Treuer's passion for the Ojibwe language is also driven by a self-described sense of urgency.
"Ojibwe is at a make-or-break time," he says. "There are fewer than 1,000 fluent speakers in the U.S."
Of the approximately 200 spoken indigenous languages in the U.S., Treuer estimates 180 will become extinct within 30 years. He is determined to ensure that Ojibwe will not be among them. His language projects are focused on creating efficient, functional instruction materials that will be easily available to teachers.
At 40, Treuer shows no sign of slowing down; he describes a feeling of "fire" about his work.
"I don't want my children to grow up like many Americans who have lost touch with their heritage, their connection to place and language," he says.
