On February 20, 2026, North Dakota Indian tribes and native populations announced new efforts to preserve and revitalize their indigenous languages. With a goal of passing down their languages to future generations, tribal leaders have identified this as a crucial step in preserving their cultural identity and heritage.The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Spirit Lake Nation are among the North Dakota tribes leading the charge in preserving their languages. According to tribal officials, many native languages in the state are at risk of becoming extinct due to dwindling numbers of fluent speakers.To combat this issue, the tribes have launched language immersion programs, language revitalization workshops, and cultural education initiatives. These programs aim to teach community members of all ages the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation of their native languages in an effort to increase fluency and ensure their survival for future generations.In addition to these efforts, North Dakota Indian tribes are also partnering with educational institutions and linguists to create language learning resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and language apps. These resources will not only benefit members of the tribes but will also be available to the wider public in an effort to raise awareness and appreciation for indigenous languages.Tribal leaders emphasized the importance of preserving their languages as a way to connect to their ancestors, maintain cultural traditions, and strengthen their communities. By reclaiming and revitalizing their languages, North Dakota Indian tribes are working to ensure the survival and thriving of their cultural heritage for years to come.