Contact Information:
Telephone: (775) 423-6075
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At this time there are no language classes,
but we are working to bring them back.

The community needs to revival, restoration and preservation of the Paiute and Shoshone languages as a permanent element of the living culture of Native Nevadans. (Non-Native Americans are welcomed!)
Classes were taught by elders who was fluent in their respective languages:

• Mrs. Iola Byers
• Ms. Marie Smith
• Mrs. Marge Milazzo
• Mr. Leonard Allen

Study tapes still are available.

Why preserve a language?
With approximately 6,000 languages spoken on Earth, 90% are endangered - likely to die out within the next century. Gone - Without a trace. In 1868, a U.S. Government Commission stated that schools should be established for Indian Children and that their "barbarous dialects" be blotted out. English was to be used at all times. Students were punished for speaking their Native languages.

Language is Power. Language is Culture. Language teaches values, beliefs and understanding of one's origins. This is why use of native languages in the home is so important and strongly encouraged.

Documentation of elders' memories provides a colorful, permanent historical account including affirmations of faith, values, wisdom and survivorship. As individuals remember and share their stories, pieces of history are reclaimed that might otherwise be lost forever.