Supporting Language Preservation and Revitalization in Tribal Communities From a very early age, and even before birth, many Native American children are taught about their connection to the world. They are taught to honor their traditions and to think of themselves as connected to one another and the world around them. This interconnectedness is essential for Native American children’s development of the self. Language, culture, the home and community environment allow children to know who they are and form the basis for constructing knowledge and understanding. Many native languages have been passed from generation to generation, and with them, the stories, traditions and life of a people.Although language plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of our young children, Indigenous languages continue to disappear at an alarming rate. In North America, at least 52 Native American languages have disappeared. Globally, more than 6,000 languages face eventual extinction. To raise awareness of the topic, the United Nations has also declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Please join us to learn from Dr. Sheilah Nicholas, faculty instructor for the American Indian Language Development Institute, and a panel of Arizona tribal representatives about their language preservation and revitalization work in tribal communities. Panelists include Sherilyn Analla, Gila River Indian Community; Lucille Watahomigie, Hualapai Tribe; and Beatrice Lee, San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Please join us for the second annual Tribal Connections event. In North America, at least 52 Native American languages have disappeared. Globally, more than 6,000 languages face eventual extinction, prompting the United Nations to declare 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages.