Call Congress to Reauthorize Native American Languages Preservation Act

Native News Network Staff in Native Challenges. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The National Indian Education Association is asking you to contact Senator Daniel Akaka's office to let him you want to see the reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act.

Contact Senator Daniel Akaka

The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, S 3546, which authorizes and awards grants to support and strengthen Native American language immersion programs – including language nests, survival schools, and restoration programs – is currently up for reauthorization. With your help, we have the opportunity now to get the bill passed through.

“Preserving our Native languages is critical to the survival of our cultures. At the same time, a growing body of research concludes that bilingualism improves a child's cognitive development,”

commented NIEA President Dr. Heather Shotton.

“Reauthorizing Esther Martinez will help our languages thrive and can improve Native student achievement. We look forward to working with Sen. Akaka, a champion of all Native communities, in making reauthorization a reality,”

she continued.

Take Action Now. Call Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Akaka, D-Hawaii, at 202.224.2251 today, and urge him to use the "clearance" process for a quick passage of Esther Martinez.

In your message, tell Sen. Akaka that:

The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act strengthens tribal language, culture, and identity.

The survival of American Indian and Alaska Native languages is essential to the success of tribal communities and Native ways of life.

The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Act provides tribes with critical support to establish and maintain immersion programs that revitalize Native languages.

posted December 8, 2012 6:20 am est