Restoring Language

Crossing the Digital Divide: College of Menominee Nation uses technology to restore language

Like many Indigenous cultures, the Menominee Nation’s language is threatened. This article describes the action the Menominee Tribal College took to preserve their language and culture, while preparing their students for the future.  Three aspects are discussed: online education, teacher-student interactions, and a Community Technology Center.

In order to reach Menominee students across the country the college began using on-line classes.  Instructors have further embraced technology: downloading over 100 hours of audio recordings on to iPods and creating new digital movies involving students and elders.  Social media may also be a valuable tool by connecting youth with elders who support them in their language development.   The tribal nation recognized that not all people have access to technology, thus they built the Community Technology Center, which offers computers and internet access for the public.

The Menominee example highlights the capabilities of technology to preserve Indigenous culture and encourage youth to make connections to tradition and elders.

Camille