What is the Native American Language Act?

The Native American Language Act is a law in Vermont that recognizes and supports the preservation of Native American languages. The Act was created to ensure that the state, universities, and public schools in Vermont recognize Native American languages as a form of cultural heritage and to provide a framework for teaching those languages in public schools. The language of the law is based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Act seeks to establish guidelines for the preservation and teaching of Native American languages, including Lakota, Abenaki, and Mohican, among others. It is important to note that the Act does not create any new rights or entitlements for Native Americans; rather, it seeks to strengthen the rights that already exist and to preserve the cultural heritage of the Native American people. The Act also provides for the development of new formal language classes in public schools to accommodate students who wish to study Native American languages. It also requires state universities to introduce Native language instruction into their curriculum. In addition, the Act provides for the establishment of a Native American Language Advisory Council, which will assist the state in planning and implementing programs to preserve and promote the use of Native American languages. By passing this Act, the state of Vermont is recognizing the rich cultural heritage that exists within the Native American community and is taking steps to ensure that this culture is preserved and respected in the future.

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