The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is inviting tribal leaders, advocates, and community members to participate in a virtual discussion on Native language revitalization with staff from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs this Thursday.
The meeting, scheduled for April 30 at 4:00 p.m. ET, will bring together members of the NCAI Native Languages Task Force and Senate committee staff for a staff-level conversation focused on advancing efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous languages. Organizers noted the session is not an official committee hearing or formal Senate event.
“This conversation will focus on key priorities in Native language revitalization,” NCAI said in its announcement, pointing to several critical areas of discussion.
Topics are expected to include the expansion of immersion schools and culturally grounded education models, the development of Native language teachers and workforce capacity, and the current landscape of federal resources supporting these initiatives. Participants will also explore opportunities to strengthen federal support moving forward.
In addition, the discussion is expected to address the Children’s Commission Report and related draft legislation, with an emphasis on identifying actionable strategies to better support Tribal Nations in preserving and advancing their languages.
“We welcome your participation and perspective in this discussion,” the organization said, encouraging attendees to register in advance.
The meeting comes as Tribal Nations and advocates continue to push for increased investment and policy support to sustain Indigenous languages, many of which remain endangered after generations of federal assimilation policies.