Minnesota Legislature
HF 779
as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
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A bill for an act
relating to Native American languages; establishing the Minnesota Indigenous
Language Act; establishing the Council on Indigenous Language; appropriating
money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 3.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1. new text begin LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.
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The status of the cultures and languages of Native Americans is unique and part of
the rich heritage of the state. The state shall collaborate with Native Americans to ensure
the survival of these unique cultures and languages. The legislature further recognizes
Native American culture and language as a vital state treasure and resource. In order to
maximize the potential of Native American language resources, the legislature recognizes
the need to encourage indigenous language development and continuation, especially
among children.
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The legislature recognizes that one-third of indigenous tongues have disappeared
since the coming of Columbus. Of those that survive, nine out of ten are no longer spoken
by children. If this erosion continues, virtually all Native American languages could be
extinct within two or three generations. Along with this erosion goes part of the history of
our state. There are many benefits to preserving indigenous languages. These include:
cognitive and academic growth among students; help with identity conflicts; preservation
of family values; increased cultural vitality; preserving unique traditional tribal ecological
knowledge; preserving Minnesota's indigenous native history; and increased student
self-esteem and self-sufficiency. These benefits reflect in greater community involvement
in tribal communities and for the state. Children who are schooled in their native language
will demonstrate greater creativity and participation in the community and the state as
a whole.
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Sec. 2.
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[3.9228] COUNCIL ON INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Creation; membership. new text end
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The state Council on Indigenous Language
is created and shall consist of one member from the following groups:
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(1) Grand Portage tribe;
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(2) Red Lake tribe;
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(3) Leech Lake tribe;
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(4) Boise Forte tribe;
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(5) White Earth tribe;
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(6) Fond du lac tribe;
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(7) Mille Lacs tribe;
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(8) Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe;
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(9) Prairie Island Mdewakanton tribe;
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(10) Upper Sioux Mdewakanton tribe;
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(11) Lower Sioux Mdewakanton tribe;
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(12) American Indian Policy Center;
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(13) University of Minnesota American Indian Student Cultural Center;
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(14) Anishinabe Academy;
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(15) University of Minnesota Duluth Gekinoo' imaagejig;
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(16) Dakota Wicohan;
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(17) Niigaane (Bugonaygeshig School);
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(18) Grotto Foundation;
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(19) Elders Lodge;
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(20) University of Minnesota American Indian Studies Department;
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(21) Anishinabe Wi Yung;
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(22) Dakota Language Society;
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(23) Upper Midwest Indian Center;
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(24) Indian Ministries;
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(25) Wicoie Nandagikendan;
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(26) First Nations Orphan Association;
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(27) Mille Lacs Culture Camp;
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(28) St. Paul Indian in Unity;
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(29) MUID;
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(30) Minnesota Indian Education Association;
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(31) Minnesota Indian Education Department; and
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(32) Dakota Ojibwe Language Revitalization Alliance.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Duties. new text end
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(a) The council shall promote activities and programs that are
specific to promoting revitalization of indigenous languages for Native American children
and adults. Since language revitalization is critical for the youngest Native American
children, the council shall focus on developing programs that meet the language needs
of children in prekindergarten through grade 12. In addition, the council shall work with
community groups, educational groups and institutions, and tribes to identify programs
that will promote the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages in order for
children to learn the speaking, reading, and writing of native languages.
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(b) The council shall develop specific guidelines for funding community and
educational programs that provide language revitalization to meet the needs of the
community. In order to develop these guidelines, the council shall collaborate with
Native American community groups to develop the resources needed to provide native
language classes.
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(c) The council shall provide grants to organizations, programs, and schools
that meet the guidelines developed by the council for programs that provide language
revitalization to children and adults.
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(d) The council shall consult with tribal governments to maximize the effectiveness
and coordination of policies and programs that support language and culture, and
collaborate with tribal governments to develop an integrated language strategy.
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(e) The council shall work in collaboration with the Department of Education to
develop a multitiered system for native speakers to be certified on special status by
the Board of Teaching to enable Native speakers to teach in all language revitalization
programs and schools.
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(f) The council shall work in collaboration with the Department of Human Services
to enable Native speakers to teach in early childhood programs regulated under Rule
2 and Rule 3.
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(g) The council shall develop a linguistic center to include language instruction and
immersion housing for people involved in revitalization programs.
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(h) The council shall develop a statewide strategic plan to structure the development
of revitalization programs and schools throughout the state to include:
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(1) Head Start;
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(2) teacher training;
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(3) prekindergarten through grade 12; and
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(4) adult programs.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Powers. new text end
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The council may contract in its own name. Contracts must be
approved by a majority of the members of the council and executed by the chair and the
executive director. The council may apply for, receive, and expend in its own name grants
and gifts of money consistent with the duties specified in this section.
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The council shall appoint an executive director who is experienced in administrative
activities and familiar with language revitalization. The council may delegate to the
executive director powers and duties under this section that do not require council
approval. The executive director and council staff shall serve in the unclassified service of
the state. The executive director shall recommend to the council the appropriate staffing
necessary to carry out its duties. The commissioner of administration shall provide the
council with necessary administrative services.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin State agency assistance. new text end
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Other state agencies shall supply the council upon
request with advisory staff services on matters relating to the jurisdiction of the council.
The council shall cooperate and coordinate activities with state agencies when feasible.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end
new text begin Elders advisory group. new text end
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An advisory group of elders from the Native
American community shall be constituted by the council to provide guidance and
suggestions to the council on language revitalization matters.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end
new text begin Conflict of interest. new text end
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A council member shall abstain from voting on any
grant proposal or other matter in which the council member's tribe or organization has a
financial or controlling interest.
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Sec. 3. new text begin THE MINNESOTA DAKOTA/OJIBWE LANGUAGE
REVITALIZATION ALLIANCE (DOLRA).
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The initial meeting of the Council on Indigenous Language shall be called by
the Minnesota Dakota/Ojibwe Language Revitalization Alliance to establish meeting
guidelines, procedures, and priorities. The DOLRA facilitator shall chair the first meeting,
and subsequent meetings until the council elects a chair.
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Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; COUNCIL ON INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE.
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$....... is appropriated from the general fund to the Council on Indigenous Language
for the biennium beginning July 1, 2007, for the purposes of section 2. This appropriation
does not cancel and is available until expended.
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