Chicago Public Schools announced that the newly launched student information management program, IMPACT, includes a list of Native American languages that will help educational leaders identify the languages used within the district.
Students and their families will be able to identify which languages are spoken in their homes. The Native American languages included are primarily from the Great Lakes Tribes, a prominent segment of the Chicago Public Schools Native American student population.
These efforts are in line with H.R. 4766 [109th]: Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act which became public law December 14, 2006. H.R. 4766 amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs and other projects.
"As the third largest school district in the country, we hope to inspire other districts to take this critical step in identifying the use of Native American languages at home. The data we gather can only help us build a stronger understanding of our student body as well as assist us with language programming," Jolene Aleck, Coordinator of CPS Title VII Indian Education Formula Grant Program.
Dr. Dorene Wiese, President of Native American Educational Service College praised the Chicago Public Schools for this effort." The Chicago American Indian community applauds the many efforts of the Chicago Public Schools to continue to find new and innovative ways to acknowledge the many vibrant tribal cultures and languages that the first Americans contribute to this great city. While NAES College has been the only college in the state, offering the teaching and learning of tribal languages, much work still needs to be done to ensure these languages continue as long as the grass grows."
Chicago Public Schools is committed to educating children about the American Indians and honoring their contributions to our society. "The issue of survival is the core reason why Native languages should be taught. You see, learning the Native language of ones tribe is more important than everyone thinks it is." John Dall, Ho-Chunk, Chairman of the Chicago American Indian Education Council.
"As an Ojibwe, certified Native Language teacher this is a wonderful opportunity for Native American families to heal, my generation was silenced. Now, parents have an opportunity to state they speak a Native language, this is a powerful message! Hopefully, this will encourage families to enroll their children into language programs." Georgina and Dorothy Roy, Ojibwe Teachers from Native American Educational Services.
For more information please contact Jolene Aleck in the CPS Title VII Indian Education Formula Grant Program at 773-534-2874 or Ana Vargas in the CPS Office of Communications at 773-553-1614.