§ 2901. — Findings.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 25USC2901]
TITLE 25--INDIANS
CHAPTER 31--NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES
Sec. 2901. Findings
The Congress finds that--
(1) the status of the cultures and languages of Native Americans
is unique and the United States has the responsibility to act
together with Native Americans to ensure the survival of these
unique cultures and languages;
(2) special status is accorded Native Americans in the United
States, a status that recognizes distinct cultural and political
rights, including the right to continue separate identities;
(3) the traditional languages of Native Americans are an
integral part of their cultures and identities and form the basic
medium for the transmission, and thus survival, of Native American
cultures, literatures, histories, religions, political institutions,
and values;
(4) there is a widespread practice of treating Native Americans
\1\ languages as if they were anachronisms;
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\1\ So in original. Probably should be ``American''.
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(5) there is a lack of clear, comprehensive, and consistent
Federal policy on treatment of Native American languages which has
often resulted in acts of suppression and extermination of Native
American languages and cultures;
(6) there is convincing evidence that student achievement and
performance, community and school pride, and educational opportunity
is clearly and directly tied to respect for, and support of, the
first language of the child or student;
(7) it is clearly in the interests of the United States,
individual States, and territories to encourage the full academic
and human potential achievements of all students and citizens and to
take steps to realize these ends;
(8) acts of suppression and extermination directed against
Native American languages and cultures are in conflict with the
United States policy of self-determination for Native Americans;
(9) languages are the means of communication for the full range
of human experiences and are critical to the survival of cultural
and political integrity of any people; and
(10) language provides a direct and powerful means of promoting
international communication by people who share languages.
(Pub. L. 101-477, title I, Sec. 102, Oct. 30, 1990, 104 Stat. 1153.)
Short Title
Section 101 of title I of Pub. L. 101-477 provided that: ``This
title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the `Native American
Languages Act'.''
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in title 20 section 7801.
