Students at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) now have the opportunity to earn college credit through a newly introduced Umatilla language course. In collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), EOU is offering online classes designed to teach the Umatilla language, a vital component of the tribe’s cultural heritage.
The initiative is made possible by a memorandum of agreement between EOU and the CTUIR. Mildred Quaempts, a master speaker of the Umatilla language and a member of the CTUIR Education Department, will instruct Beginning Umatilla I during the fall 2025 term for four credits, followed by Beginning Umatilla II in the winter 2026 term, also for four credits.
In a recent announcement, Quaempts emphasized the significance of these classes, stating, “I am one of five remaining fluent Umatilla language speakers on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.” The other speakers include her brother Fred Hill Sr., cousin Thomas Morning Owl, and her children Damien Totus Thomas and Annie Marie Kirk. The last elder fluent speaker, Joan Watlamet, resides in The Dalles.
The Umatilla language is essential for connecting with the tribe’s culture and traditions, particularly regarding their First Foods, which include culturally significant staples like salmon, roots, berries, and elk. These foods have been integral to the tribes long before colonization, and teaching the language helps preserve this heritage.
The online courses will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:30 to 18:10, and there are no limits on class size for EOU students. Additionally, EOU will offer five tuition waivers each term for CTUIR community members who reserve spots through the CTUIR Higher Education Program. These waivers will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with enrolled CTUIR members receiving priority.
For those interested in joining, reservations for the five tuition waivers can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 541-429-7819. Registration for the Beginning Umatilla I class, which commenced on September 23, 2025, will remain open until October 17. Meanwhile, the closing date for registration for Beginning Umatilla II is set for January 30, 2026.
To ensure a smooth learning experience, participants will need access to a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other personal devices, as well as basic computer skills and familiarity with the Zoom platform.
Pepper Huxoll, EOU’s Native American Program Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the new offering. “Understanding our location and our heritage, especially with our partnerships with CTUIR, is vitally important to EOU,” she stated, highlighting the role of such educational initiatives in fostering connections between the university and local Indigenous communities.
This new course represents a significant step toward preserving the Umatilla language and promoting cultural awareness among students at EOU.
