2024 GRADUATION

AUGUST 2, 2024

Twenty language learners and two language teachers were recently honored at the Honoring Our Language & Honoring Tashunga Saba celebration on August 2, 2024. These learners completed two years of study of nakona?abi (Assiniboine language), with the assistance of two dedicated language teachers from Fort Belknap who worked with the NAK 100 Fort Belknap 2024 cohort. Congratulations to all those recognized for their hard work and dedication to continuing our heritage language.

LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION

Language acquisition is not a simple feat. Our language is a highly organized way of communicating. Nakona University offers courses to learn the Assiniboine language. Graduates of 2024 have completed 2 years of study, which included classes: NAK 100, NAK 101, NAK 102, and NAK 103. Recent graduates were honored with a braid of wachāğa (sweet grass), a certificate of completion, and a winchaxbi owīzha (starquilt). Nakona University honors our late wunspewinchakiya (teacher), Tashunga Saba (Dr. Kenneth Ryan).

Meet Our Graduates

Doretta Rush

Coly Rush

Carolyn Rusche

Calli Rusche-Nicholson

Telsa Madden

Nick Redgrave

Jesse Rusche

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Patricia Payne

Jewel Payne

Sharon Kolstad

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Bella Redgrave

Shawn Erickson

Dezi Adams

Shelby Martell

Dori Talks Different

Carseerena Reddog

Heidi Macdonald

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Sylvia Longknife

Rhonda Mason

Wilma "Waskuya" Desjarlias

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Our Teachers

Nakona University is grateful for those who share their knowledge.

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Tashunga Saba, Dr. Kenneth Ryan

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Nakona University is built upon the original language curriculum of Tashunga Saba, which is a source of immense pride for the Nakona people. We are grateful for the opportunity to carry on this language and share it with others, so that it may continue to thrive.

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Micheal Weasel

Michael Weasel, a member of the Wadopaxnatūwa band, played a crucial role in assisting the Fort Belknap Nakoda language classes. He provided guidance and support for language development and facilitated the graduation ceremonies. His knowledge and teachings, as a Native American veteran, ensure the preservation of our culture and language for future generations.

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Faye Filesteel

Faye Filesteel, a member of the Wadopaxnatūwa band, played a crucial role in the language development of Fort Belknap language class. Working alongside Mike, she ensured that the students' oral language development accurately reflected the Fort Belknap dialect. Faye, who is also a movie star and was featured in the Yellowstone series, brings a wealth of knowledge about the Nakoda language and culture to her teaching, ensuring that it lives on through her students.

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Crystal J. Redgrave

Crystal Redgrave is a dedicated educator who has worked tirelessly to continue her grandfather's legacy as a language teacher. Crystal is committed to providing Nakona instruction to her students to ensure that WE REMAIN INDIGENOUS.

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OUR DAGUYABI (RESOURCES)