Wisconsin tribes are working to preserve their languages in hopes of keeping them alive for future generations.

Fewer than 20 fluent Menominee speakers live on the Menominee Nation. So the tribe started classes for older tribal members and helped develop a language program for public school students.

"We're definitely continually improving but more work needs to be done," Wendell Waukau, the superintendent for the Menominee Indian School District, told The Green Bay Press-Gazette.

All elementary and middle school students are required to learn Menominee. The language is offered as an elective for high school students.

The Oneida Nation made Oneida its official language in 2004. The tribe hopes to have all members become fluent in the language in the next seven generations.

Get the Story:
Tribes committed to increase native speakers (The Green Bay Press-Gazette 11/20)
Menominee language finds new life in schools (The Green Bay Press-Gazette 11/20)