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KBWG Brings Blackfoot Language Lessons to the Airwaves

By Stephanie Tyrpak

Story Created: Apr 14, 2011 at 7:42 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM MDT

When a small radio station in Browning took to the airwaves over six years ago, the idea was to add programming that would be meaningful to the community. And in the past two weeks, 107.5 FM has launched a language class that airs four days a week.

In a one room radio station, Darrell Kipp leads a one hour Blackfoot language broadcast that could one day play around the world.

"I was a little apprehensive at first, but the language is important to our tribe, and we want to do anything possible to revitalize it," said Kipp.

KBWG Radio has expanded since the station received its license back in 2004, adding new DJs and formats, and providing a language show was a plan from the beginning.

"We want the radio to be something positive in the community that brings back who the Blackfeet people were and who they are," said KBWG manager Lona Burns.

Like many tribal languages, Blackfoot has struggled to survive with fewer children becoming fluent, and many people not seeing that the language can be used in day-to-day life.

"A native American language, ours the Pikuni or the Blackfeet language, is part of modern day," said Kipp.

To teach Blackfoot to a broad radio audience, Kipp relies on old recordings and simple instruction. And because 60 minutes is not enough time to pick up a language, a short booklet is being handed out for free to help listeners learn the grammar on their own.

“As we know in English, first, second, and third – I, you, and you guys – Blackfeet also has fourth and fifth,” said Kipp. “It has timeless verbs, it has very unique qualities.”

With hopes of streaming KBWG online in the near future, the radio course could someday connect families in Glacier County and soldiers in Afghanistan to the language and heritage of the Blackfeet Tribe.

"It’s a community radio station, so anybody’s that from here that maybe don’t live here anymore, they’re still part of community and that they want to be a part of the radio,” said Burns.

During the week, the show airs on Monday and Tuesday at noon. For the two weekend shows, the broadcasts are dedicated to longer Blackfoot recordings, with the Bible being played on Sundays.

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David said on Thursday, Jan 19 at 12:08 AM

Some of you need to realize that not all white people are out to get you. I am pale as a ghost and have blonde hair and I am proud myself of being Blackfoot. My grandmother was Blackfoot as was my great grandmother before her. I would LOVE to learn the language and wish I had that readio station here so I could learn. Get rid of the bitter. Much more to embrace than that.

jax allen said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 7:35 PM

I am proud of being a blackfoot and want to learn the language ! These white people will do anything to destroy what they dont respect or understand, which is a very large area.. They dont even understand thier own ways.. and respect nothing.. Im just saying..

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Apr 19 at 11:11 AM

Never mind these negative folks.. Just go on and keep doing something positive and constructive for the community. KBWG...you are the Thunder.

Blah Blah Blah said on Thursday, Apr 14 at 10:11 PM

I guess these white people will bring the real Blackfeet their Language. This comes across from Canada, DIFFERENCE!

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