New center to help lead national Indigenous language revitalization efforts
The University of Arizona has been selected as one of only four institutions nationwide to lead the charge in Indigenous language revitalization! Thanks to a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the new West Region Native American Language Resource Center is set to empower tribal communities across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. This initiative, housed within the American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI), builds on decades of dedicated work by experts like Ofelia Zepeda and Sheilah Nicholas.
Their mission is to breathe new life into Indigenous languages through innovative educational programs and community partnerships. With a focus on immersive teaching methods, the center aims to support and expand the use of tribal languages, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
Join us in celebrating this incredible step towards cultural preservation and education!