Legislature(2011 - 2012)BUTROVICH 205
01/31/2012 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB136 | |
| SB131 | |
| SB130 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 130 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 136 | ||
SB 130-ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGE COUNCIL
9:32:52 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that the CS for SB 130, version X,
was before the committee. It would establish an Alaska Native
Language Preservation and Advisory Council and was introduced by
Senator Donny Olson.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the CS for SB 130, labeled 27-
LS0779\X, as the working document before the committee.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI objected for discussion purposes.
9:34:00 AM
DAVID SCOTT, staff, Senator Donny Olson, testified on SB 130 on
behalf of the sponsor.
LOREN PETERSON, staff, Senator Donny Olson, introduced SB 131 on
behalf of the sponsor. He said that Senator Olson's office
received a resolution from the Northwest Arctic Borough
supporting the formation of an Alaska Native Language Commission
at the state level. The intent of the bill is to preserve,
maintain and restore Alaska Native languages, which serve as the
cultural foundation of all cultural elements. He spoke of the
disappearance of the Eyak tribe's language with the loss of the
last native speaker. SB 131 would establish an Alaska Native
Language Preservation and Advisory Council, which would assess
statewide language policy and programs with a mission to seek
the most cost-effective programs.
MR. PETERSON addressed the changes in Version X. In Section 1,
the words "are the foundation of cultures" were added to the
legislative findings.
In Section 2, the name of the proposed council was changed to
"Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council." The
council was established in the Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED), instead of in the Governor's
Office. Wording was changed to say that the council advises the
governor and the legislature. It was established that the
council meets at least twice a year and prepares a report to the
legislature by January 1 of each even numbered year. Finally, it
was established that the two non-voting legislative members of
the council will come from the Bush Caucus.
In Section 3, it was established that the governor must appoint
members of the council by December 1, 2012, and the first report
would be due by July 1, 2014.
MR. SCOTT offered to answer questions. He said there is evidence
that Alaska Native Languages are dying. This legislation is an
attempt to mitigate that situation.
9:39:23 AM
SCOTT RUBY, Director, Division of Community and Regional
Affairs, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), offered to answer questions related to SB
130.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if the department supports the bill.
MR. RUBY said that the department supports the bill, as written.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI requested an explanation of the fiscal
note.
MR. RUBY reported that there is currently a fiscal note from the
Governor's Office, and one will be forthcoming from DCCED for
about $240,200. He explained that the money would be used for
personnel costs for staff to serve the commission and for the
preparation of reports. He said it works better for staff to be
assigned to commissions.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said the fiscal note from the Office of the
Governor's is for $387,000 in the first year. He inquired if
DCCED's fiscal note would be in addition to that one.
MR. RUBY explained that the new DCCED fiscal note would replace
the Office of the Governor's fiscal note.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI concluded that the fiscal note would then
be for $240,000 instead of $387,000.
MR. RUBY said it would be $240,000 for first year and $216,000
the following years.
9:43:45 AM
JOY HUNTINGTON, Tanana Chief Conference, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 130. She spoke of a personal story
regarding her wish to learn the Athabascan language.
9:46:09 AM
ANNETTE EVANS-SMITH, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130. She shared that she
considers it her life's work to learn her Native language. She
suggested taking pro-active action now to revitalize indigenous
languages. She listed positive effects from knowing Native
languages and stressed the benefits of this legislation.
9:50:14 AM
JON ROSS, President, Tsiltan Management Group, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130 and the creation of an
Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council. He
stressed the importance of passing this legislation. He thanked
the sponsor.
9:52:01 AM
LAWRENCE KAPLAN, Director, Alaska Native Language Center (ANLC),
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, spoke in support of SB 131. He
described how the legislation would support his work and center.
He shared information about the ANLC and how the legislation
would support its goals.
9:55:21 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how many staff members work at ANLC.
MR. KAPLAN said there were six staff members.
SENATOR GIESSEL inquired about the outcomes of the program since
its beginnings in 1972.
MR. KAPLAN shared successes of about graduation rates and
publications.
9:56:57 AM
ROSITA WORL, PHD., President, Sealaska Heritage, Member,
Indigenous Languages Institute Board, Juneau, Alaska, spoke in
support of SB 130. She noted in her native language her Tlingit
names and how they relate to her social values and identity. She
outlined the status of ANL's. She quoted a report to show how
the languages are endangered. She listed the various languages
and their status. She recalled the history of revitalization of
Native languages. She enclosed a report from Sealaska that
outlines restoration programs. She discussed state and federal
efforts to revitalize these languages.
10:02:14 AM
DR. WORL maintained that the study of ANL's is important and the
documentation of Native language does not ensure restoration of
those languages. Native organizations should be the eligible
recipient of funds to revitalize ANL programs. She recommended
that the legislation adopt interim methods to revitalize those
languages that are most in danger. The effect of the legislation
would send a powerful message. She suggested reasons for
supporting SB 130. She addressed self-esteem issues related to
pride of language. She stressed the importance of Native
language programs in schools.
DR. WORL noted she would provide a study to support the need for
restoration of Native languages. She continued to state the
objectives to be achieved by this legislation. She gave a
personal example of the advantage of having knowledge of
indigenous language. She dedicated her testimony to the late
Native, Bill Demmert. She recommended incorporating his name
into the name of the council.
10:09:27 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL agreed that multi-lingual children have advanced
brain development. She recalled the Alaska Native Language
Center just mentioned and asked if Ms. Worl had benefitted from
that program.
DR. WORL replied that she lobbied for the creation of the center
and spoke highly of Dr. Krauss and his program at UAF. She said,
however, that the study of language by itself does not lead to
language restoration. She shared her community-based philosophy.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if there would be interfacing between the
potential Native Language Council and Dr. Krauss' program.
DR. WORL described the possible interaction between the two
programs. She gave examples of the complexities of words. She
stressed that restoration is a very different approach.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked what Dr. Worl's degree was in.
DR. WORL replied that she is an anthropologist with a PhD. from
Harvard and a minor in social linguistics.
10:14:47 AM
ALICE TAFF, representing herself, testified in support of SB
130. She shared examples of Alaska natural resources, and
included Native languages among them. She suggested that
restoring language would reduce the suicide rate, diabetes, and
alcoholism amongst Native people. She concluded that UNESCO
states the right of students to learn their native language.
10:18:55 AM
PATRICK ANDERSON, Executive Director, Chugachmiut, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130. He shared his language
history. He said that he has participated in revitalizing two
languages, Hawaiian and Tlingit. He recalled problems in Chugiak
with language restoration and the difficulty of receiving
funding for programs. He described the historical trauma of his
culture. He stated that the legislation would provide linkage
between the State of Alaska and Native communities.
10:26:25 AM
SELENA EVERSON, elder, Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of
SB 130. She recalled the history of her language and thanked the
legislature for considering this important bill. She thanked
Alice Taft, Dr. Worl, and all officials for their work.
10:29:51 AM
SENATOR KOOKESH stressed the historical importance of this
legislation. He said this is the first time a program has been
developed for the Alaska Native Community. He thought it would
be a difficult road to get the legislation passed. He related
that the program depends on many organizations working together,
such as schools, tribes, and foundations that have bought into
the idea of restoration. The State of Alaska has not committed
to this program, unlike Hawaii which recognizes Hawaiian as its
national language. This legislation is ground breaking because
it would be the first step toward preserving Alaska Native
languages.
10:33:12 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN shared his experience with the Athabascan
culture while growing up in Interior Alaska. He related language
preservation roles by family members. He said he believes that
Native languages should not be relegated to history or legend.
The bill is an extremely important process to preserve, honor,
and encourage indigenous languages in Alaska.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI agreed that when the language dies, the
culture dies.
SB 130 was held in committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 136 Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136.AK Business Monthly.Hiring Military Veterans is Good Business.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Vet. Tax Credit.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB 136 - Leg Research.Vet Tax Credit Updated Report.12.28.11.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Ver.I.1.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Support Letter Vets Helping Vets.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Letter of Support.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB 131 S STA PowerPoint Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/2/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 131 |