The Wisconsin State Journal reported yesterday that legislators are considering a move to revive funding for American Indian language development, which ended in 2003. The proposal by Libby Burmaster, state school superintendent, would set aside a yearly amount of $260,000 to be given out in grants of $10,000-$50,000 for language materials development or hiring teachers. The funds would come from the revenue paid to the state by tribes through tribal gaming revenues.

Materials development continues to be an issue for immersion schools and classroom native language programs throughout Indian Country. In Minnesota, a task-force of educators are meeting with the state to dicuss material development needs, and the possibility of a textbook.

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