15. Preservation of Language and Culture
Language suppression policies and failures to recognize the official status of Native tongues have threatened cultural survival. The Native American Languages Act of 1990 declared it the policy of the United States to preserve, protect, and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use, practice, and develop Native American languages. (en.wikipedia.org) Despite this, many Native communities continue to resist federal policies that hinder language revitalization and cultural celebration. Initiatives like the “Connecting the Rainbow” project aim to bridge the gap between Native youth and elders to preserve Indigenous languages and cultures through modern storytelling techniques. (axios.com) Additionally, the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act of 2020 seeks to enhance federal support for language revitalization efforts. (indian.senate.gov) These efforts exemplify the ongoing resistance to federal policies that impede the preservation and revitalization of Native languages and cultures.
