May, 19, 2025 – Tribal teams, educators, Native language and culture advocates, as well as individuals working in support of Native children and their families are invited to the 2025 Montana Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit, happening June 2-4 at Montana State University.
Registration is free! See the agenda and register by May 28: https://www.montana.edu/cbme/triballanguagesummit/index.html
“Last year’s summit sparked powerful conversations and strengthened our collective commitment to uplifting tribal languages in early childhood,” said Callie Parr, Zero to Five Montana Early Childhood Tribal Coordinator. “This year, with the theme Speaking the Language of Our Ancestors, Teaching the Voice of Tomorrow, we continue that momentum by centering Indigenous knowledge, honoring cultural resilience, and empowering the next generation to carry our languages and traditions forward with strength and pride.”
Participants include educators from Montana early childhood programs, tribal colleges,
immersion schools, and nationwide language advocates to discuss best practices to help language and culture to flourish within our tribal communities.
Research shows that young children exposed to more than one language are more likely to develop proficiency not only in languages, but focus, memory, multitasking and high levels of thinking. Supporting early tribal language and literacy development positively impacts cultural self-identity and connection to Native communities.
Learn more about Zero to Five Montana’s work in tribal communities here.
ABOUT ZERO TO FIVE MONTANA
Zero to Five Montana is a nonpartisan, statewide early childhood organization focused on increasing access to early care and education, supporting and strengthening families, and empowering small businesses and communities. We are focused on solutions that work toward a Montana dedicated to every child. Our promise is to stabilize, innovate, and build the early childhood system in Montana so all families and communities can thrive.
