Investing in Native Language Immersion

The United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 calls our attention to the critical situation of Indigenous languages across the globe. The Language Conservancy estimates that 41% of the 7,000 languages currently spoken are endangered and that, without intervention, 90% will be extinct within 100 years, including the remaining 175 Indigenous languages in the US. The loss of a language brings a loss of knowledge, culture, and identity – the markers of our diverse humanity.

In 2017, First Nations launched the Native Language Immersion Initiative (NLII) as a three-year project to build the capacity and support of Native language immersion programs. Extended to a fourth year, the initiative provided organizational capacity-building grants that supported community partners in their growth and expansion, as well as funding for needs that are not always supported by other sources.

This report shares the impact of the NLII and presents findings and lessons learned from four years of targeted investments in Native language immersion programs. More importantly, this report serves as an opportunity to elevate the good work being accomplished in Native language revitalization.

See also: 

• Investing in Native Language Immersion: A Summary for Funders and Allies
• Investing in Native Language Immersion: A Summary for Native Communities and Language Practitioners