Young members of the Confederated Grand Ronde Tribes of Oregon are learning Chinook, the language of their ancestors.

Also known as Chinuk-wawa, or Chinook jargon, the language was used by different tribes and, later, among European traders. When Chinook ancestors were moved to the Grand Ronde Reservation, it became the defacto language among the different tribes living there.

The language fell out of use but is now being taught at the tribal day care center. Gaming revenues keep the program alive.

Get the Story:
Once-dying Chinook language finds future in voices of children (The Seattle Times 6/8)