We are committed to ensuring the perpetuation of our indigenous languages for they embody the essences of who we are as a people and they offer the means to regain our social health. The decline in the use of native languages is a result of many historical factors, including federal relocation and assimilation policies and mandates forbidding children from speaking native languages in schools. As tribes have begun to reclaim control over the education of their children, many tribes have chosen to nurture native languages in their educational programs. In Hawaii, where indigenous language immersion schools were pioneered, students can attend graduate school in Hawaiian. Bilingual and bicultural educational programs not only revive the use of native languages, but also offer a better education to students.
Educators believe that learning multiple languages can develop more cognitive flexibility.
According to Teresa McCarty of the American Indian Language Development Institute, students enrolled in language immersion programs actually tend to out-perform their peers in monolingual schools, even in English proficiency. As well, teaching techniques and curriculum based in native cultures and communities, including native languages, can complement Native children's experiences in their homes and reinforce their identities as Native Americans. We started these schools because we truly value our Hawaiian language and culture and wish the same for our children. Namaka Rawlins, Aha Punana Leo Congress can provide support for Native students by amending the Native American Language Act to authorize the establishment of native language immersion schools and pre-schools. As well, Congress can encourage educational research centers to help immersion schools with training and curriculum development.