NEWS: Legislature Makes Alaska Native Languages Official State Languages
April 21, 2014
JUNEAU - Just after 3:00 a.m. this morning, the Alaska Legislature approved legislation (HB 216) making each of the Native languages in Alaska an official language of the state. The Alaska Senate voted 18-2 to approve the measure today in front of dozens of supporters. A spontaneous grassroots sit-in involving well over 100 people started at noon in the Capitol and lasted until 3 a.m. The measure has had tremendous public support throughout the process, including rare applause from supporters in both the Senate and House galleries and impromptu celebrations in the Capitol hallways as the bill moved through the committee process.
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NEWS: House Passes Bi-partisan Bill to Make Alaska Native Languages Official State Languages
April 16, 2014
Today, the Alaska state House of Representatives voted to make each of the Native languages in Alaska an official language of the state. Supporters of the legislation in the House galleries broke into applause upon passage of the legislation (HB 216).
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NEWS: Alaska House Votes to Create Dr. Walter Soboleff Day
March 27, 2014
Day honors Tlingit Elder, Minister, storyteller, scholar, businessman. Today, the Alaska state House of Representatives voted unanimously to set aside November 14 of each year to honor the life and work of Dr. Walter A Soboleff, a revered Tlingit elder who passed away in 2011 at the age of 102.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Native Language Council Plus: Budget Testimony Opportunity
March 2, 2012
Yesterday marked the half-way point for session. Things are starting to heat up and more attention is being focused on the big issues – education, budget and oil and gas taxes. This week you’ll have the opportunity to testify on the operating budget (more information below).
I also want to share with you an important piece of legislation designed to revitalize and support Native languages in Alaska. This week’s hearing on the bill provided some of the most inspiring and touching testimony I’ve heard in the Legislature.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by my office, call, write or email.
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