Something new at Mendocino College. For the first time, the school is offering a full-credit standalone class in a Native American language. The new Northern Pomo language course is currently the only opportunity in the region for adult learners to study Northern Pomo. Interest has been strong, with 41 students enrolled, including local tribal leaders, grandmothers, siblings, Mendocino College faculty, and community members of all ages.. Northern Pomo is one of seven Pomoan languages and was traditionally spoken by tribes and communities throughout Mendocino County, including Coyote Valley Reservation, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, Redwood Valley Reservation, Potter Valley Tribe, Sherwood Valley Reservation, and the communities of Fort Bragg and Boonville. The teacher is Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, Lori Laiwa Thomas, who has spent 20 years in Pomoan language revitalization. The school says the instruction is culturally grounded, linguistically rigorous, and community-centered. . This course builds on a successful high school Northern Pomo program at Ukiah High School, now in its fifth year, with concepts and activities adapted for college-level learners.