Students are already enjoying the new playground. Photo from Iyapi Glukinipi / Lakota Immersion Childcare.

A unique Lakota language immersion program based on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota has received new playground equipment.

Iyapi Glukinipi / Lakota Immersion Childcare installed the playground late last month. The equipment was donated by Tatanka Oyate, a non-profit from Germany.

“The kids were really getting cabin fever earlier this winter from being cooped up inside so much,” said program director Matt Rama. “With so much snow followed by thaws, more often than not it was a muddy mess where the kids would normally go out and play.”

The facility is located at the Lakota Circle Village. The students, who range in age from 18 to 24 months, only hear the Lakota language when they are in care.

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