Committee hears bill to broaden Montana Indian Language Preservation Program and partnerships

The House Education Committee heard testimony supporting Senate Bill 182, which would expand and clarify administration and partnering for Montana’s Indian Language Preservation Program and encourage collaborative professional development and use of existing tribal language materials.

Sponsor testimony and proponents from tribal nations, early‑childhood advocates, the Montana Historical Society and statewide education organizations described the bill as a measure to preserve tribal languages, increase opportunities for immersion and broaden which educational entities may partner with tribes — including public schools, tribal schools, tribal early‑learning programs and postsecondary institutions.

Supporters said the bill encourages integration between the language preservation program and local immersion programs, provides flexibility for tribal governments to partner with a range of educational entities, and promotes professional development using materials already produced and archived at the Montana Historical Society. Witnesses described successful uses of past language funds for curriculum materials, apps, signage and oral-history projects and said revitalization work supports student identity, academic outcomes and community well‑being.

Advocates including the Montana Budget and Policy Center and the Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools asked the committee to advance the bill. Testimony highlighted that several Montana tribal languages are critically endangered and urged lawmakers to support flexible implementation and sustained funding. The committee closed testimony and sponsors signaled they will work with stakeholders on implementation details; no committee vote was recorded during the hearing.

Provenance: hearing begins with SB182 opening at s=4577.39 and closes at s=5716.51 in the committee transcript.