Indigenous Language Institute

🌱 There is no single path to language revitalization.

Every effort — from learners to speakers, from programs to departments, from homes to classrooms — is part of a larger ecosystem that sustains the health of the language. All are needed. All are important.

Different paths. Shared purpose.
Together, they create the conditions for the language to live and grow.

To support this work, invest here:
👉 https://www.skanikulat.org/donate

is Native Nonprofit Day, and we are honored to celebrate more than 30 years of supporting Indigenous language learning and community-based language work through the Indigenous Language Institute (ILI).

Since 1992, ILI has worked alongside Indigenous communities across the United States to strengthen the everyday use of Indigenous languages through immersion strategies, workshops, educator training, youth engagement, and community-centered programming.

Together, we’ve built relationships and partnerships that continue to support language learning across generations through:
-30+ years of service to Indigenous communities
-Partnerships with 200+ Tribal Nations
-1,200+ participants annually through workshops and trainings
-20–35 community immersion workshops each year
-An annual Indigenous Language Institute Symposium bringing together 300+ language educators, learners, Elders, and community leaders

This work continues because of community support, shared knowledge, and the commitment of people who believe Indigenous languages belong in our homes, schools, workplaces, and daily lives.

We also want to thank Native Ways Federation for continuing to uplift and support Native-led nonprofits and communities through Native Nonprofit Day.

As we recognize Native Nonprofit Day, we invite you to support Native-led organizations working directly in community. If you would like to support ILI’s work, every contribution helps strengthen Indigenous language learning opportunities for future generations.

💛 Support ILI today:
https://www.givenative.org/organization/Indigenous-Language-Institute

Miigwech for being part of this work with us.

Lots going on at ILI this Summer!
Check out our upcoming workshops, Register for the Inaugural Indigenous Language Golf Tournament, and support us this Native Nonprofit Day! - https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/native-nonprofit-day-language-workshops-filling-up-inaugural-golf-registration-open

Check out the late podcast!

🎙️🌱 NOW PLAYING! 🎙️🌱

𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗶 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗻 — “𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆, 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆”

https://podcast.show/tendingourroots/episode/153784435/

Michael “Migizi” Sullivan Sr., a linguist, researcher, educator and storyteller from the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Nation, joins us this week on Tending Our Roots.

Migizi is a leading practitioner devoted to the revitalization of the Ojibwe language and a father of four proficient Ojibwe speakers. He reminds us that language is more than words — it’s ceremony, humor, and connection. In this episode, Migizi inspires us to speak our languages shamelessly, unapologetically, and fearlessly. At the heart of the conversation is our asemaa, the spiritual currency of Ojibwe People, and the sacred responsibility language carries. Through laughter and story, he calls on us to re-normalize our languages in daily, fun, and communal ways.

We are teeing off a brand-new fundraiser! For the first time in ILI history, we are hosting a golf tournament to support our mission.

Every registration directly funds community-based programming, immersion training, and intergenerational tools that keep Indigenous languages alive.

🗓 Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM Shotgun Start (Scramble Format)
📍Location: The Meadows at Mystic Lake (Prior Lake, MN)
⏳ Deadline: August 14, 2026
(Limited team spots available)

Ready to hit the green and support language communities? Sponsorships, team registration, and individual player options are all available! Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to lock in your spot!

👉 https://tinyurl.com/ILIGolfTournament2026

ILI Announcements & Upcoming Opportunities - check out our announcements & share with networks!

https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/ili-announcements-upcoming-opportunities

We’re launching our ILI Spring Giving Campaign!

Over the next 3 weeks, we’re raising support for workshops, training, and creating spaces where language is spoken in daily life.

Campaign runs through May 21. Learn more and support here: - https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/reaching-out-about-our-spring-giving-campaign

Learn more about bringing a language training to your community - https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/community-based-language-trainings

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Today on Earth Day, we reflect on the connection between language, land, and community. Many Indigenous languages hold knowledge tied to place, seasons, plants, animals, and ways of living that have been passed forward through generations.

Language is more than words. It carries memory, identity, values, and ways of understanding the world. When language is used in daily life, those connections remain strong.
- https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/celebrate-earth-day-upcoming-workshops

Join Us This Year: ILI Workshops & Symposium Registration Open - https://mailchi.mp/ilinative/join-us-this-year-ili-workshops-symposium-registration-open