National Alliance to Save Native Languages and Chief Dull Knife College announce 2016 Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium June 6th and 7th in Billings, Montana.
In an announcement today on the Ft. Berthold Indian Reservation, the National Alliance to Save Native Languages invited Native language stakeholders and tribal leaders to attend the 23rd Annual Stabilizing Indigenous Language Symposium (SILS) in Billings, Montana June 6 and 7 at the Radisson Hotel Billings.
In its 23rd year the SILS is the oldest and largest gathering of Indigenous language stakeholders attracting both international participation and participants throughout Indian Country. The 2016 SILS will feature key note addresses, research presentations, paper submissions, workshops, forums, and advocacy training. Among the many highlights is a special tour of the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and a tribute to the late Darryl Kipp who was so instrumental in advancing the Immersion School Movement in Indian Country.
The National Alliance is launching the campaign to reauthorize the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act at the 2016 SILS. In his remarks from the Montana State Languages Summit, Alliance President Ryan Wilson stated “In this critical hour of Native Language revitalization all of Indian Country should both celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Esther Martinez Act and fight to the last child to ensure that our sacred languages survive. Congress needs to reauthorize this irreplaceable legislation that is responsible for over 40 million dollars being awarded to Native language schools and programs.”
After learning that Billings, Montana would serve as the host city for 2016 SILS, State Senator Jonathon Windy Boy (Chippewa Cree) said “SILS provides a forum for language activists to share best practices and their unique stories.”
SILS also will allow Indian Country to rally and organize better strategies in our desperate fight to save our critically endangered languages. I am proud to be one of the keynote speakers and have a special message planned.”
The National Alliance is joined by Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer, MT as the host organizations. The Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota is the presenting sponsor.
For more information on the 2016 SILS contact Ryan Wilson at 701-627-3700 and the web address is http://sils2016.com
CONTACT
Ryan Wilson oglalawilson@gmail.com
