Post by blackcrowheart on Aug 1, 2006 11:02:32 GMT -5
Preserving Indigenous Language
Brandi Powell
7/27/2006
Leaders in the Native American community say the future of tribal languages is in jeopardy and may not survive without help from Congress. American Indian leaders say their best hope of reviving sacred languages is by getting Congress to pass amendments to the Native American Languages Act.
Two proposed bills call for creation of a competitive grant program in the Department of Education to support Native American language immersion programs in Native communities. Teachers who currently teach native languages say it`s important for students to learn native languages.
"My hope is that we bring back some fluent speakers in young people," says bilingual teacher Tom Red Bird. "We lose our language and the tradition of culture."
Native American leaders say they hope to pass the two bills before this Congressional session ends.
www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=2531
Brandi Powell
7/27/2006
Leaders in the Native American community say the future of tribal languages is in jeopardy and may not survive without help from Congress. American Indian leaders say their best hope of reviving sacred languages is by getting Congress to pass amendments to the Native American Languages Act.
Two proposed bills call for creation of a competitive grant program in the Department of Education to support Native American language immersion programs in Native communities. Teachers who currently teach native languages say it`s important for students to learn native languages.
"My hope is that we bring back some fluent speakers in young people," says bilingual teacher Tom Red Bird. "We lose our language and the tradition of culture."
Native American leaders say they hope to pass the two bills before this Congressional session ends.
www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=2531