“Learning numbers becomes a celebration of culture, language, and identity.”In Assiniboine (Nakóda): Counting Book 11–20, author Vicki Bisbee, known by her Nakóda name Shunk Togaja Wiya (Gray Wolf Woman), continues her inspiring mission to preserve and revitalize the Assiniboine language. A proud member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribe in Northeastern Montana, Bisbee brings her heritage to life through a beautifully structured counting book that teaches not only numbers, but cultural pride and connection to language.
This continuation of her earlier counting series helps readers—young and old—learn to count from eleven to twenty in Nakóda. Each page pairs numerals and English translations with phonetic spellings and authentic pronunciations, creating an engaging experience for both native speakers and learners alike.
Beyond the numbers, Bisbee’s work embodies the ongoing efforts on the Fort Peck Reservation to reclaim and strengthen the Assiniboine tongue, supported by Fort Peck Community College and linguists dedicated to preserving the language’s beauty and rhythm. Her introduction reminds readers that the Nakóda language is living proof of resilience—a language that has endured, evolved, and continues to be spoken with pride.
“A beautifully crafted cultural counting journey, Assiniboine (Nakóda): Counting Book 11–20 celebrates language, heritage, and the timeless spirit of the Fort Peck Assiniboine people.” – MainSpring Book
Written with care and authenticity, this book stands as a bridge between generations—a resource, a teaching tool, and a cultural treasure.
Because every word spoken in Nakóda keeps the heartbeat of a people alive—and every number counted brings them closer together.
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