In most cases, the tribal colleges must create their own curriculum materials. Little Big Horn College instructor Dale Old Crow has created a 10 chapter-ethnography on Crow songs, accompanied by recordings, to be used in his class, Music and Dance of the Crow Indian. These publications provide a lasting legacy. As Dr. Richard Little Bear points out in his article, good intentions are not enough to save the languages. Not all teaching methods work, and teachers must revise their methods accordingly.
Speakers sometimes humiliate the learners, adding more shame to the many obstacles.
To test the effectiveness of their teaching methods, they need consistent financial support over many years, not small, two-year grants. While many government agencies and foundations encourage math and science programs, few support Native languages. The tribal colleges need both. Gradually tribal colleges are creating places where languages are safe. A place where the language is honored is a place that education, too, becomes honored.