This report was submitted in support of a joint resolution (S.J. Res. 379) to establish as the policy of the United States the preservation, protection, and promotion of the right of indigenous Americans to practice and develop their indigenous languages. Traditional languages are an integral part of Native American culture, heritage, and…

This document includes statements given at this hearing by the following: William Y. Brown; John Cheek, Jennifer Chock; Rita Coosewon; David Dinwoodie; William Demmert, Jr.; Joycelyn DesRosier; Mary Hermes; Carla Herrera; Leanne Hinton; Holo Ho'opai; Hon. Daniel K. Inouye; Lawrence D. Kaplan; Keiki Kawaiaea; Rosalyn, LaPier; Lisa LaRonge; Vina…

Past U.S. policies toward Indian and other Native American languages have attempted to suppress the use of the languages in government-operated Indian schools for assimilating Indian children. About 155 Native languages are spoken today in the United States, but only 20 are spoken by people of all ages. The Native American Languages Act of 1990…

This document was developed for use with American Indian students receiving tribal language instruction. The material is based on the content and format of the 1996 "Standards for Foreign Language Learning: Preparing for the 21st Century." The U.S. national standards recognize that language and culture go hand in hand and are organized around five…

This Senate hearing received testimony expressing the concern that Alaska Native languages are dying, and suggesting ways to stimulate and improve Native language instruction in schools and community settings. The director of the Alaska Native Language Center (University of Alaska, Fairbanks) provided information about the history of suppression…

The Bureau of Indian Affairs developed language and literacy standards for schools serving American Indian students, based on the draft national language arts standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of English. Standards for grades K-4 list abilities and knowledge that Indian students should have by the end of the fourth grade with…

In June 1992, a Senate hearing received testimony on the need for federal aid for maintenance of Native American languages. Such aid would fund community language facilities and programs, training of Native speakers as teachers, development of instructional materials, and compilation of oral materials. A speaker from the Administration for Native…

Passed by the Minnesota legislature in 1977, the innovative American Indian Language and Culture Education Act provided for the establishment of American Indian language and culture education programs designed (1) to make the curriculum more relevant to the needs, interest, and cultural heritage of American Indian pupils, (2) to provide positive…

New York's state standards for student achievement in second language learning, for languages other than English, are outlined in the areas of both communication skills and cultural awareness, at three proficiency levels. The first standard is that "students will be able to use a language other than English for communication." The second…

This presidential executive order was issued to: (1) ensure that tribal colleges and universities are more fully recognized as accredited institutions of higher education, have access to opportunities afforded other such institutions, and have federal resources committed on a continuing basis; (2) establish a mechanism to increase accessibility of…

In accordance with Oklahoma statutes, the State Board of Education reviews every 3 years the state curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12. This document details the priority academic skills for kindergarten, the core curriculum and the integrated curriculum for grades 1 through 12, and student assessment information and timelines. Part 1 of…