Funding awarded for revitalization of tribal languages

The Montana Department of Commerce recently awarded $712,500 through the Montana Indian Language Program to the eight tribal governments in Montana to support language revitalization efforts.

The Montana Indian Language Program works to protect American Indian cultural integrity by recognizing that languages spoken, written, or in the form of sign language are vital to the identities of tribal nations and the state. Funding for the program comes from the state’s main budget bill, which the 2019 Montana Legislature passed last year.

“Encouraging efforts to protect tribal languages is an important part of respecting the cultures of tribes in Montana,” said Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice. “These funds invest in ongoing, critical efforts to support languages in Indian Country.”

Each tribal government in the state is to receive $89,062 for the 2019-2020 biennium.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Kootenai Culture Committee received $44,531.25, while the CSKT’s Selis Qlispe Culture Committee received $44,531.25.

“On the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, the Montana Indian Language Program (MILP) has brought together language and culture specialists from five Reservation districts,” said Dr. Richard Littlebear, president of Chief Dull Knife College, Northern Cheyenne Tribe. “The MILP has provided opportunities for camaraderie for specialists who are passionate in their pursuit of teaching their own language and culture.”