🗣️ "I grew up in a household where Shoshone was spoken. That language shaped my world—now I’m working to make sure it shapes the future too." – Lynette St. Clair
On this episode of Winds of Change, host Emy DiGrappa welcomes Lynette St. Clair—Shoshone linguist, educator, and cultural preservationist from Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Recently honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year, Lynette shares her journey growing up on the Wind River Reservation, preserving the Shoshone language, and bringing it to screens through major media platforms.
We explored the deep roots of the Shoshone language, the challenges of representation in education, and the importance of listening to and honoring elders. Lynette also reflects on building community-based language resources like the Newe Daygwap app to teach and learn the Eastern Shoshone language. And why cultural identity is essential for healing and resilience in Native youth.
This is a conversation about inspiration, connection, and carrying stories forward in a fast-changing world.
📚 Shoshone Language & Cultural Resources
- Newe Daygwap app (Shoshone Language App)
A mobile app developed by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to teach and preserve the Shoshone language using local voices. - Shoshone Dictionary
Compiled by Reba Teran and others, this is a foundational resource used by educators and learners: https://www.hcn.org/issues/issue-303/she-builds-new-words-in-an-ancient-tongue/ - Indigenous Language Institute (ILI)
Supports tribes in documenting, revitalizing, and promoting Native languages across the U.S.
🌐 www.ilinative.org - Endangered Languages Project
A collaborative platform where you can explore language data, recordings, and revitalization efforts worldwide.
🌐 www.endangeredlanguages.com - Language Conservancy – Shoshone Projects
Works with tribes to create language apps, dictionaries, and curriculum.
🌐 www.languageconservancy.org
Follow Us on These Channels:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/
- www.ThinkWY.org
- https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy
- https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhy
- Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!
As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!