You can read the original story at Native American Times.
In a world where only about 10% of the Cheyenne and Arapaho population nationwide still speak their languages fluently, events like the language camp that was held Friday, August 3rd at the Concho Community building (no mention of where that building is located) become more important.
The participants learned Cheyenne words for the parts of the tipi. They were also told the story of the tipi and how different rope wrappings on the tipi represented different Cheyenne societies.
The article didn't mention anything at they camp having to do with the Arapaho. It does mention the opportunity to learn Cheyenne and Arapaho at two places in El Reno, Oklahoma, so if you live in El Reno or nearby you might be interested in contacting them.
I am glad that they are wanting to preserve their languages but they will need to get more people involved and have more regular courses to make it sustainable. People need to practice language on a regular basis (at least once a week) to learn to communicate effectively.
I am more concerned with their stories, history, art, and traditions. The languages will probably disappear in a few generations but they don't have to let all traces of their culture go along with it. They could video record and document everything, and continue with programs such as the language camp. They could publish books online.
Storysofa.com and other sites could publish their books, poems, and stories online. Perhaps they could contact language teaching software companies and work together to make interactive courses to teach vocabulary?
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