Proposed Legislation to Support Native American Language Maintenance and Revitalization 

S. 4510: Native American Language Resource Center Act

In August, 2020, Senators Schatz (Hawaii) and Udall (New Mexico) introduced S. 4510 to the Senate. The bill calls for the create a national Native American Language Resource Center to honor the congressional obligation to tribes and indigenous communities to protect and promote Native American languages. The Native American Languages Resource Center would provide support for Native American language medium/immersion programs and schools serving children of all ages and at all levels of learning, from Pre-K to PhD. The Center would also provide necessary resources and best practices to support distance learning, which is particularly critical due to the state of broadband access in Native communities. The Center would not be located on a single university campus, but as a consortium of institutions that reflect the diversity of Native American languages, cultures and communities throughout the United States. Learn more about the bill here - and call your Senator and ask them to co-sponsor S. 4510!

• Text of the bill

• One pager (summary of bill)

• List or organizational endorsements

• Letter of support from the National Indian Education Association

• Letter of support from the National Congress of American Indians

• Letter of support from the National Coalition of Native American Language Schools and Programs

• Vision Statement by Senator Schatz (D-HI) for a Native American Language Support Center.

How to Contact your representative:

Find & Contact your U.S. Representative.

Find & Contact your U.S. Senator.

Use our Sample Letter: 

“As your constituent, I urge you to support S. 4510 calling for the establishment of a federally funded Native American Language Support Center. I am concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being & long-term viability of our Native American language schools. Schools have been left without a means to pay their rent, continue language documentation, maintain family and student outreach, or provide virtual learning and support services. 

The Native American Language Act of 1990 (NALA) established federal policy to allow the use of Native American languages as the medium of instruction in schools, and affirms the right of Native American children to express themselves, be educated, and assessed in their own Native language. Now, Native American language schools need coordinated, expert support to ensure they can maintain operations, both for the support of their students and the long term revitalization of Native American languages. 

I urge you to support emergency assistance through the establishment of a Native American Language Education Resource Center.”