RIVERTON (WNE) — Two classes on the Northern Arapaho language are coming to Riverton High School.

The Fremont County School District 25 Board of Trustees approved the course offerings in May. Parents and students have been suggesting the idea for years, RHS principal John Griffith said in his request for the courses, but the opportunity never was realized. Griffith said the school now has a staff member to teach the language.

The proposed courses are Arapaho Language I and II.

The first class will acquaint students with the basic sounds that make up the Arapaho language. They also will learn the Arapaho alphabet.

In Arapaho II, students will use the basic sounds of the Arapaho language to form Arapaho words and phrases in order to have conversations or tell short stories. Griffith noted the importance of the lessons to the preservation of Arapaho language and culture.

“[We are] trying to step forward in a very clear manner to honor that maintaining of the native language,” FCSD 25 superintendent Terry Snyder said. “I’m really excited about this. I think it’ll be a great course for the kids and the native tribal members.”

Snyder said the district previously ran into difficulties in attempting to offer an Arapaho language course, indicating the “biggest challenge” has been finding the right instructor.

“We think we’re going to get it done this time,” Snyder said.