Native Language Revitalization Initiative (NLRI)

Introduction

The Grotto Foundation serves as a catalyst in the work of Native language revitalization. It recognizes that the renewal of indigenous languages lies within the community itself. Ultimately, indigenous communities will preserve and restore their heritage language for future generations.

Since its inception in 1964, the Grotto Foundation has directed approximately 37 percent of its grant support to Native American endeavors, including the preservation of indigenous languages.

Commitment to Vision

The Grotto Foundation advances the restoration of Minnesota’s indigenous language with a focus on the various dialects of the Ojibwe and Dakota. In 2001, $5.6 million was committed in support of this fifteen-year initiative. Approximately $350,000 is available for grantmaking annually.

The vision of this initiative is intergenerational Native language fluency.

Supporting Community Directed Language Initiatives

The mission of Grotto’s NLRI is to restore Minnesota’s indigenous languages as living languages within Native families and communities. Successful grantees will promote family, community, and understanding; exhibit dynamic leadership, innovative thinking, community building, and cross-cultural understanding; and seek to work collaboratively with other organizations to revive endangered languages.

Grant Priority Areas

PRIORITY 1: Promising indigenous language revitalization models planning or implementation grants.

PRIORITY 2: Language curriculum, instruction and technological resource development.

PRIORITY 3: Community organizing and advocacy.

PRIORITY 4: Special Projects, technical assistance, research, and resource sharing. Invited proposals only.

Conclusion

It is by assessing the progress of Grotto-supported programs and change in language status that we will learn of our impact and the restoration of indigenous languages, which define a way of life; the cultural and spiritual practices of native people.

“The world stands to lose an important part of the sum of human knowledge whenever a language stops being used. Just as the human species is putting itself in danger through the destruction of species diversity, so might we be in danger from the destruction of the diversity of knowledge systems.” —Leanne Hinton, language scholar

Status of Grantmaking

Due to the economy and the financial crisis affecting both nonprofits and foundations alike, the Grotto Foundation Board authorized a freeze in funding effective October 26, 2009, which will continue through April 2010.