Washington tribes are passing on their languages to a new generation.

The Tulalip Tribes finance a program at a public school on the reservation to teach Lushootseed. Elementary students learn the language at a young age but classes are open to teens and adults.

"I love teaching them something positive, that they can't get anywhere else," teacher Natosha Gobin told The Seattle Times of her work. "That gives them pride, and it's something that helps bring the community together."

The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is teaching Klallam to its members and non-members at a local high school. The Skokomish Tribe is also preserving its language.

About 16 Native languages are spoken in Washington.

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Teaching Indian languages preserves heritage, too (The Seattle Times 12/11)