Resolution urges preserving of Native languages

A resolution introduced by Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, urges Gov. Bill Walker to issue an administrative order recognizing that a “linguistic emergency” exists in Alaska regarding the survival of Native languages.

House Concurrent Resolution 19 was introduced on Feb. 16 and referred to the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee.

The resolution calls on state agencies, the Legislature, Alaska Native organizations and others to work to strengthen policies to ensure the survival of Alaska Native languages, many of which are on the verge of extinction.

“The loss of a Native language diminishes us all because it represents the loss of a critical piece of our history, culture, and the Alaska way of life,” Ortiz said. “I fear that without fluent speakers and new learners these unique, beautiful and significant languages will disappear forever. I put forward this resolution because I don’t believe anyone wants to see that happen.”

The Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council called on Walker in January to issue an administrative order recognizing a “linguistic emergency” in Alaska because Alaska’s Native languages are in crisis. They warned that most of the 20 recognized indigenous languages in Alaska are predicted to become extinct by the end of the 21st century unless there are policy changes to support the learning and speaking of these languages.

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