Purpose of Language:

The status of the cultures and languages of the NativeAmericans is unique. The traditional language of the Cahuilla people are anintegral part of their culture and identity, and form the basic medium for thetransmission and thus survival of the Cahuilla people’s culture and history,religions and value.

There is convincing evidence that student achievement andperformance, community and school pride, as well as educational opportunity isclearly and directly tied to respect for, and support of the first language ofthe child or student.

Goal of TeachingNative Language:

There are many reasons for the loss of our Native Language.For one, it is difficult to keep outside forces from influencing the people ofthe community. Outside forces can be especially strong when the language spokenby the rest of the society is a dominant world language like English. Englishis the language of business diplomacy and military domination throughout theworld.

It is only natural that such a language will influence thebehavior of those who speak it. This is the reason we have opened up a languageclass to serve our Cahuilla people, to keep our language alive so that it willbe carried on for generations to come.

Class Schedules:

Torres Martinez:Thermal Site

Mondays, Kinder to 3^rd

Time: 3 to 5pm

Tuesdays, 4^thto 6^th

Time: 3 to 5pm

HemetSite Language

Wednesdays, All Ages

Time: 5:30 to 7pm