Language

Though used every single day by every single person in the Minnesota legislature and the world beyond it, language is a vital tool that often goes unacknowledged. It seems like mere common sense to point out that we need language, as it is a vital tool for communication. To the average Minnesotan, however, the English language is synonymous with language or communication itself, and as long as we can communicate with one another, then English is sufficient for running a legislature, a country, or a world. What the majority of us may not realize, however, is that not all languages are created equal. The Dakota Ojibwe Language Revitalization Alliance (DOLRA) recognizes that non-dominant languages, indigenous languages in particular, are indispensable to the mindset and therefore the maintenance of Minnesota's native cultures. It is DOLRA's stance that the indigenous languages of Minnesota are in need of revitalization. Through immersion-style teaching, DOLRA hopes to help these languages to flourish once again. During the Minnesota Legislature's 85th session, Representative David Bly and Senator Patricia Torres-Ray collaborated with DOLRA to introduce House File 779 and Senate File 586, both of which propose an Indigenous Language Act consisting of a Council on Indigenous Language. Though there is extensive support for language revitalization initiatives, this bill has been stalled in the legislature