MN Native languages in State Senate

[Richard LaFortune]

this is due for floor vote sometime in the next couple
of hours,we are advised (8:30 AM/CST)

http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/committee/2003-2004/Finance_Early/update04.htm

Early Childhood Policy and Budget Division Update

Update: April 21, 2004 2:40 p.m.

Updates are listed in reverse order with the most
recent at the top.
Native languages discussed
The cultural and educational importance of the Dakota
and Ojibwe languages provided the focal point for
discussion at the Tues., Apr. 20, meeting of the Early
Childhood Policy and Budget Division. The panel,
chaired by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-St. Peter), heard
extensive testimony on a resolution urging state
agencies to work in concert with American Indian
communities to bring existing policies and procedures
into compliance in order to support the revitalization
of the Dakota and Ojibwe languages and to promote
educational achievement for American Indian students.
John Poupart, speaking on behalf of the Dakota Ojibwe
Language Revitalization Alliance, said there are many
native language initiatives across Minnesota and the
nation, but all are united in the effort to preserve
our native languages. "Native language is the crucible
of our culture and our heritage," Poupart said.
Poupart then introduced elders to speak on their
experiences with American Indian languages. "The
elders are the real libraries of our communities,"
Poupart said.

Members also heard young children demonstrate their
growing competence in the use of their native
languages. Gabriella Strong, a professor at the
University of Minnesota, said there is a strong link
between native language fluency and educational
achievement.

In addition, the panel heard from several individuals
who experienced the boarding school era that removed
American Indian children from their families and
prohibited the use of native languages. Several other
groups, including tribal leaders, a representative of
the Army's World War II code talkers and additional
scholars, spoke before the panel. All speakers
emphasized the importance of native languages as a
basic medium for the transmission and survival of
American Indian heritage, cultures, oral histories,
spirituality and cultural values.






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