Legislature(2017 - 2018)BARNES 124
03/08/2018 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HCR19 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HCR 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HCR 19-GOVERNOR: AK NATIVE LANGUAGES EMERGENCY
8:03:05 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH announced that the only order of business would
be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19, Urging Governor Bill
Walker to issue an administrative order recognizing a linguistic
emergency.
CO-CHAIR PARISH announced that the committee would [continue]
public testimony [which had been left open from the 3/6/18 House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting].
8:04:28 AM
SIDNEY HARTLEY testified in Tlingit and English. She related
that she is learning Tlingit. She thanked proponents of HCR 19
and expressed gratitude for the privilege of learning Tlingit at
the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). She continued as
follows:
This coastal sanctuary I've come to call my home for
the last eight years is overflowing with opportunity
and resources to sustain the languages and cultures of
its very soul - the people.
MS. HARTLEY said she is Swiss. Her great-grandfather, who
immigrated to the United States in 1910, could not speak
English, and "it was his journey to learn a new language, a new
custom, in a place not his own." She opined that those who are
non-Native must "dive into the lush ocean of languages that
surround us before we can call this place our home."
MS. HARTLEY said currently Alaska legislation defines what
Native Alaskans can "sustain themselves with," where they can
build their homes, and what they can learn in school. She
continued:
The so-called New World has been branded with
profitable opportunities since its first introduction
to European explorers. Stumbling upon aboriginal
settlers, however, presented no obstacle and inspired
no moral code amid discovery of a presently claimed
land. Subsequently, colonization of the Nineteenth
Century orchestrated mass invasions of Europeans where
they embezzled American soil by changing the label and
since then have taken it upon themselves to define
what it means to be an American. Alaska, likewise,
has been the foster child of such broken systems,
bounced back and forth between the hands not of its
ancestors but the intruder, that is: white culture.
MS. HARTLEY stated that Alaska legislation has maintained a
fa?ade "by dangling a white flag in the form of money and false
promises." She cited an article in the Anchorage Daily News,
written by Erica Martinson, which reports that "Alaska Native
children account for 55 percent of the state's out-of-home
foster care placements." She added, "A tool in which the
government sought to eliminate indigenous languages in the first
place." She stated that forty years after the establishment of
the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, the needs of Alaska Native
children are still not being met because legislators refuse to
address the underlying issues that uprooted the ancestors of
those children.
MS. HARTLEY said her language teacher reiterates that "knowledge
is embedded in the language." She proffered that to understand
concepts in history, art, and familial values, it is necessary
to understand the words upon which they were built. She said
historical trauma "evidences a brutal misconception" of Native
Alaska cultures, and she questioned how, if people continue to
ignore this devastation, society is any different from how it
was prior to 1976 "when we punished pride and ripped children
from their mothers in exchange for English words and a boarding
school education. Ms. Hartley stated that unlike English,
indigenous languages have words that represent entire phrases
and "provide a meaningful, emotional context." She shared that
learning the Tlingit language has brought her a more profound
understanding and appreciation of the Tlingit culture. The
language has benefited other areas of her studies; it allows her
different perspectives and the ability to "make connections in
previously taught concepts."
MS. HARTLEY said studies have shown that children who grow up in
bilingual households have improved cognitive, social, and
emotional development. She said she sees no evidence that
suggests a negative outcome in passing HCR 19. Further, she
said, "The need for an official apology is an understatement
...." She again urged passage of HCR 19 as "one step of many in
the right direction."
8:09:38 AM
DAVID ROBERT BOXLEY, Co-Chair, Haayk Foundation, introduced
himself first in the Tsimshian language and then in English. He
said his Tsimshian name means Wolf of the Sky; he is of the Wolf
clan of Metlakatla; his father is David Albert Boxley of the
Eagle clan. He said being Tsimshian in Southeast Alaska has
come with some misunderstandings. He explained that there is an
historical false narrative that Tsimshian people entered
Southeast Alaska in 1887, with William Duncan. He said this is
not the case, and the proof of that is in the place names in
many areas in Southeast Alaska "that are much older than our
move to Alaska." He offered some examples.
8:12:12 AM
MR. BOXLEY mentioned ethnogenetics and talked about the trauma
that can result from loss of land, language, and identity. He
said the trauma can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and the
damage can be passed down through generations. He said studies
show that learning one's culture and language can help to heal
the damage. He said he has seen that healing occur. He said
the missionaries did not discourage the Tsimshian people from
using their language; the Tsimshian still spoke their language
in 1887. He relayed that at the time, the government asked how
much of the island the Tsimshian people wanted. Only one
councilman spoke English, and that councilman stated that the
people wanted the whole island. When told the people would not
know what to do with the whole island, the councilman countered
that they may not, but their grandchildren would. He said
support of HCR 19 would begin the process of healing the damage
of the past 100 years. He said learning one's language and
being proud of one's culture results in lower suicide rates,
less substance abuse, and increased health. He said there used
to be signs in Ketchikan that read "No Dogs or Indians Allowed,"
and he said it is shocking that people think that kind of trauma
goes away.
8:14:41 AM
MR. BOXLEY said he thinks this is the state's responsibility.
He said when the U.S. government school was built in Metlakatla,
in the early 1900s, it became against the rules to speak the
Tsimshian language. He said he has heard people of his father's
generation state that they always heard their parents speak the
Native language but tell them not to do so. He stated it is
known now that children who are bilingual do better in school.
He advised that support of HCR 19 would improve the lives of all
children, not only indigenous children. He indicated he is not
blaming those currently in power for the crimes of the past;
however, those in power run the same system that [committed
those wrongs] and thus have the opportunity to "fix it."
MR. BOXLEY stated that this is an emergency. He imparted that
there are five fluent speakers of the Tsimshian language in his
village and less than 100 in the entire world. He said all the
legislature has to do is say yes. He stated, "We're the ones
that have to spend the hours and hours of work it takes to
become fluent in the language that everyday is becoming harder
and harder to be immersed in." He quoted First Alaskans
Institute as saying, "What's good for Native people is good for
everyone." He said this is not just about languages; it is
about stewardship of the land from which languages come. He
said, "If our languages die, the voice of our land die[s]."
MR. BOXLEY thanked the bill sponsor, Representative Ortiz, and
thanked Representative Kreiss-Tomkins for being an advocate. He
said language makes people who they are. He said the
legislature has the choice to help [Native Alaskans] continue to
be who they are or, by ignoring the issue, "contribute to the
continual disappointing history of what's been done to our
people." He expressed thanks for the opportunity to be heard
through testimony.
8:18:28 AM
EVON PETER, introduced himself in his Native language and then
translated to English. He said he comes from Arctic Village and
now lives in Fairbanks. He works at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF) but is calling on behalf of himself and as a
tribal member of the Gwich'in nation. He said the community has
heard testifiers talk about the correlation of language and the
healing and well-being of people in their communities. He said
he has worked for many years with young people in the area of
suicide prevention and other forms of prevention. He said most
of the work involves utilizing language and culture, taking
people out on the land, and allowing them the opportunity to
heal, connect to the land and their identity, and to develop
healthful relationships with one another. He said the language
is always an integral part of that work. He said in the twenty
years he has done this work, he has seen consistent outcomes.
When the younger generation can be taught local, indigenous
knowledge in the Native language, "it's like a fire lights up
inside of them," and they not only choose a more healthful path
in life but also improve academically.
8:21:02 AM
MR. PETER stated that now is a critical time in terms of
languages and Native Alaskans. He invited [the legislature] to
be a part of the great change that is occurring, which will heal
communities and people and benefit the entire state. He said
now is the time to act, both for those learning and teaching the
languages and for those who are looking for ways to support the
effort. He said, "I believe that this transition will increase
in our educational institutions from preschool all the way up to
Ph.D., and we need to be working collaboratively and finding
ways that our institutions can support to make that change
happen." He expressed his hope that the legislature would
continue in the direction of "acknowledging, recognizing, and
then acting in ways that puts the resources behind the
initiatives and enacting policies that will help us to move
forward in this direction." He posited that it is in everyone's
best interest.
8:23:05 AM
ALICE TAFF, Ph.D., stated that she is an affiliate professor
with UAF and the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) but is
speaking on her own behalf today. She said many cultures value
personal accounts more highly than other forms of information
while others value statistics and numbers more highly. She said
she was present to "comfort the numbers people." She said she
would speak about the relationship between indigenous ancestral
language use and physical health. She relayed that two studies
in Canada looked at health issues and why there were
discrepancies among First Nations communities. The first study
in British Columbia looked at the discrepancy in suicide rates
in First Nations communities in that province and found that
youth suicide rates dropped to zero from high rates when "at
least half of the band members in the community reported a
conversational knowledge of their own Native language." She
said she hoped committee members would agree that suicide is a
health issue. She said that study looked at a variety of
factors for suicide and language was the only one that was
substantial.
DR. TAFF said the second study out of Alberta looked at diabetes
and found that there was a 53 percent reduction in diabetes
prevalence in those communities where the First People's
languages were flourishing versus those communities where they
were not in use. She noted that Mr. Boxley had touched upon
genetically transferred trauma and its symptoms, and she said
she would be willing to delve into that subject at another time.
8:27:24 AM
DR. TAFF offered her understanding that there is no fiscal note
for HCR 19. Notwithstanding that, she opined that every dime
spent on Alaska language continuity equal dollars spent on
health. She proffered that in the practice of feng shui, boxes
of junk stuck in a corner prevent money from coming into a
house. She said, "When we clean up our junk, money flows into
the house." She suggested metaphorically that the eradication
of Alaska language is a box that the State of Alaska has stuck
into a corner. She said one of the earliest places visited by
the federal government was the Pribilof Islands in 1867. She
said the profits made there in seal fur within the first ten
years equaled the price Seward transferred to Russia. She said
at that time, the federal agents who came to the Probilof
Islands burned everything that was written in Cyrillic, not
realizing that it was not only Russian but was also the alphabet
of the islanders. She said for 150 years languages from there
and elsewhere have been "stuck into a messy box in the corner."
[A recorded voice was heard], and Dr. Taff explained the voice
had said, in Dutch, that the time was now 8:30 a.m. She then
thanked the committee, with "Gunalch?esh." She signed off in a
variety of other languages.
8:30:36 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS thanked Dr. Taff for her work on
related issues throughout the years.
8:30:51 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:31 a.m. to 8:33 a.m.
8:33:21 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH asked the remaining testifiers to limit their
time to two minutes, if possible, with the exception of
[elders], for whom he indicated he would allow more time.
8:34:53 AM
PAUL MARLES testified in Tlingit and translated to English. He
said this is a difficult issue to talk about. He expressed that
testifiers have cried for help. He stated that it is difficult
to see children not know who they or their ancestors are and not
know their language and culture. He said the legislature is
being asked for help because "the work that we are doing isn't
enough anymore" and [Native languages are] in a state of
emergency. He said he works with the school district and does
not see the interest in Tlingit among his own people. He
relayed his brother has always said that when the governing body
shows interest in what is going on then children will take
interest. He said children watch television and do not listen
to their elders any more. He asked the House Community and
Regional Affairs Standing Committee to support [HCR] 19, because
"any little bit helps." He ended with "Gunalch?esh."
8:39:25 AM
GAVIN HUDSON, Chair, Haayk Foundation, read his written
testimony [included in the committee packet], which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Honorable Members of the House Community & Regional
Affairs Committee, and to all the members of the
Alaskan Legislature, I am compelled to testify to you
this morning because we need the elected leadership of
Alaska to admit that we have A Linguistic Emergency on
our hands. We are losing what might be the last
generation of Tsimshian fluent speakers. Sm'algyax,
the beautiful language of the Tsimshian people, is
dying. In the entire world, there are less than 100
fluent speakers of our language. In Alaska, there are
only six. Every living fluent speaker is over the age
of 65, many in their 70's, 80's, and 90's. Many with
poor health. I have heard that some Alaskan languages
could be gone within 100 years. I am here to tell you,
that our language, one of the official languages of
the State of Alaska, could be gone in 20 years. That,
ladies and gentlemen, is within my own lifetime, and
within yours. We all could may very well be the
witnesses of the death of our last fluent speaker. If
and when that day comes, what will history say about
you? Did you do everything you can do to stop it? Did
you even admit there was a problem? Did you at least
acknowledge the emergency? In our language, we have an
ancient and positive expression, sa'aaml waan, it
means make good what you do and make your name good.
Our names, the quality of them, is determined by our
actions. Did we behave with integrity and compassion?
Did we answer the call to serve? Do we hold others up
when they need our support? No one can save a language
on their own. But languages can be saved, if we do it
together. Whether you are indigenous or not, we are
all in the same canoe, and we have to pull together.
We need you, all of you, to help us. I am asking for
your support in the effort to save the Tsimshian
language, I am asking you to vote yes in declaring a
linguistic emergency. We have all sworn oaths to do
what is best for our peoples. And I am telling you,
having living and vibrant indigenous languages is what
is best for our State. Learning our grandparents'
language, and then passing it down to our
grandchildren, is an act of overcoming colonialism and
historical trauma. Bilingual children do better in
math, science, reading, art and music. As Mr. Boxley
and Dr. Alice Taff have both testified, when an
indigenous language is healthy, rates of suicide and
drug abuse drop significantly. So this is not just a
matter of health, but literally of life and death. At
a time of division and animosity, we can decide to
move forward together toward the beautiful and noble
goal of saving our mother tongues. We Tsimshian have
another ancient, positive expression, Wayi Wah! Wayi
Wah means, Let's go! So I say to you today, Wayi Wah,
because this is an emergency, and we have no time to
waste. Thank you for your time.
8:44:05 AM
HATTIE KELLER, Director, Inupiaq, Kawerak, Inc., spoke first in
Inupiaq and then English. She shared her Inupiaq name. She
said she is from Nome and her family is from Shishmareff. Ms.
Keller read an excerpt of something written by an elder from
Shishmareff, in which the elder describes learning English in
school, being punished for speaking Inupiaq but speaking it at
home, and the old Inupiaq dialect that died. Ms. Keller said
because of colonization "there are 13.6 percent of Inupiaq
speakers," which she said is a stark comparison to the 71
percent of St. Lawrence Islanders [who speak] Yupik and "41.6
percent central Yupik speakers today." She said the majority of
the 13.6 percent are elders. She said studies have shown that
without [Alaska Native] language, culture, and tradition, there
is a higher rate of suicides, alcoholism, and [recidivism] and
"low rates of attendance." Ms. Keller asked for "a key change
for future generations" and for "healing together." She
classified [the state of Alaska Native languages] as an
emergency. She urged passage of HCR 19. She concluded, "This
next step in healing is for future generations." She thanked
Representative Ortiz in Inupiaq for sponsoring HCR 19.
8:46:36 AM
DAVID NEES testified that he is a teacher but is testifying on
his own behalf. He said he is functionally illiterate in almost
every Alaska Native language, as are most of his fellow
teachers. He agreed that the state of Alaska Native languages
is an emergency. He offered his understanding that
Representative Saddler would present an amendment to "continue
it." He pointed out that one missing element to consider is
that there are no provisions within the education system to give
"a license of a mastery in a Native language" to people so they
can teach the language in a school. He said of the Indian
education tutors with whom he worked, some could speak their own
Native language but did not have any students in the classroom
[who spoke that language]. He said the Alaska Cultural Native
Charter School in Anchorage, Alaska, immerses everybody in every
language. Mr. Nees stated that if there is a localized language
emergency in Southeast, Alaska, for example, there must be
provisions in the school system to ensure "the children that are
from that culture have an exposure to it while they are inside
the school system."
MR. NEES said the Russians showing up, the Spanish and English
showing up and settling the country, Seward buying [Alaska] from
the Russians, and the segregation of the education system in
Alaska is not "our fault," because "that's the way it was." He
continued, "It is our fault that we haven't decided that this is
an emergency and we haven't applied resources." He said HCR 19
is a good resolution, but the legislature should figure out what
will be done after the state says there is an emergency. He
asked, "Are you going to give it to the governor to come up with
a policy or are you going to give it to the State Department of
Education [& Early Development] to come up with a policy or are
you going to let communities in Alaska decide our language is
important enough that we're going to have master speakers in our
classrooms at school immersing people in the language? And I
think that's probably the best system to do. So, any barrier
you have between master speakers and passing that knowledge on
through your public education system is a barrier that needs to
be taken a look at."
8:49:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said he thinks what Mr. Nees is talking
about is "the next step." He said HCR 19 is an incremental step
that accomplishes little but sets the ground work for future
steps. He said the question to ask is how to preserve Native
languages. He said Mr. Nees' suggestion is an interesting one
that he hopes will be brought forward.
8:50:09 AM
ALLAN HAYTON, Director, Language Revitalization Program, Doyon
Foundation, spoke in Gwich'in Athabascan and then translated to
English. He gave his Athabascan name and related that he grew
up in Arctic Village. He said he has been in his current
position since 2015. The program has existed for six years. He
said there are 10 languages in the region, all of which are
endangered. Some of the languages are down to their last
speaker; the majority of the speakers are known by first name
only. He said he considers that an emergency. He said there is
a long, historical path that has lead to this situation with
languages and cultures; official policies of the past have
created this emergency. He stated support of HCR 19 and said
any and all support is appreciated. He said there are many
benefits to supporting languages for future generations.
MR. HAYTON said Tanacross just hired a [Native language] teacher
in the last year. He indicated named some places where Gwich'in
is taught but said he does not know if there are teachers in
Arctic Village or Fort Yukon or other communities in that school
district. He said there is one teacher serving 10 communities
in the Yukon-Koyukuk School District via video and she teaches
the Lower Tanana language in Minto. He said he does not know
whether any other languages in the region are taught in schools.
8:55:34 AM
LACEY WILSON testified regarding the marginalization of
languages. She said language impacts how people understand
their relationship to the world, the structure of society, and
"the ability to see the possibility of the future." She
continued:
Without our original indigenous language, our people
cannot relate themselves to the world and to our
people in a healthy way. As in the case of nurturing
children and also in the case of nurturing ourselves,
neglect is tantamount to murder by inaction, and it is
paramount that we take action today to try to save our
languages. The loss of our language is directly
impacted by our people being marginalized by English
speaking society and colonial law. We are
marginalized in that [in] this society we are allotted
limited resources to address our societal struggles,
which is poverty, substance abuse, and domestic
violence. This has left little or no resources for
language revitalization in many of our communities.
Having to put our language on the back burner for so
long has resulted in waning status of an important
component to the health of our people.
Our language is the root of our identity; it is a part
of the land where we grow. Moving it from this land
is like moving oxygen from our soil; it causes our
structure toxicity where nothing will grow. We cannot
hope to grow and to be a healthy people if we lose our
language.
I'm calling today to ask the members of the committee
to please vote in recognizing the linguistic emergency
already taking place in Alaska so that we may hope to
have the resources allocated to bring back the roots
of our identity.
8:58:26 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH, after ascertaining that there was no one else
who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HCR 19.
8:58:44 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH, in response to Representative Saddler, named
the following four individuals who were on the list for invited
testimony on March 6, 2018: Annette Evans Smith, Xh'unei Lance
Twitchell, Yaayuk Bernadette Alvanna-Stimpfle, and Liz Medicine
Crow.
8:59:42 AM
JODIE GATTI, Staff, Representative Dan Ortiz, on behalf of
Representative Ortiz, prime sponsor, confirmed invited testimony
on March 6, 2018, comprised those four named individuals.
9:00:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 30-
LS1402\U.1, Martin, 3/6/18, which read as follows:
Page 2, line 12, following "learning;":
Insert "and
WHEREAS language is an important element of
culture, and the use of Alaska Native languages can
strengthen Alaska Native culture in a mutually
reinforcing cycle;"
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND objected for purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke to Amendment 1. He said, "I think
it's important to make the point that the goal of this effort is
not necessarily Alaska language per se, but ... is an integral
element of Alaska Native culture." He talked about the purpose
of whereas clauses to justify the need for the action clauses.
He said he has heard people testify as to the importance of
Alaska Native culture to Alaska Native people, the greater
Alaska community, and the global community, and to the
importance of language to culture. He observed there is no
language in HCR 19 that specifically links language to culture;
therefore, he thinks it needs to be included. He said,
"Language and culture are mutually reinforcing; the more people
use a language ... [the more] it reinforces it and gives
credence and prominence and integrity to the culture." He asked
for member's support of Amendment 1.
9:02:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor of HCR 19, stated support of Amendment 1.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND removed her objection to Amendment 1.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
9:03:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 2, labeled 30-
LS1402\U.2, Martin, 3/6/18, which read as follows:
Page 2, following line 20:
Insert new material to read:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature encourages Alaska Natives to support
Alaska Native culture by learning, teaching, and
practicing Alaska Native languages in daily life and
affairs; and be it"
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND objected for purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke to Amendment 2. He recollected
that Mr. Hudson had testified today that HCR 19 would help
repair intergenerational trauma; using Alaska Native language is
a way of healing the culture. He said the effort to preserve
language can be hindered by government, which often is heavy-
handed. He said he would not place his faith solely in
government action "to maintain and sustain and perpetuate a
language." He recollected that Mr. Stepetin had brought his
three children with him when he testified [on March 6, 2018],
and he had told Mr. Stepetin that "this effort and this battle
will truly be won at the family and intergenerational level."
He said family passing down their language through generations
is "the ultimate guarantor of the health of the culture and the
language." He said government can do certain things and "we"
can try to atone for or repair damage that government has done,
but "government cannot do for a language and culture anywhere
near as well as they can do for themselves." He said as a
student of language and an observer of the process, it is clear
to him that the effort to sustain a language and culture is most
effective when children and adults are given the chance to learn
them. He expressed admiration for those who learn languages as
an adult. He concluded, "The actual employment of language by
Alaska Natives is an important part of this, and the government
cannot do it all itself." He asked members to support Amendment
2.
9:05:55 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said he does not disagree with the
statements Representative Saddler made in regard to the proposed
amendment; however, he said Amendment 2 would change the nature
of HCR 19. He explained that [Amendment 2] is a directive to a
group of people to take an action. He said he does not oppose
those people taking that action but questions giving such a
directive in HCR 19. He said HCR 19 is not calling for the
government to be the solution to the issue; it just asks the
government to recognize a state of emergency on the issue. He
stated opposition to Amendment 2.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER countered that the language in the "BE IT
RESOLVED" clause, on page 2, [lines 13-16], does call on state
agencies to work actively with the legislature; the "FURTHER
RESOLVED" clause, on page 2, [lines 17-20], calls on the
legislature and governor "to work with Alaska native
organizations to initiate and strengthen, as appropriate,
legislative and policy measures" ["that prioritize the survival
and continued use of Alaska Native languages"]. He reiterated
that he thinks government should have a roll to play, but it
should not be the sole roll. He noted the concurrent resolution
title read "a linguistic emergency" not "a linguistic emergency
solely addressing government solutions." He said if there is
interest in results and solutions as opposed to a specific,
government-only approach, it is appropriate to include
"effective and long-lasting solutions" to the linguistic
emergency.
9:08:49 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 9:08 a.m. to 9:09 a.m.
9:09:07 AM
MS. GATTI said Amendment 2 points to a particular race while HCR
19 seeks actions by government agencies and organizations
through state policy to advance languages.
9:09:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted that Alaska Native languages are
referenced throughout the HCR 19. He said testifiers had
expressed that the language, culture, and race are "inextricably
[and] mutually independent." He reiterated that if the goal is
to ensure the survival of language, then "we should be willing
to support efforts" toward whichever method is "most effective
at perpetuating those languages."
9:10:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LINCOLN stated, "There's a difference between
Alaska Native language and culture ... [and] some race-based ...
Alaska Native person." He relayed that in his region, some of
the most celebrated members of the community and tribe are not
Alaska Native in blood quantum but are people who have
integrated into the region and practice the lifestyle; they are
hunters and providers who have learned the language. He said he
strongly objects to the idea that "these things ... are fully
intertwined with race; it's way beyond that."
9:11:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND maintained her objection.
9:12:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for clarification on the argument
related to Amendment 2.
9:13:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND said she thinks Amendment 2 is stating
the obvious. She said she thinks the committee can see how hard
everyone who testified is working to reinstate their languages
in their families and communities. She continued:
To tell them that we are encouraging them is simply
patting them on the heads and saying, "Now, you know
that this is how to do it." They clearly know how to
do it. And I don't think we ... white people have any
right to tell them how to do it. Coming from a
bilingual family myself, my family knew from the get-
go how to do this. The issue here ... is that entire
generations' mouths were washed out in soap or other
chemicals and told not to speak their languages. When
you lose the native speakers of your language you
cannot simply start speaking to your children in your
native language. This takes a whole lot more support
and encouragement. And I appreciate ... the thought
behind the amendment, but I ... cannot support it,
because I know our Alaska Native people know exactly
what needs to be done; they're simply looking for our
support and encouragement.
9:15:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER responded that nobody is patting anyone
on the head. He said HCR 19 specifically expresses the call of
the legislature to request the governor to tell government
agencies and Alaska Native organizations what to do to preserve
Alaska culture and language. He said whereas clauses state the
obvious: there is a linguistic emergency in which Alaska is in
danger of losing Alaska Native languages. He said, "I'm not
sure why there's resistance to the obvious, that encouragement
of Alaska Natives to speak and practice and pass on their
language is antithetical to the ultimate goal of this
resolution." He said if the objection is maintained, he could
"water the amendment down to a point where I hope it would be
more successful." He asked the bill sponsor if it would make a
difference if Amendment 2 were changed to read "Alaskans"
instead of "Alaska Natives".
9:17:04 AM
MS. GATTI said the spirit behind the amendment is appreciated.
Further, she indicated that the bill sponsor would support the
change because it would put the burden on everyone in Alaska
rather than just on Alaska Natives.
CO-CHAIR PARISH questioned whether resolutions have,
historically, moved members of the general public to a course of
particular action.
9:18:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER pointed to language in the "WHEREAS"
clause beginning on page 2, line 10, of HCR 19, [which read as
follows]:
WHEREAS indigenous peoples should be able to
provide education in the peoples' own languages in a
manner that is appropriate to the peoples' cultural
methods of teaching and learning;
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said he thinks the language is "stating
what Representative Saddler is stating."
9:18:58 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH said an upcoming amendment would address that
language.
9:19:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ told Representative Rauscher that he thinks
that particular line, rather than being instructive or directive
toward a group of people, is a recognition of where in the past
indigenous people have been prevented from pursuing that
[education and teaching]. Speaking to Amendment 2, he confirmed
the comment of Ms. Gatti that he would not oppose Amendment 2 if
it was amended to change "Alaska Native" to "Alaskans".
9:21:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER, in response to Co-Chair Parish's query,
stated that resolutions often call on all Alaskans to support a
cause. To Representative Rauscher's remark, Representative
Saddler said the language on page 2, line 10, states that
indigenous peoples "should be able to provide education";
therefore, he said he thinks HCR 19 does "call on people - not a
government organization - to do thus and such/this or that." He
said he sees Amendment 2 as having no inconsistency with other
elements of the resolution. He said if the intent is that HCR
19 be directed solely at government, then the language [on page
2, lines 10-12] should be removed. Finally, he said if the goal
of HCR 19 is to support Alaska Native languages, then he does
not understand why there would be any objection to a resolve
clause that calls on everybody, including Alaska Natives, to
support culture. He said, "If I have to water it down to get it
through, I'm certainly willing to do that, but I still really
don't understand the basis of the objection."
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ responded that he would not use the phrase
"watering it down" but that changing to include all Alaskans
would remove the specificity toward Alaska Natives. He then
stated, "And later on, when you referred to some other areas,
again, those are examples where the resolution is calling out,
it's bringing reference to where ... Alaska Native cultures in
the past - and you've heard about this in the testimony - where
they have been prevented from putting forward these particular
actions. And so, that's the difference."
9:24:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 2, to change [the first occurrence of] "Alaska Native"
[following "encourages"] to "Alaskans" and to delete the word
"indigenous" on page 2, line 10.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ asked if Representative Saddler would be
amenable to using the phrase "all Alaskans".
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER answered that he would let the bill
drafter decide whether "Alaskans" implies "all Alaskans".
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND objected to Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 2.
9:25:56 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH clarified that with Conceptual Amendment 1,
Amendment 2 would read as follows:
Page 2, following line 20:
Insert new material to read:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature encourages all Alaskans to support Alaska
Native culture by learning, teaching, and practicing
Alaska Native languages in daily life and affairs; and
be it"
Page 2, line 10:
Delete "indigenous"
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND restated her objection.
9:26:41 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 9:26 a.m. to 9:27 a.m.
9:27:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said he opposes the deletion of the word
"indigenous".
9:27:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND spoke to her objection. She stated,
"This is a misplaced modifier in which we are encouraging all
Alaskans to learn, teach, and practice Alaska Native languages."
She posited that the committee should leave the language to the
bill drafter; however, she said she objects to both Conceptual
Amendment 1 to Amendment 2, as well as to Amendment 2 as a
whole.
9:28:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER, speaking to Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 2, said he thinks there is a necessity for
consistency. He said he had asked Ms. Medicine Crow and others
off the record whether it is beneficial to Alaska Natives and
their culture for non-Alaska Natives to speak, use, and pass on
Alaska Native language. He said the answer he got was an
emphatic yes. He said to be consistent there should be no
limitation on the ability of people to provide education in
their own language. He explained, "It should not be limited to
indigenous people; it should be all peoples." He said, "If
you're going to support the amendment to Amendment 2 to
encourage all Alaskans, then I think of necessity you have to
support the conceptual amendment, which would call on all people
to be able to provide education in their people's own language."
9:30:22 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ offered his understanding that English
speaking people have never experienced a problem providing
English education in the state of Alaska; however, indigenous
people have experienced problems when trying to provide
education in their languages. He said the removal of
"indigenous" would "dilute the whole purpose of the resolution
itself"; therefore, he opposed Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 2.
9:31:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said he wished that in voting out the
second part of Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 2 [to delete
"indigenous"] he didn't have to also fail the first part
[changing "Alaska Native" to "all Alaskans"].
9:32:34 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 9:32 a.m.
9:32:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said, "I call the previous question."
9:33:08 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND maintained her objection.
9:33:19 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 9:33 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. to
address a technical issue.
9:40:38 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representative Saddler voted in
favor of Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 2. Representatives
Lincoln, Drummond, Rauscher, and Parish voted against it.
Therefore, Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 2 failed by a
vote of 1-4.
9:42:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER moved to adopt [Conceptual Amendment 2]
to Amendment 2, to replace [the first occurrence of] "Alaska
Natives" [in Amendment 2] with "all Alaskans".
9:42:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND objected. She reiterated that what is
being proposed is not good English and would be encouraging all
Alaskans to learn, teach, and practice Alaska Native languages.
She stated that [HCR 19] is about supporting Alaska's indigenous
peoples in their emergency effort to save their languages.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER withdrew his motion to adopt Conceptual
Amendment 2 to Amendment 2.
9:44:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND maintained her objection to Amendment 2.
9:44:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER called the question.
9:45:09 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 9:45 a.m.
9:45:32 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler and
Rauscher voted in favor of Amendment 2. Representatives
Lincoln, Drummond, and Parish voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 2 failed by a vote of 2-3.
9:46:26 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 9:46 a.m.
9:46:55 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 3, labeled 30-
LS1402\U.3, Martin, 3/6/18, which read as follows:
Page 2, line 19:
Delete "prioritize"
Insert "emphasize"
CO-CHAIR PARISH objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke to Amendment 3. He said
"prioritize" connotes ranking or hierarchy - the putting of some
things above or below others. He said he heard no one testify
that any one language was better than others, while he said he
heard several people testify that there should be parity. He
mentioned again that he had spoken with Ms. Medicine Crow. He
said he thinks Amendment 3 would "clearly express the need for
an emphasis on Alaska Native language." He specified the
difference between prioritizing and emphasizing Alaska Native
languages. He said Amendment 3 does not say there should not be
efforts made to preserve Alaska Native language and culture; it
simply relays "they should not be prioritized over others."
9:49:01 AM
MS. GATTI indicated that the word "prioritize" was used as a
contrast to "how it was not a priority in prior years." To
Representative Saddler, she said, "The level to which we
celebrate and strengthen and support Alaska's co-official
languages does not diminish other languages as a whole; however,
the loss of a language diminishes all of us."
9:49:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND moved to adopt Amendment 1 to Amendment
3 such that instead of deleting "prioritize" the words "and
emphasize" would be inserted following "prioritize".
9:50:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER reiterated that to prioritize explicitly
describes ordination. He added, "If something is in the top
rank of order, it is obviously being emphasized." He said as
currently written, the use of "prioritize" in HCR 19 could mean
to prioritize over economic development, public safety, or
public health issues. He said he does not believe it is the
intent of HCR 19 to hold Alaska Native languages above
everything else. Representative Saddler, based on notes he had
taken during testimony, offered his understanding that Ms.
Dybdahl had said that [the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida
Indian Tribes of Alaska] is asking for equal access - not
prioritization; Ms. Barnes had indicated she could or would not
say "prioritize" was the right word and perhaps the committee
could wordsmith; and Ms. Gatti said HCR 19 does not seek to
prioritize Alaska Native languages. He said he thinks the word
"emphasize" expresses the need to do something, while
"prioritize" means not doing anything else at all "until this is
done."
9:52:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND withdrew the motion to adopt Amendment 1
to Amendment 3 and objected to Amendment 3.
9:53:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LINCOLN said he has a different understanding of
the word "priority". He explained, "How high you prioritize
something is a function of not just its importance but also its
urgency." He offered an example. He said he does not think
anyone is arguing that Alaska Native languages are more
important than any other language, but they have "got their
backs against the wall right now" and he said he thinks it makes
sense to prioritize "supporting them in this ... really critical
window we have to ensure their survival." He said he hears what
[Representative Saddler] is saying and agrees to a large extent;
however, he said he neither understands the word "prioritize" in
the same way nor does he "have the same issues with it."
9:54:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND said the principle language of HCR 19
recognizes a linguistic emergency, and Amendment 3 seeks to
replace the word "prioritize" with "emphasize". She said,
"We're not talking about prioritizing the survival and continued
use of German, Greek, Japanese, or Russian; we are talking about
the survival and continued use of Alaska Native languages. ...
Period. End of story." In response to a request for
clarification from Representative Rauscher, she stated that she
was objecting to Amendment 3.
9:55:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ referred to all the comments that had been
made and stated that he concurred with "the comments that had
been made most recently." He said that "prioritize the survival
and continued use of Native languages" is "part of a whole
phrase" that does not speak to prioritizing over economic
development or other languages. Echoing the comments of
Representative Drummond, he said that prioritizing "brings back
the notion of the emergency and the need to take action to
preserve languages that are, right now, on the brink of
extinction." Representative Ortiz stated opposition to
Amendment 3.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said it is his wish to pass HCR 19 from
committee, and he is just trying to make a good resolution
better. He read the definition of "priority" from Webster's New
Collegiate Dictionary, Ninth Edition, as follows: "the quality
of superiority in rank, position, or privilege." He said he
does not dispute the idea that quick action is needed, and he
said he has an amendment that would address that issue.
9:58:22 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH said the State of Alaska has many priorities;
therefore, he said he disagrees that "if something is a
priority, it is the most important priority."
9:58:57 AM
CO-CHAIR PARISH maintained his objection to the motion to adopt
Amendment 3.
9:59:03 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Saddler voted in
favor of Amendment 3. Representatives Rauscher, Lincoln,
Drummond, and Parish voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 3
failed by a vote of 1-4.
9:59:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Amendment 4, labeled 30-
LS1402\U.4, Martin, 3/6/18, which read as follows:
Page 2, line 11:
Delete "in a manner that is appropriate to the
peoples' cultural methods of teaching and learning"
9:59:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND and CO-CHAIR PARISH objected.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke to Amendment 4. He said he has
heard testimony about "the benefits important to Alaska Native
language" but not as much evidence on the best way to achieve
the continuation of the language[s]. He indicated that HCR 19
is a foundational block for continuing efforts; however, he
opined that to say that "indigenous peoples should be able to
provide education in the peoples' own languages in a manner that
is appropriate to the peoples' cultural methods of teaching and
learning" is "about a half-step too far at this point."
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND said she needs a minute to think about
[Amendment 4] but something about it rubs her the wrong way.
10:01:19 AM
MS. GATTI said this "WHEREAS" clause was included in HCR 19 in
recognition of the many unique people in the state. The reason
for "in the manner that is appropriate to the peoples' cultural
methods of teaching and learning", she explained, is to
recognize that there are many different ways of teaching and
learning in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND recollected she had once waited on a
decision by the Department of Education & Early Development as
to who would be a recipient of a certificate. She said, "But
this is a linguistic emergency. We don't have time to wait for
anybody to certify any method of ... teaching." She said
children are open to learning, and she opined that the
legislature needs to "get behind these folks and support them in
any way we can and just get out of their way" rather than trying
to determine "what is or is not appropriate." She said she
thinks the phrase needs to remain in HCR 19, because Alaska
Native speakers know "exactly how they're going to do this."
She said she wishes Dr. Twitchell was still present, because he
could explain how it could be done. She recollected that Dr.
Twitchell had gone to Hawai'i and learned to speak the language.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted that under AS 14.30.420 there is a
provision for school boards to establish a local Alaska Native
language curriculum advisory board in communities with a
majority of Alaska Natives. He reiterated his intent to improve
upon the concurrent resolution while not impeding its progress.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER withdrew the motion to adopt Amendment 4.
10:04:41 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment [5],
labeled 30-LS1402\U.5, Martin, 3/7/18, which read as follows:
Page 2, line 14, following "work":
Insert "expeditiously and"
CO-CHAIR PARISH objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke to Conceptual Amendment [5]. He
said he thinks the title of HCR 19 speaks to the linguistic
emergency. He said he thinks the addition of "expeditiously"
would add to the sense of urgency.
10:06:22 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said he does not oppose Conceptual
Amendment [5].
CO-CHAIR PARISH withdrew his objection to Conceptual Amendment
[5]. There being no further objection, it was so ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER expressed thanks to Ms. Medicine-Crow for
her help in getting that language in HCR 19.
10:07:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to report HCR 19, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHCR
19(CRA) was reported out of the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee.