Advocacy in NIEA Hill Week in Washington D.C.
Overview of NIEA Hill Week and Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
On February 12-13, 2025, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Indigenous language revitalization, share the critical needs of Tribal communities, and educate stakeholders about the history of Federal Trust obligations and Treaty responsibilities. This advocancy included two opportunities: one included being part of an expert panel of Native language advocates at NIEA Hill Week and a legislative meeting with Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office. Hosted by the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol, Hill Week serves as a platform for Native education leaders, advocates, and federal stakeholders to advance and support initiatives that protect and strengthen Indigenous education, including Native language programs.
On February 12, I participated in NIEA’s expert panel discussion, Strengthening the Future of Native Languages: Building to Protect and Advance Cultural Heritage, where I shared insights as an Oneida language educator and Executive Director of Skanikulat, Inc.. The panel focused on critical priorities, including mandatory federal funding for Native language programs, tribal sovereignty over language education, and alternative teacher credentialing pathways for Indigenous language speakers. During my remarks, I emphasized the urgent need for sustainable language funding and the role of Native languages in self-determination, healing, and community wellness.
On February 13, I met with representatives from Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office to discuss federal support for Native language revitalization. In the meeting, I highlighted the severe language loss within the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, where only two fluent speakers remain out of 17,269 enrolled tribal members. We discussed key challenges, including limited federal funding, accreditation barriers for Indigenous language teachers, and the need for stronger protections against the exploitation of Native languages in AI and digital platforms. I also presented critical recommendations, including the establishment of a Congressional Native Language Task Force to ensure compliance of Federal Trust and Treaty responsibilities as well as the need for Tribally controlled teacher certification programs. Senator Baldwin’s team expressed interest in further exploring solutions to sustain Native language programs in the state of Wisconsin.
This trip reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy to ensure that Native languages remain protected, funded, and fully integrated into federal frameworks. As we move forward, I remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance language revitalization efforts for future generations.
With gratitude,
Yekuhsi·yó
