The Lakota Language Debate: Ownership and Identity

This chapter explores the contentious issues surrounding the Lakota language, highlighting the clash between community members advocating for language revitalization and entities like the Lakota Language Consortium that seek to standardize and copyright language resources. It examines the implications of cultural ownership, the commodification of language, and the challenges posed by copyright laws on Indigenous rights. Through personal narratives and legal frameworks, the chapter underscores the urgency of preserving linguistic diversity while navigating the complexities of cultural heritage and identity.