What is the Native American Language Act?

The Native American Language Act is a federal law that was passed in 1990 to protect and preserve Indigenous languages in the United States. The law states that all Native American languages have equal status to English and that Indigenous peoples have the right to use their own languages during official proceedings. The Act also requires the US Federal government to make sure that a certain level of Native American language training is available to the Indigenous people of Washington, and other states in the country. Additionally, the Act states that Native American languages should be taught in schools, that Native American organizations should be consulted when making decisions about language policies, and that Native American language preservation and revitalization should be actively encouraged. The Act also recognizes that language is a critical part of preserving the cultural heritage of Native American tribes and nations. It is vital to recognize that for Indigenous peoples, language is more than just a means of communication - it is a source of interconnectedness, identity, and cultural continuity.

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What is the Native American Language Act?

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