IMPACT OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION AND REPRESENTATION ON STUDENT EXPERIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

Abstract

Indigenous language vitality has been linked to Native American community health and individual well-being (Whalen et al., 2022). The number of language revitalization programs that support this effort has grown in recent years. One of these programs is the Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI), which is located at the University of Oregon. For the past 26 years, NILI has motivated Indigenous students, and students interested in language revitalization to attend the University of Oregon. This study seeks to analyze current University of Oregon students’ experiences with and attitudes toward Native American languages, language revitalization, and NILI. The analysis of this needs assessment will inform strategic planning at NILI on how to best support this community, and future members of this community.