Oowaaha Peewaaliaataweenki!

Peoria Language Is Spoken Here!

Peewaaliaataweenki ‘Peoria language’ is the voice of the Peoria people. It’s our history, stories and shared Peoria identity that connect us. Our language and culture bind us together. The Peoria Language Program welcomes all Peoria citizens to take part in reclaiming and revitalizing our indigenous language. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or learn with the community. Start your rewarding journey to learn Peoria by beginning here on our website.

The Rock — our ancestral homeland along the Illinois River
Le Rocher — our homeland in Illinois (Starved Rock State Park)

Word of the Week

laapiši

[lah-pih-shih] •‎‎‎‎ (the aa is a pure "ah" sound, like in father, held longer; the pi is like pi in pit — p + ih; the ši is like shi in shimmer — sh + ih.)

likewise, also, too

Voice: Tosan (Wesley Farless) — Peewaalia Language Instructor

Want to learn more? Pronunciation guides:

Vowels Consonants Consonant clusters Preaspirated consonants Quick explanations of "ay" & "ke"

Current Moon

mihšiiwia kiilhswa

Elk Moon

August 14 – September 11, 2026

Learn more →

Be A Part Of The Revitalization Efforts Of Peoria Language & Culture

Reclaim & Revitalize Our Peoria Language & Culture

Every Peewaalia citizen has a role in keeping Peewaaliaataweenki and Peewaalia Culture alive. The Peoria language and culture are deeply connected and forever intertwined. Learn, listen, and speak the words of your relatives.

Start building a stronger future for us Peoria people today by taking language lessons, joining workshops, or sharing resources with your family. Every voice matters.

Peewaaliaataweenki Lipwaalo!

Learn the Peoria Language!

Peewaaliaataweenki is more than words; it reflects how we Peoria people see and describe the world. This site is the central hub for language learning opportunities through the Peoria Language Program.

Citizens can enroll in Peoria language courses that offer a unique multi-generational learning experience, with options for online or in-person classes. Additionally, the Peoria Language Program hosts in-person workshops, providing opportunities to practice speaking and build connections through language. Whether you are just starting or continuing your Peoria language journey, every word spoken contributes to keeping Peewaaliaataweenki alive.

Kids, Family, and Community Learning

Resources for learning at home and in community

The Peoria Language Program creates tools to help citizens bring Peewaaliaataweenki into daily life. Explore a growing collection of books, calendars, and games designed to make learning simple and enjoyable for all ages.

Each resource supports continued practice beyond the classroom, helping families, elders, and youth share the language together. As new materials are developed, they will be added here for Peewaalia citizens.

Learning happens everywhere: at home, at gatherings, and in everyday conversation. These resources help make Peewaaliaataweenki part of each moment.

Peewaalia Akincikoona

Children’s Number Book & Song

Nawi Mihkawi

Go and Find Him Card Game

Nawi Mihkawi

Downloadable Coloring Pages

Peewaalia Kiilhswaakani

Peoria Lunar Calendar

Online Peoria Memrise Course

Self-Paced Learning

Peewaaliaataweenki Student Course

In-Person and Online Classes for the Peoria Language

Reclaiming Stories Symposium

Video recording from live event

Voices from our People

Why our People are learning

Aya eeweemilakakoki,

I wanted to reach out and share how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to learn our language through classes with Tosan. These lessons have brought something invaluable into my life—a connection to who we are as a People that goes beyond English words. Tosan has shown himself to be conscientious, thoughtful, and patient. He shows how he makes mistakes and corrects himself so we can all hear. This is a great quality in a language instructor and helps us all feel more confident. He truly has a love for the language, our culture, and teaching. Learning our language has filled me with a profound sense of belonging. I carry my grandparents in my heart as I learn, knowing they would be proud to see this knowledge being passed forward to their grandchild. Every class strengthens the bond I feel with our community and our People. I know your time is precious and your responsibilities are many, but I wanted you to hear this positive message: the decision to offer language classes to our citizens is one of the most meaningful gifts our Tribe has given us.

Bringing our language back to life is an act of resilience and love that I am so proud to be part of.

Through our language, we don’t just learn words, we learn how to see the world, how to understand our place in it, and how to carry our culture forward. Thank you for making this possible. Thank you for prioritizing our language and our future.

Sherry

Peoria Citizen

Aya to all reading !

I’ve completed both the Beginner One and Beginner Two language classes offered by the Peoria Tribe, taught by Tosan. As a project manager by profession, I can clearly see the amount of time, thought, and energy that has gone into developing this course for Peoria citizens. I am deeply grateful for Tosan’s dedication in creating such a meaningful and functional learning experience for us. Coming together with fellow citizens to greet one another in our native language and to learn in a safe, supportive space has been both validating and enriching. It challenges our minds in valuable ways, and using sounds and expressions not found in English has been both difficult and rewarding.

This class has meant so much to me—the community, the reconnection to my culture, and the joy of learning our language together.

Though it’s offered freely to citizens, I truly believe this course carries great value and would be worth paying for. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for developing and offering this program. It is deeply important, especially in these times, and I am profoundly appreciative to be part of it.

Lacey

Peoria Citizen

Peewaalia Language And Cultural Education Portal

Explore themed Peewaalia (Peoria) lesson pages featuring words, phrases, audio and more!

Discover the Peewaaliaataweenki collection and learn at your own pace. Each Peewaalia Language and Cultural Education (PLACE) Portal page is a lesson featuring useful words and phrases in Peewaaliaataweenki with English meanings and audio, organized by theme so practice is simple and meaningful. Some lesson pages also include short mini‑lessons and fun, immersive self‑practice activities to help you use the language right away.

Use the Portal to explore lessons on greetings, kinship, daily life, and other fun topics. New themed lesson pages are added regularly as the Peoria Language Program continues to grow the collection. Check back often.

Start today with Greetings & Departures, your first lesson below — or click My Learning PLACE in the top menu to explore the full Portal.

No sign-up or login required — just open and learn.

Learn More →

Lesson 1