Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006

H.R. 5222, the Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006, seeks to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages by providing federal funding for specialized immersion education programs. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to grant funds to tribal governments and educational organizations to establish "Language Nests" for children under age seven and "Survival Schools" for older students, where instruction is conducted primarily in Native American languages.

For citizens in Native American communities, this legislation would expand access to culturally specific education and provide scholarships for teachers and staff to specialize in language revitalization. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to develop alternative ways for these immersion programs to meet national academic standards, ensuring that students can maintain their cultural heritage while fulfilling federal educational requirements.