The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs holds an oversight hearing on “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Languages One Year Later” and a legislative hearing to receive testimony on S. 989 and S. 1402, on May 26, 2021.

• S.1989, the Native American Language Resource Center Act. The bipartisan bill creates the Native American Languages Resource Center, whose purpose is to support Native language schools and help them succeed.

• S.1402, the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act. The bill is named in honor of Durbin Feeling, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who dedicated his life to preserving the Cherokee language before his passing last year at the age of 74. The Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act ensures the federal government continues to support Native language efforts.

Ms. Michelle Sauve [PDF: Testimony]
Acting Commissioner
Administration for Native Americans
Department of Health & Human Services
Washington, D.C.

The Honorable Chuck Hoskin, Jr. [PDF: Testimony]
Principal Chief
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Ms. Leslie Harper [PDF: Testimony]
President
National Coalition of Native American Language Schools and Programs
Cass Lake, Minnesota

Ms. Kaʻiulani Laehā [PDF: Testimony]
Chief Executive Officer
Aha Punana Leo
Hilo, Hawaii

Ms. Bernadette “Yaayuk” Alvanna-Stimpfle [PDF: Testimony]
Director, Kawerak Eskimo Heritage
Chair, Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council
Nome, Alaska

Business Meeting to consider S. 1471 / Oversight Hearing on “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Languages One Year Later” & Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on S. 989 & S. 1402 (May 26, 2021)