Omaha-Ponca

OMA

moribund

Alternate Names: Mahairi, Ponka, Ppankka, Umanhan

Dialects: Omaha, Ponca. Ponca and Omaha are completely mutually intelligible, Reportedly similar to Osage ,, Quapaw ,, and Kansa ,.

Genealogy:

Siouan-Catawban
Siouan
Mississippi Valley-Ohio Valley Siouan
Mississippi Valley Siouan
Dhegihan

Demographics: 85 (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 525 (2000 census). 365 Omaha and 160 Ponca (2000 census).

Language Use: Formally for prayers, especially at funerals, for songs, powwow announcements, but usually translated into English [eng] for nonspeakers present. Speakers 60 and older. In 1985 only a few older women seemed less than fully fluent in at least the regional English [eng].

Language Development: Omaha language program at Umonhon Nation Public School Culture Center in Walthill. Taught at tribal college and at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Ponca language program at Red Rock high school (Golla 2007). Grammar.

Nation of Origin: United States

Other Comments: Traditional religion, Baha’i, Christian, Mormon.