Discover Sauk: Preserving a Legacy

Explore the enduring legacy of the Sauk language, cherished by the Sac and Fox people, and embark on a journey to uncover its profound cultural significance.

The Sauk Language

The Sauk language comes from the Algonquian language family. Other languages in this family are the Cree, Ojibwa, Shawnee, Delaware, Blackfoot, and Cheyenne. The two closest relatives of Sauk are the Mesquakie and Kickapoo languages. Once spoken in Michigan, Illinois and Kansas, Sauk is still the traditional language of the Sac and Fox of Oklahoma, although only spoken by a dwindling number elders.

We hope that this website will not only give you a taste of the richness of Sauk, but will whet your appetite for more. The surface of the elegant and fascinating language has just barely been scratched.

Kîmâchipena Let’s Come Together)

The Sauk Language Department would like to gratefully acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our elder speakers in their efforts to keep the Sauk Language as a living and integral component of the Sac and Fox Nation.   Many, many thanks to Henrietta Massey, Maxine Cobb, and Christine Williamson.   And we would like to dedicate this website to the memory of Lee Bass, Jr..

Ketêpihipwa!

Downloads

Language Workbook

This workbook is an intro to the Sauk language. It is intended to help speakers learn the sounds of the Sauk language and gain basic vocabulary skills.
Download

Sauk Concise Dictionary

Explore essential Sauk vocabulary and phrases with this concise workbook, perfect for learners seeking to deepen their understanding of the language.
Download

You can also order a FREE copy of the more complete version – “Conversational Sauk, A Practical Guide to the Language of Black Hawk” (copyright 1996, Gordan Whittaker and the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma). Please call the language department at (918) 968-0070 to place your order.

You can also click here to email your request to the Sauk Language Dept..

Talk Sauk

The Sauk Language Department would like to gratefully acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our elder speakers in their efforts to keep the Sauk Language as a living and integral component of the Sac and Fox Nation.