Maine state Rep. Michael Sockalexis, a member of the Penobscot Nation, has introduced a bill to preserve the tribe's language.

Sockalexis says only a "handful" of tribal members speak the language fluently. He said critical components of Penobscot culture are being lost as fewer people learn how to converse.

To change the situation, the bill would create a Penobscot Language Preservation Fund operated by the state Department of Education. The bill would provide $300,000 for language programs, with matching funds to come from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Get the Story:
Legislator steps up fight to save tribe's language (The Portland Press Herald 1/23)

Relevant Links:
Penobscot Nation - http://www.penobscotnation.org