Sealaska’s board of directors approved $558,000 in funding for language preservation programs at a meeting held on April 8, pledging grants to seven different language preservation and language learning projects.  

Sealaska shareholders consistently rank language preservation and revitalization as a top priority, an urgency shared by Sealaska leadership.  

“Fostering our Indigenous languages, building them up and growing the number of fluent speakers is a critical priority for Sealaska,” said Sealaska Community Outreach and Brand Manager Tasha Heumann. “Supporting the efforts of advanced language learners toward fluency is of the utmost importance and that’s the goal of this program. We are deeply grateful for the language champions and their support systems — those who are devoted to learning and teaching our languages — for their applications, dedication and the gift of their time.” 

Language grants were awarded to Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, the Ketchikan Indian Community, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Xaadas Kíl Kuyaas Foundation (XKKF), Haa Tóo Yéi Yatee, the Juneau School District and the X̱ántsii Navay Haida Immersion Preschool. The proposals submitted by these organizations aligned with Sealaska’s commitment to advancing the proficiency of advanced language learners.