As federal partners with a charge under the Native American Languages Act of 1990 (NALA) to “preserve, protect, and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use, practice, and develop Native American languages” we recognize that Native peoples are resilient, and despite many obstacles have persevered in the protection and use of ancestral languages.

Since the passage of the NALA we have witnessed and later proudly supported the resurrection of the Wôpanâak language, a language that was sleeping for more than two centuries. Prior to this feat, which is nothing short of a miracle, ANA had a policy of not funding “moribund” or “extinct” languages. Through several projects including Master-Apprentice to teach adults the language and currently a Montessori child care center to teach a new generation, we learned that the resiliency of the people can be strong enough to bring a language back to life within a community.

It is our hope that every community can see a resurgence and strengthening of the language gifted to them by the creator.