Life’s Language Lodge: Island Mountain Development Group (IMDG) honors the Tribes’ traditional values and cultural heritage. IMDG created a plan that addresses the need for childcare and the desire to revitalize the Nakoda and Aaniiih languages. Childcare options are limited, which creates a barrier to employee recruitment and retention.

“Language is Healing”

In 2019, the Administration for Native Americans awarded IMDG a Native Language Immersion Grant. IMDG and the Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation (NAEDC) administered the grant.

In 2020, Life’s Language Lodge was established in Hays on the IMDG campus. Life’s Language Lodge is a unique childcare option built upon the languages and cultures of the Aaniiih and Nakoda people. Life’s Language Lodge provides language immersion for children 0-5 years of age. The school preserves, restores, and maintains the Nakoda and Aaniiih languages on the Fort Belknap Reservation.

Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation (NAEDC): Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation (NAEDC) creates innovative programs and models that strengthen assets on and off the Fort Belknap Reservation and support economic development in the communities on and adjacent to the reservation.

NAEDC works with community grassroots volunteers, non-profit organizations, and tribal programs to improve the economic conditions in:

Language Revitalization

Native Food Sovereignty

Community-Based Entrepreneurship

Tourism

NAEDC promotes a thriving cultural and sustainable economy for the Fort Belknap Indian Community.