Language
...it, language is a vital tool that often goes unacknowledged. It seems like mere common sense to point out that we need language, as it is a vital tool for communication. To the average Minnesotan, however, the English language is synonymous with language or communication itself, and as long as we can communicate with one another, then English is sufficient for running a legislature, a country, or a world. What the majority of us may not realize, however, is that not all languages are created equal. The Dakota Ojibwe Language Revitalization Alliance (DOLRA) recognizes that non-dominant languages, indigenous languages in particular, are indispensable to the mindset and therefore the maintenance of Minnesota's native cultures. It is DOLRA's stance that the indigenous languages of Minnesota are in need of revitalization. Through immersion-style teaching, DOLRA hopes to help these languages to flourish once again. During the Minnesota Legislature's 85th session, Representative David Bly and Senator Patricia Torres-Ray collaborated with DOLRA to introduce House File 779 and Senate File 586, both of which propose an Indigenous Language Act consisting of a Council on Indigenous Language. Though there is extensive support for language revitalization initiatives, this bill has been stalled in the legislature due to internal contentions between DOLRA and the Indian Affairs Council (cite). The Council on Indigenous Language is unlikely to be enacted in its original form, as funding requests were too high to begin with. Its best chance for starting up will be to apply for a world language grant, included in House File 6, Representative Greiling's omnibus bill on education finance.
Background
Presently, it is estimated that 175 indigenous languages are still spoken in the United States (Crawford, 1998). One hundred and fifty-five of them, however, are considered...
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