Cda Tribal Language Class Offered Fulfills Curriculum Requirement At Lewis-Clark State College

In what is believed to be a state first, Lewis-Clark State College will soon allow students to use an Indian language to meet its curriculum’s language requirement.

The college will begin teaching the Coeur d’Alene Indian language in August. In the past, only French and Spanish have met the college’s language requirement.

The classes, which are open to anyone, cost $320 and will be offered first in DeSmet, then Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston.

College officials expect much interest in Coeur d’Alene, a guttural language closely related to languages spoken by Spokane-area and coastal Indians.

“If you know the language, you really have a key into understanding the people and their culture,” said Rodney Frey, program director for the college’s 350-student Coeur d’Alene outreach center.

The Coeur d’Alenes, who number about 1,450, are trying to preserve their language. Only a handful of tribal members, most elderly, still speak the language fluently.

Trying to keep the language alive, the tribe has begun offering language classes at the tribal school and to tribal employees. Two months ago, Lakeside High School started teaching the language.

“It’s always surprised me how much interest there is,” said Dianne Allen, director of education for the tribe. “We thought it would be all tribal members signing up for it (at the high school), but it’s actually mixed.”

The Lewis-Clark classes initially will be offered at the college’s branch campus at the former Catholic girls’ school in DeSmet, then Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, Frey said.

Lewis-Clark State College is based in Lewiston. There, the college also teaches the Nez Perce Indian language.

, DataTimes