The History and Revitalization of Native American Languages

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course Native American History, hosted by Che Jim, explores the critical importance of Indigenous languages as the foundation of culture and the historical efforts to erase them. The video begins by highlighting the link between language and worldview, demonstrating how specific grammatical structures in Native American languages reflect cultural values of kinship and harmony with nature—concepts that often get lost in translation to English. It defines "linguicide" and "assimilation," providing a necessary but sensitive look at how Federal Indian Boarding Schools systematically attempted to destroy these languages through abuse and forced separation. Key historical events and policies are examined, including the rise of boarding schools in the late 19th century, the punishment of students for speaking their native tongues, and the long-term generational trauma that resulted. The video presents sobering statistics regarding the decline of fluent speakers and the endangered status of many languages today. It features personal testimony from boarding school survivors to humanize the statistics and illustrates the profound loss of identity that accompanies the loss of one's name and language. Despite this dark history, the video shifts to a hopeful narrative of resilience and revitalization. It showcases modern methods of language preservation, such as the video game "Never Alone" (Kisima Inŋitchuŋa), language immersion schools in Hawaii and Arizona, and the integration of Native languages into popular culture like music and movies (Star Wars, Prey). Teachers can use this video to facilitate discussions on cultural identity, the impact of colonization, and the creative ways communities are reclaiming their heritage today.