The Biden-Harris administration has announced an $11 million investment to support the preservation and revitalization of Native American languages across the United States. This significant funding will be distributed through the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), focusing on providing resources and empowering communities to strengthen language transmission and cultural heritage.
This investment signifies a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing the critical state of Native American languages. According to the National Museum of the American Indian, over 100 Native languages are in danger of extinction. The loss of these languages represents a significant cultural and historical loss, eroding the very fabric of Native American identities.
“Investing in Native American languages is investing in the future of our communities,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe. “These languages are not just words, they are the foundation of our cultures, our traditions, and our very identities.”
The funding will be used to support a variety of programs, including:
Language immersion programs: Providing opportunities for children and adults to learn and practice Native languages in immersive settings.
Teacher training: Supporting the development of qualified language instructors and providing ongoing professional development.
Curriculum development: Creating culturally relevant and engaging learning materials for all age groups.
Community language revitalization projects: Empowering tribes and communities to develop and implement their own language revitalization plans.
This investment signals a commitment to honoring the linguistic diversity of the United States and ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to learn and appreciate the rich tapestry of Native languages. By supporting the preservation and revitalization of these languages, the Biden-Harris administration is taking a concrete step towards fulfilling its commitment to equity and inclusion for Native American communities.
