STATEMENT ON "KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON"
"The Osage language is a pillar of our sovereignty. As part of our joint commitment to Native representation, the Osage Nation Language Department worked directly with the “Killers of the Flower Moon” production team and cast. The countless hours spent teaching, learning, and sharing are evident within the film’s dialogue and subtitle text. Our deep appreciation goes to all those – past, present, and future - who dedicate their time and energy to accurately portraying Natives in film."
ABOUT US
Language revitalization is a foundational component of the Osage Nation’s sovereignty and cultural preservation. The Osage Nation Language Department strives to teach our people to speak, write, and read Wahzahzhe in daily conversation. Through Osage orthography and curriculum developed by Osage elders and certified language instructors, tribal members have access to free community classes and a variety of language tools.
COMMUNITY CLASSES
Each year, the Osage Nation Language Department (ONLD) provides free classes - online and in-person - to Osage tribal members. The classes range from beginner to advanced, as well as youth options. All Osage tribal members are encouraged to participate in classes as an act of sovereignty and cultural connection. Classes are held in an academic year cycle, with enrollment beginning in late summer, classes beginning in fall, and culminating in the following spring.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Beyond community classes, the ONLD engages in a variety of community outreach initiatives, such as book readings at tribal events and hosting hand games for Native American youth. Certified Osage language teachers are going into classrooms throughout the Osage Reservation to reach students and build relationships with community members. Osage orthography can be seen throughout the reservation boundaries.
ONLD staff members are active participants at the annual Dhegiha Conference held by the Dhegiha Preservation Society for the purpose of protecting, preserving, and perpetuating the Dhegiha Language through training, education, publication, program development, curriculum development, outreach, and social and cultural exchange activities.LANGUAGE TOOLS
Osageculture.com is an online hub for a variety of language tools available to all for free. There, you will find:
Osage Language Dictionary: The dictionary has a current database of 2,717 Osage-English and English-Osage words, along with a phonetic key on the sidebar.
Osage Keyboard: Find information to download the Osage keyboard to desktop and mobile devices. By doing so, you can text and/or email in Osage orthography.
Cultural Connection Videos: A series of videos dedicated to sharing, preserving, and celebrating the values, teachings, and tribal ways of the Wahzhazhe people. By viewing, you can hear Osage and see orthography being used.
"Coyote & the Bear" Download and Virtual Viewing: “Coyote and the Bear” is a 𐓷𐓘𐓻𐓘𐓻𐓟 story that has circulated for generations. This retelling is based on the version given by Jo Ann Shunkamolah. The book is published in the Osage Orthography with an English translation at the end. The mobile application includes an AR feature that will allow you to scan a page and view it as a pop-up book while listening to a voice-over in either Osage or English. Users are able to download the app by searching “Osage Books” in your app store. Hard copies are also available for purchase at the Osage Nation Visitor’s Center.
Mobile Applications: ONLD offers free mobile applications for you to use in your language-learning endeavors: Osage Books, Wahzhazhe, and Sonny Goes to School. All of the apps are available on Google and Apple app stores.