The Omaha Language & Cultural Preservation Department (OLCPD) will increase the Umoⁿhoⁿ language learning opportunities and accessibility within the community as well as to the broader population. The OLCPD focus is to increase the vitality of the language by encouraging the daily use of the Umoⁿhoⁿ language. While preservation through print, digital and cultural media methods are invaluable, this project seeks to provide for the continuation and promulgation of Umoⁿhoⁿ language by developing and implementing specific strategies designed to create greater opportunities for Omaha Tribal Citizens to learn and to use the Umoⁿhoⁿ language as a daily living language.  Currently we are focused on program building of staff and identifying language/cultural resources.

 

We have identified language stakeholders and are meeting with select programs as we go. We want to identify tribal programs’ needs and support existing language efforts. By the end of year 1, the OLCPD will have developed a Strategic Plan. The department will have developed a Centralized Language Storehouse function that supports ongoing language preservation efforts in the community. Omaha Language Technical Plan will be incorporated into the Strategic Plan as a separate long-term strategy.

 

The project proposed, will make use of this newly established resource to plan for, implement and build capacity for the use of the Umoⁿhoⁿ language in the daily lives of Omaha tribal members. By developing an Objective Work Plan in year 1, we hope to increase the number of Umoⁿhoⁿ speakers by creating a strategic plan in year 1, beginning implementation of that strategic plan in year 2 and focusing on capacity building in year 3.