Language revitalization is at spiritual center of what OLC embodies. They recognize that “the Lakota perspective is a world view which derives from the oral creation story of the Lakota people and is, therefore, a living, dynamic view handed down from generation to generation.” This recognition of an oral tradition as the ethos of Lakota life presupposes the use of Lakota language. Embedded into the college’s mission statement we see this respect for Lakota language: “The College will graduate well-rounded students grounded in Wolakolkiciyapi-learning Lakota ways of life in the community-by teaching Lakota culture and language as part of preparing students to participate in a multicultural world.”

The OLC recognizes that their chance to wrest control from Faustian fate lies in education. In their own words: “With the advent of efforts to extend tribal sovereignty by American Indians throughout the United States came a recognition by Lakotas that control of education is also the control of its destiny.” It is then no surprise that one of their express purposes is to “research, study, facilitate, and disseminate Lakota language, culture and philosophy.”

The Lakota Summer Institute is proud and excited to partner with the OLC in providing the highest quality Lakota language education to be found anywhere.

https://www.olc.edu/