[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3715-S3716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Baucus, and Mr. 
        Johnson):
  S. 2674. A bill to amend the Native American Languages Act to provide 
for the support of Native American language survival schools, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that would 
amend the Native American Languages Act, NALA, that was enacted into 
law on October 30, 1990, to promote the rights and freedom of Native 
Americans to use, practice, and develop Native American languages. 
Since 1990, awareness and appreciation of Native languages has grown. 
Continued action and investment in the preservation of Native languages 
is needed. I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues, Senators Daniel 
K. Inouye and Max Baucus, as we seek to improve the cultural and 
educational opportunities available to Native Americans throughout our 
Nation.
  Historians and linguists estimate that there were more than 300 
distinct Native languages at the time of first European contact with 
North America. Today, there are approximately 155 Native languages that 
remain and 87 percent of those languages have been classified as 
deteriorating or nearing extinction. Native communities across the 
country are being significantly impacted as individuals fluent in a 
Native language are passing away. These

[[Page S3716]]

speakers are not only important in perpetuating the language itself, 
but also serve as repositories of invaluable knowledge pertaining to 
customs and traditions, as well as resource use and management.
  The Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2006 would amend 
NALA to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to 
establish Native American language nest and survival school programs. 
Nest and survival school programs are site-based education programs 
conducted through a Native American language. These programs have 
played an integral role in bringing together elders and youth to 
cultivate and perpetuate Native American languages. My bill would 
establish at least four demonstration programs in geographically 
diverse locations to provide assistance to nest and survival schools 
and participate in a national study on the linguistic, cultural, and 
academic effects of Native American language nest and survival schools. 
Demonstration programs would be authorized to establish endowments for 
furthering activities related to the study and preservation of Native 
American languages and to use funds to provide for the rental, lease, 
purchase, construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities.
  As Americans, it is our responsibility to perpetuate our Native 
languages that have shaped our collective identity and contributed to 
our history. For example, during World War II, the United States 
employed Native American code talkers who developed secret means of 
communication based on Native languages. The actions of the code 
talkers were critical to our winning the war and to saving numerous 
lives. My legislation would serve as another opportunity for our 
country to acknowledge and ensure that our future will be enhanced by 
the contributions of Native language and culture.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to 
enhance the cultural and educational opportunities for Native Americans 
and Native American language speaking individuals.
                                 ______