News Release
First Nations Development Institute
First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) recently awarded grants to six Native-led organizations and Tribes to help bolster language immersion programs working to preserve Indigenous languages and cultures throughout the U.S.
Certainly, fluency is important to keep Native languages alive. But its value goes even deeper. Language researchers have discovered that a culture’s language has a direct impact on the health, wellness, moral values, academic success, and connectedness of a community.
This new round of funding marks the fifth cycle of the Native Language Immersion Initiative (NLII) at First Nations. Since its launch in 2017, NLII has made a notable impact throughout Indian Country―awarding 52 grants totaling over $4.4 million to grow and strengthen 34 Native language immersion programs.
As stated in the report, Ready for a New Decade: Investing in Native Language Immersion, investments in language immersion programs are working, resulting in “much-needed support to stabilize and sustain Native language programs, as grantees reported that the capacity-building investments strengthened their missions and the continuation of their programs.”
First Nations President and CEO Michael Roberts said First Nations has made great strides in the collaborative movement to support the continuity of Native languages. “With the latest awards to six Native partners, we recognize the critical need to invest in and support the work of Native language programs.”
However, Roberts added that there is still much work to do. “We have come a long way, but we must continue our keen focus on language immersion and revitalization. Native languages strengthen the identity, resilience, and health of Native communities and ensuring their endurance will take the effort and commitment of many generations to come.”
Funding for the 2022 NLII grants cycle is made possible with generous support from the NoVo Foundation and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation.
Congratulations to these 2022 NLII Grantees:
Euchee (Yuchi) Language Project Inc, Sapulpa, Oklahoma: $75,000
Only nine first-language Yuchi speakers, ages 60 to 90 years old, are alive today. The Euchee (Yuchi) Language Project Inc will grow new, young speakers in the Yuchi language and restore natural transmission in homes by focusing on family-based immersion. The program will develop 12 youth as new speakers in the first year. In the second and third years, the program will offer more expertise and capacity-building to include language documentation and resource development.
Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, Juneau, Alaska: $75,000
Plans are to revitalize the Tlingit language by providing Tlingit language curriculum and teaching methodology to Southeast Alaska communities. A fluent Tlingit speaker will mentor two high school-based Tlingit language teachers in a master-apprentice immersion program. These teachers will pass on their newly acquired language skills to high school students. All participants will create immersion dialogue videos and the components of three seasonal curricular units to share with Southeast Alaskan educators and community members.
Congratulations to these 2022 NLII Grantees:
Euchee (Yuchi) Language Project Inc, Sapulpa, Oklahoma: $75,000
Only nine first-language Yuchi speakers, ages 60 to 90 years old, are alive today. The Euchee (Yuchi) Language Project Inc will grow new, young speakers in the Yuchi language and restore natural transmission in homes by focusing on family-based immersion. The program will develop 12 youth as new speakers in the first year. In the second and third years, the program will offer more expertise and capacity-building to include language documentation and resource development.
Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, Juneau, Alaska: $75,000
Plans are to revitalize the Tlingit language by providing Tlingit language curriculum and teaching methodology to Southeast Alaska communities. A fluent Tlingit speaker will mentor two high school-based Tlingit language teachers in a master-apprentice immersion program. These teachers will pass on their newly acquired language skills to high school students. All participants will create immersion dialogue videos and the components of three seasonal curricular units to share with Southeast Alaskan educators and community members.
Thunder Valley Community DevelopmentCorporation (TVCDC), Porcupine, South Dakota: $75,000
Less than three percent of fluent speakers remain on the Pine Ridge Reservation. To address this language crisis, TVCDC’s Lakota Language & Education Initiative provides Lakota immersion education for children pre-K to 2nd grade via the Montessori approach. The Lakota Lifeways life skills curriculum introduces cultural practices for children and caregivers in their home environment. New teachers will be recruited and trained in the Montessori approach, while increasing their own Lakota language fluency.
Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Tuolumne, California: $45,000
This grant will help the 435-member Tribe preserve its language and culture. All teachings of traditions, regalia, culture, crafts, and traditional foods will use language immersion curriculum to engage students in becoming active speakers. Elders will provide stories and lessons to the young, from toddlers to high school seniors. Classes are open to all ages, and families are encouraged to participate to learn how to share the language within the home.
To learn more about the Native Language Immersion Initiative, visit www.firstnations.org/projects/native-language-immersion-initiative/.
About First Nations Development Institute
For 41 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org.
