JUNEAU, Alaska—
A bill from state Sen. Donny Olson of Nome would help preserve and revitalize the 20 Native languages of Alaska.Olson recommends in SB130 that the state create the Alaska Native Language Preservation Council, which would advise the governor on programs and projects that will make the most of resources available to Alaska Native groups.
The bill was before the State Affairs Committee Tuesday.
Representatives from Native groups and linguists voiced their support and called for lawmakers to do what they can before time runs out.
Lawrence Kaplan, a Native language professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, says teaching students from an early age and working fast while elderly Native speakers are alive is paramount to avoiding extinction of languages.
The bill was held pending further dialogue with Native groups.
