The Washoe County School District (WCSD) this week received a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Education grant to support a Native American language program at Natchez Elementary School in Wadsworth. The three-year grant aims to revitalize the Numu language, part of the indigenous heritage of the Great Basin.
The “Young Mustangs—Strong Futures Project” will provide over 130 students, from pre-K through fifth grade, with lessons in the Numu language and culture. Located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s sovereign land, Natchez Elementary is attended by students who are primarily federally recognized tribal members.
Reynelda James, a Pyramid Lake Paiute elder, said preserving the Numu language is important, adding that it holds valuable lessons in respect, spirituality, and tradition.
“Our Numu (northern Paiute) language and culture go hand in hand, and it is an important part of who we are as Numu,” she said. “In the very near future, our languages may be lost, and loss of our languages means loss of our customs. Children who are learning our language should also learn our spiritual stories, songs, and dances, but children are learning to dance without knowing the stories of these dances.”
Across the country, some 200 tribal communities do not have living speakers of ancient languages.
Fawn Hunter, WCSD Native American Culture and Education Program Coordinator, said the program will help students see themselves and their families in the curriculum. “Learning the Numu language at Natchez will support our students’ foundation for academic success,” Hunter said.
Washoe County was the first school district to offer Northern Paiute language classes in 2013. It has held the Paiute Bowl for several years, allowing Nevada students to showcase their Numu language skills in a friendly competition.
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Chairman Steven Wadsworth called the grant approval a step toward cultural healing, and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Chairman Doug Gardipe stressed that teaching the language is vital to restoring Paiute identity.
The grant will also support cultural family activities, with a goal of increasing participation by 5% each year.
SOURCE: WCSD
