Native American Language Vitalization Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Native American Language Vitalization Act, which would help preserve the indigenous languages of the United States through grants to postsecondary institutions to support Native American language education programs and the pipeline of language instructors.
Native American languages are part of our nation's cultural heritage and are as diverse as the rich cultures of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and the Native peoples of the Pacific U.S. territories. Over the course of our nation's history, Native Americans have faced discrimination and government policies that restricted or banned the use of their indigenous languages. These policies have contributed to the decline in speakers of Native American languages. Without action, many of these languages, from Chamorro to Refaluwasch to Cherokee, are at risk of disappearing. Congress recognized this urgency in passing the Esther Martinez Act in 2006 to strengthen Native American language immersion programs. However, we must do more at the postsecondary level so that future generations have the programs and quality instructors necessary to not only preserve but increase the use of their ancestral languages.
The Native American Language Vitalization Act invests in indigenous language education by creating a dedicated grant program under the Higher Education Act to provide the resources Native-serving colleges and universities need to develop or strengthen their indigenous language programs. Schools can use the grant to provide in-service training for language teachers, develop curriculum, professional development of faculty, and create innovative programs, including language immersion. Eligible institutions can also partner with other organizations to reach students in early childhood education programs through grade 12.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to help preserve the indigenous languages of the United States for future generations.
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