support the current and future efforts of the Ponca language project.
Mrs. Estelline Warrior and Mrs. Geraldine Primeaux were happy to fill out the survey and want to encourage all tribal members to complete the survey. Mrs. Warrior spoke of a time when there was a boarding school in White Eagle around 1918. She said “All the little ones lived there in school where they were being taught English. Mrs. Warrior said her parents were punished for speaking Ponca in school and had their mouths washed out with lye soap and were slapped on the head with a long stick.” Mrs. Primeaux and Mrs. Warrior want to let everyone know how important it is to fill out the survey. Mrs. Primeaux says “my language is who I am,” when asked how the Ponca language is relevant in her life. (580) 763-0120 fax (580) 763-0126 Email: language@ponca.com Mailing Address: 20 White Eagle Drive, Ponca City, OK 74601 Physical Address: 121 White Eagle Drive MAP |
Eddie Brokeshoulder -Spoke to the audience at the community meeting.
Geraldine Primeaux and Estelline Warrior fill out surveys.
