Lawmakers hear bill to form joint task force on Alaska Native language preservation

Senate Bill 287 would establish a joint legislative Alaska Native Languages academic task force to review the original 1972 legislative intent for the Alaska Native Language Center, consult stakeholders across campuses and communities, and recommend statutory or funding changes to sustain language preservation and teacher-training statewide.

Senator Lukey Gale Tobin, sponsor of SB287, told the committee the task force is intended to evaluate authorizing statutes and identify gaps in support for language preservation, drawing a 50-year review of the Alaska Native Language Center’s mission. "Alaskan native languages are an irreplaceable part of our state's identity and heritage," Tobin said, noting many languages are endangered and legislative attention is needed to ensure continued preservation and instruction.

Multiple invited and public witnesses supported the bill. Mackenzie English Hu, a University of Alaska Fairbanks student at the Alaska Native Language Center, described the personal importance of language learning and asked legislators to support sustained training, materials and institutional commitments. Yvonne Peter described immersion programs and documentation work in communities and urged stable funding and job pathways for graduates so students can remain in language-revitalization work.

Brian O'Hare, interim vice chancellor for rural community and native education at the University of Alaska, said the university would support the task force and engage with its process. Senator Tobin closed by saying the task force would meet at UA Fairbanks and other campuses to gather stakeholder input; the committee set SB287 aside for further hearing and set an amendment deadline for close of business May 13.

Disposition: SB287 was held for further consideration; no vote was taken at the May 12 hearing.