Native Languages Center

AIHEC National TCU Center of Excellence on Native Langauges

Indigenous languages were once spoken in the U.S.

Indigenous languages remain spoken in the U.S. today

Estimated Indigenous languages that will remain by 2050 without language revitalization efforts

Language Revitalization

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), which comprises the nation’s 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), is committed to reclaiming the words of our peoples. Through the AIHEC National TCU Center of Excellence on Native Languages, we propose to establish a vibrant community of practice among TCU Native languages faculty, researchers, and partners. Our goals are to implement and continuously improve a Tribal Native Language Revitalization Strategy that will build TCU and Tribal community capacity, leverage scarce resources and ensure that each TCU language program have the infrastructure needed to allow their languages to thrive.

TCU Native language programs are authentic and unique. They are located in communities where these languages are spoken. Some TCUs are the only academic institutions where these languages are taught. Native language revitalization can often feel isolating, and creating safe spaces to share work, learn from others, network, and build partnerships is necessary. Language revitalization is one of many critical components of a Tribal/cultural ecosystem. To achieve local Native language revitalization goals, language strategies must be addressed within the context of other Tribal and community issues. The AIHEC TCU Center of Excellence strives to connect the TCU and broader communities, and to provide resources and toolkits that can aid or build capacity in the language revitalization work that we do.

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Language Programs at Tribal Colleges and Universities

TCUs currently offer Native language courses.

TCUs degrees or certificate programs in Native Languages.

TCUs currently teach more than one Native Language.

The map below shows the locations of the 37 TCUs across the country. To learn more about each TCU and the language programs offered within those institutions, hover over each pin on the map.

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AIHEC Member Institutions

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Developing AIHEC Member Institutions