Dear Friend,
Tribal Head Start programs play a critical role in preserving and promoting Native languages, cultures, and traditions. But federal credentialing requirements can prevent Tribal programs from hiring qualified educators best equipped to pass down these languages, cultures, and traditions on to the next generation — particularly in communities with limited access to higher education.
Nearly all Tribal Head Start programs report difficulty hiring and retaining staff. These staffing challenges can limit programs’ ability to enroll eligible children and provide Native language education.
I believe preserving Native languages is essential to maintaining cultural identity.
That is why I introduced the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act to give Tribes more flexibility to determine who is qualified to teach in their own communities and create more pathways for fluent Native language speakers and other qualified educators to enter the classroom. This is about making sure Tribal communities have the authority and resources they need to keep their languages and cultures strong for generations to come.
New Mexico is at a critical junction when it comes to preserving Native languages. Together, we can make sure Tribal communities have the authority and resources they need to pass their languages and cultures down to future generations.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator