7000 Languages

Ecuador’s landmark Indigenous-centered university at risk amid shifting political tides

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A new opera tells Tlingit history in the Tlingit language "Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles" tells the story of the 19th century battles between the Tlingit tribes of what is now known as southeastern Alaska and the Russians.

On September 12, 2026, the University of South Dakota and Eastern Washington University played the first Division I football game in which both teams wore helmets featuring Indigenous languages.

South Dakota displayed “Sungmanitu,” translated for the team as the Lakota word for “Coyote.” Designed by Sadie Red Wing of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation, the helmet also represents the Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires. Oglala Lakota educator Jerome Kills Small guided the language and cultural context.

Eastern Washington wore “uł pql̓qeyn,” a Salish phrase meaning “a group of eagles,” developed through a partnership with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.

The designs debuted separately—Eastern Washington’s in 2024 and South Dakota’s in 2025—before sharing the field at the DakotaDome.

How can college sports create lasting support for Indigenous languages?🪶


Sources:
• University of South Dakota Athletics — Indigenous helmet announcement
• Eastern Washington Athletics
• The Volante — Post-game Indigenous helmet coverage
• Sioux Falls Argus Leader — Indigenous helmet matchup coverage

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Today is The International Day of Peace!

Skén:nen Awenhnísera Ohwentsiakwé:kon-Peace day all over the world

Enwake’nikonhriióhake-I will have a good mind
Enkatahonhsí:iohste-I will listen well
Ioiánere enkatá:ti-I will speak nice
Skén:nen tsi Enkanonhtónnion’we-I will think good peace
Ienioken’tà:’on tsi Enkatkáhtho-I will see things clearly
Tekatenonhwará:tons tsi skén:nen í:ken I am thankful for peace

The Rotinonhson:ni Confederacy was founded with the common goal of peace amongst nations. Today, it is known as the Great Law of Peace. The Great Law of Peace is a way of being for the Rotinonhsón:ni people. Under this law we are to put aside any negativity to make room for positivity and peacefulness. The dust fan belt (pictured) is a representation of the tsionerahtase’kó:wa, the great white pine. Symbolically it is used to wipe away any dust, dirt, or crawling creatures that comes near the council fire. The dust, dirt and crawling creatures represent any matter that is brought to council that could harm the Rotinonhsón:ni people.

It is everybody's responsibility to uphold the peace.

URGENT: Tribal Nations are encouraged to review proposed changes to the 2030 Census and make their voices heard.
The U.S. Census Bureau has proposed regulations that would fundamentally change how the census counts people across the United States. Of particular concern, the proposed rule would remove race and ethnicity questions, eliminating critical data about American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Census data help determine political representation, inform federal funding decisions, and guide planning for housing, community development, maternal health, transportation, and other essential programs and services. These proposed changes could have significant consequences for Tribal Nations and Native communities.

The Census Bureau will hold a virtual Tribal consultation for Tribal leaders and officially designated representatives:
Friday, October 2, 2026
3:00–4:30 p.m. ET

The public comment deadline is October 13. Tribal Nations and Tribal-serving organizations have until November 2 to submit comments.

Read the Dear Tribal Leader Letter: https://hubs.la/Q04xX5ty0

Register for the consultation: https://hubs.la/Q04xX5sK0

Submit comments through https://hubs.la/Q04xX5tz0 by searching docket USBC-2026-0628.

Please share this information with Tribal leaders and the appropriate staff within your Tribal Nation. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

DC | NK360° Teach-In Hosted at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. 10th Annual Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In Cultural Sovereignty on the 25Oth Saturday, September 26, 20269:00AM – 2:30PM ETNational Museum of the American Indian4th Street SW, Washington, D.C. This event will be hosted IN PE...

❤️💛💙Proud of Our Youth! 💙💛❤️
A few of our Comanche Youth Dancers who had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Shoshone Reunion in Nevada & Utah. 🪶
We are incredibly proud of our youth for continuing to represent, learn, participate, and carry our culture forward. These are memories, friendships, and experiences they’ll carry with them for years to come.
Keep dancing, keep learning, and keep making us proud! ❤️

This week’s Juneau Independent epaper is out with coverage of the world premiere of the Lingít opera "Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit – Russian Battles," the local memorials for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and other local news, opinion and sports.
https://b4f3f860-e6ac-40e0-8348-9fc0a3af789e.usrfiles.com/ugd/b4f3f8_f25564f7dbf9475ba408595393d54ef3.pdf