Image: I am extremely proud that one of the first bills that President Joe Biden signed into law in 2023 was the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act. This law, named after my friend and Cherokee National Treasure Durbin Feeling, will support Native language programs in Cherokee Nation and across the United States. It will boost our momentum to revitalize the Cherokee language that is central to our identity as a tribal nation. After the U.S. did so much to try and destroy our language and culture, this bipartisan legislation holds the federal government accountable for undoing that damage. It gives the president greater ability to make sure all federal agencies are meeting requirements and coordinating with each other to support Native languages. The act authorizes a federal survey of Native language use and language revitalization programs’ unmet needs every five years. These surveys will allow tribes, like Cherokee Nation, to advise Congress on ways to improve the delivery of federal resources. Learn more Read More: https://nativenewsonline.net/opinion/new-federal-laws-will-enhance-advance-lang…
