Biden Unveils Groundbreaking National Initiative to Revive Indigenous Languages

The Biden-Harris administration unveiled a comprehensive 10-year National Plan on Native Language Revitalization during the 2024 White House Tribal Nations Summit. This initiative aims to enhance the preservation and reclamation of Indigenous languages throughout the United States.

“Indigenous languages are central to our cultures, our lifeways, and who we are as people,” stated Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in a press release. The plan outlines strategies to address the government’s historical role in the decline of Indigenous languages among Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

According to Haaland, “This ambitious plan represents the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to address the wrongs of the past and restore what has been taken from us.” The plan is a collaborative effort among the departments of the Interior, Education, and Health and Human Services.

The National Plan follows the Department of Interior’s ongoing initiative to confront the systemic policies that aimed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous peoples and eradicate their languages through the Federal Indian Boarding School system. The report indicates that congressional authorization and funding are crucial for reducing the number of endangered Native languages, currently at 167, with projections suggesting fewer than 20 may survive by 2050 if no action is taken.

“We use language to write history, share knowledge, map the future, and pass down traditions,” remarked Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. He emphasized that investing in language revitalization is vital for strengthening Indigenous communities.

The plan also emphasizes support for Indigenous language efforts within educational institutions. This includes strategic investments in core content instruction to elevate educational outcomes for Indigenous youth. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona highlighted the importance of multilingualism, asserting that it serves as a key asset for Native American languages.

During his travels through Indian Country, Cardona integrated words from the Oneida, Dakota, and Nakota languages into his experience. He remarked on the profound connection young people feel when reclaiming their Native languages, stating, “But Native peoples have suffered from shameful policies that aimed to eradicate these languages and cultures for too long.” He expressed hope that this national plan marks the beginning of reparative actions regarding the government’s past indifference to the well-being of Indigenous communities.

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) currently funds 187 schools dedicated to providing culturally relevant education to Indigenous students. However, funding for language revitalization did not materialize until 2017, with a maximum allocation of $7.5 million in any fiscal year.

At the summit, the Department of Interior also disclosed a cooperative agreement with the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education. This arrangement will provide $7.5 million in grants to BIE schools for the establishment or enhancement of language immersion programs. The department stated, “Together with the National Plan for Native Language Revitalization, these efforts create a comprehensive strategy to protect, preserve, and reclaim Indigenous languages across the United States.”