The Stoney Nakoda Sioux language is widely classified as endangered. Most fluent speakers tend to be Elders / Knowledge Keepers, with relatively few younger fluent speakers remaining. This is in contrast to even a generation ago when the main language in everyday discourse on the Nation was our own. This pattern is common among many Indigenous languages in Canada, where historical policies (including residential schooling and language suppression) led to intergenerational breaks in transmission. The impact of intergenerational breaks in language transmission plays a major role in the marginalization and loss indigenous languages and is a serious concern on our nation. Our Language revitalization Plan addresses the issue of engaging the younger generation with the language with the intention of supporting them to become high level speakers over time.

Language is not merely a communication tool but also a core component of cultural identity that bolsters mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.

For Indigenous students, learning their native language alongside other languages can improve executive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.