Native Languages Center

LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ›

Ilisagvik College

Utqiaġvik, AK
ilisagvik.edu ➚

Language

Iñupiaq

Academic Programs

Language in the Community

Iñupiat Heritage Center ➚

Language

Iñupiaq (Iñupiat, Alaskan Inuit) is spoken throughout much of northern Alaska and is closely related to Canadian Inuit dialects and the Greenlandic dialects. North Alaskan Iñupiaq comprises the North Slope dialect spoken along the Arctic Coast. In 2014, Iñupiaq became an official language of the State of Alaska.

Teaching Requirements in Alaska

To teach Native language in Alaska, a Limited Type M Certificate ➚ is generally required. Applicants provide documentation of four years experience in Alaska Native language or culture, approved by a school district. Alternatively, individuals can complete a university or college certificate or degree such as the Native Language Education Certificate. ➚

Explore More Language Programs

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