14th Annual Dhegiha Language Conference: “We Are One”

14th Annual Dhegiha Language Conference: “We Are One”

The Quapaw Nation is hosting the 14th Annual Dhegiha Language Conference on July 23–24, 2025, at the Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, OK. The conference theme, “We Are One,” brings together speakers and learners from the Osage, Ponca, Northern Ponca, Quapaw, Kaw, and Omaha nations.

Why This Conference Matters

Since its inception in 2011, the Dhegiha Language Conference has grown into a central gathering for educators, elders, and cultural leaders working to preserve and revitalize the Dhegiha branch of the Siouan languages. These shared languages—once at risk of being lost—are now the focus of active community efforts across multiple nations.

A 2022 article from Osage News emphasized the impact of language learning on cultural connection, reporting that participation in the conference has steadily increased, with over 300 attendees in recent years. According to the article, “language instructors implore tribal members to take language classes not only for themselves, but for future generations.”¹

Attendees gathered for a photo at the 2024 Dhegiha Language Conference.

Conference Highlights

The two-day agenda included presentations on curric

ulum development, digital language tools, intergenerational learning, and cultural preservation. Speakers represented multiple Dhegiha-speaking tribes, sharing their insights on how language ties directly to community strength, identity, and continuity.

Sessions ranged from historical perspectives on tribal language loss and reclamation to modern classroom strategies, such as immersion learning, youth-led language teams, and collaborative curriculum design.

Evening events—such as hand games and communal meals—offered additional opportunities for connection and cultural exchange among participants.

¹ Source: Osage News. “Indigenous Language Instructors Implore Tribal Members to Take Language Classes.” 2022. osagenews.org