ANA believes language is essential to preserving and strengthening Indigenous culture, identity, and social unity. Language also is a critical expression of sovereignty and underpins self-governance.
ANA’s investments and technical support provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to assess, plan, and implement community-driven projects to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of their native languages.
We encourage language applicants to involve their elders, first-language speakers, language teachers, and community members in determining their language goals and implementing project activities.
ANA typically provides funding for Native languages in two program areas: Native Language Preservation & Maintenance (P&M) and the Esther Martinez Immersion program (EMI).