[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 114 (Monday, July 21, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VANCE HOME GUN

 Mr. WALSH. Mr. President, I wish to honor Vance Home Gun, an 
emerging leader in Montana and member of the Confederated Salish and 
Kootenai Tribes.
  As I travel around Indian Country in Montana, I see a lot of 
challenges that still need to be addressed, but I also see a lot of 
cause for hope. Vance Home Gun embodies that hope.
  Vance was first introduced to a Salish language camp at the age of 
11. Inspired by elders and other community members, Vance resolved 
himself to become a fluent Salish speaker and to encourage his peers to 
get involved in the preservation of the Salish language.
  Vance has taken a leadership role within his tribe to revitalize 
Native languages through his organization called Yoyoot Skwkwimlt, or 
Strong Young People, that utilizes peer-to-peer methods to teach 
language and culture.
  I also want to congratulate Vance on receiving a scholarship to 
attend the University of Oregon this coming fall. On behalf of all 
Montanans, I wish him luck and look forward to his return home when he 
finishes his studies to continue making a difference for Montana and 
his tribe.
  Since joining the Senate 5 months ago, I have cosponsored two 
important pieces of legislation that promote and preserve Native 
languages for generations to come.
  I know that support for comprehensive and culturally-relevant 
language programs will set our Native children on a path for success in 
school and life and allows them to reach their full potential.
  Vance encapsulated the urgency behind Native language preservation 
when he stated, ``Time is of the essence, and our young Native people 
are the key to revitalizing our language. Helping them is revitalizing 
our identity.''
  It will take leaders like Vance to implement these vital language 
programs for the benefit of cultural preservation and revitalization.
  I stand with Vance to help preserve the Native languages and 
traditions for generations to come.

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