2024 GRADUATION
AUGUST 2, 2024
Nakona University celebrates the achievements of twenty language learners and recognizes our dedicated teachers at the Honoring Our Language & Honoring Tashunga Saba event on August 2, 2024.
Congratulations to the NAKONA ĞI BAND 2024 cohort!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to the Graduates of 2024 for completing two years of language courses! Each graduate received a braid of wachāğa (sweet grass), a waowabi ohi inchiya (certificate of completion), and a winchaxbi owīzhā (starquilt). We also honor our late wunspewinchakiya (teacher), Tashunga Saba (Dr. Kenneth Ryan).
2024 Graduates
Doretta Rush
Coly Rush
Carolyn Rusche
Calli Rusche-Nicholson
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Telsa Madden
Nick Redgrave
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Jesse Rusche
Patricia Payne
Jewel Payne
Sharon Kolstad
Bella Redgrave
Shawn Erickson
Dezi Adams
Shelby Martell
Dori Talks Different
Carseerena Reddog
Heidi Macdonald
Sylvia Longknife
Rhonda Mason
Wilma "Waskuya" Desjarlias
5/29/44-10/20/23
WOUNSPEWINCHAKIYABI
UNGITAWABI
Nakona University is grateful for those who share their knowledge.
wopina
wunspewinchakiya
Tashunga Saba, Dr. Kenneth Ryan
10/8/43-2/17/24
Nakona University is built upon the original language curriculum of Tashunga Saba, which is a source of immense pride for the Nakona people. We are grateful for the opportunity to carry on this language and share it with others, so that it may continue to thrive.
wunspewinchakiya
Micheal Weasel
Michael Weasel, a member of the Wadopaxnatūwa band, played a crucial role in assisting the Fort Belknap Nakoda language classes. He provided guidance and support for language development and facilitated the graduation ceremonies. His knowledge and teachings, as a Native American veteran, ensure the preservation of our culture and language for future generations.
wunspewīyākiya
Faye Filesteel
Faye Filesteel, a member of the Wadopaxnatūwa band, played a crucial role in the language development of Fort Belknap language class. Working alongside Mike, she ensured that the students' oral language development accurately reflected the Fort Belknap dialect. Faye, who is also a movie star and was featured in the Yellowstone series, brings a wealth of knowledge about the Nakoda language and culture to her teaching, ensuring that it lives on through her students.
wunspewīyākiya
Crystal J. Redgrave
Crystal Redgrave is a dedicated educator who has worked tirelessly to continue her grandfather's legacy as a language teacher. Crystal is committed to providing Nakona instruction to her students to ensure that WE REMAIN INDIGENOUS.
DAGUYABI UNGITAWABI (RESOURCES)
