As Native American Heritage Month begins, we are reminded of the remarkable history, resilience, and wisdom that Native American communities have contributed to our shared world. This time of reflection is especially poignant this year, following President Biden’s formal apology for the U.S. government’s historic boarding school policy—a practice that tore children from their families and communities, systematically erasing their languages and traditions in an attempt to assimilate them into dominant culture. While this apology marks a significant step forward, there remains much work to be done to fully address and heal the wounds left by these past injustices.
A Legacy of Pain: Understanding the Impact of Boarding Schools
The boarding school era, which stretched from the 1800s to the 1960s, cast a long and painful shadow on Native American communities across the United States. More than 523 schools operated nationwide, removing children from their homes to force them into environments where speaking their language, practicing their cultural traditions, and connecting with their spiritual beliefs were strictly forbidden. This policy of “Kill the Indian, Save the Man” sought to erase the core of Native identity through language erasure and forced assimilation.
Within these institutions, Native children faced severe punishment for speaking their native languages. Names were stripped from them, their hair cut, and traditional clothing replaced with uniforms. Their Languages, which carried profound connections to family, community, and spirituality, were deemed “inferior.” This disregard for their heritage led to cultural and emotional trauma—an impact still felt today, echoing across generations.
Language as a Tool of Cultural Resilience
Despite these efforts to eradicate their languages, Native communities continue to show remarkable resilience. Across the United States, many Native people and families have fought to preserve their languages and teach them to the next generation. For Native Americans, language is more than a means of communication—it’s a bridge to their ancestry, a vehicle of their traditions, and a testament to their identity.
At Maya Bridge, we believe deeply in the right of every person to access services in their native language. For Indigenous communities, this access isn’t just about convenience—it’s about justice, equity, and dignity. By providing interpretation and translation services for a growing number of Indigenous languages, we aim to support these communities in their pursuit of self-determination and cultural preservation.
A Step Toward Healing: The Apology and What Still Needs to Be Done
President Biden’s recent apology acknowledges the pain and injustice of the boarding school policy, and while it is a powerful acknowledgment, Native American leaders and advocates have expressed the need for action beyond words. The apology is indeed “long overdue,” and it brings a sense of recognition, but it also invites a deeper reflection on how the U.S. can actively contribute to Native healing and empowerment.
Moving forward, it is essential to invest in Native-led educational programs, resources for language revitalization, and mental health support for the many who still carry this trauma. True reparative work means empowering Native communities to reclaim what was taken from them—not just through symbolic gestures but through concrete action.
Language as a Pathway Forward
One way to honor this history and support healing efforts is by embracing and uplifting Indigenous languages. We are committed to supporting language access for all, ensuring that no one has to navigate crucial services without the comfort and clarity of their native language. Through partnerships, ongoing language training, and expanding our network of interpreters, we work to bridge the language gap for Native communities, especially in legal, medical, and educational spaces.
Each language we help preserve is a step toward honoring the resilience of Native Americans and their profound contributions to this land. Language revitalization efforts—alongside apologies and institutional support—are essential to rebuilding trust, fostering understanding, and creating a society that truly values the diverse cultural identities within it.
Embracing Native Knowledge and Moving Forward Together
Native American Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the deep knowledge, creativity, and resilience of Native communities. For centuries, Native Americans have enriched our country’s history, arts, environmental understanding, and sense of community. Honoring this legacy means looking beyond the harm done, supporting language and cultural preservation, and standing alongside Indigenous communities in their pursuit of justice and equality.
As we commemorate this month, let us remember that every language learned, every tradition preserved, and every story shared is a bridge between past and present. By valuing Indigenous languages, we not only honor Native ancestry but also help build a future rooted in respect, understanding, and shared humanity.
Maya Bridge - A Leading Advocate For Latin American Indigenous Language Access In The U.S.
Since 2021, Maya Bridge Language Services has been advocating for increased access for speakers of Mayan and other Latin American and global indigenous languages here in the United States. Maya Bridge is a mission-driven, niche interpretation agency offering 24/7 on-demand services for over 90 Indigenous languages from Latin America, as well as African, Asian, Pacific Island, Native American, and other Indigenous languages.
We have worked diligently to mobilize, train, and evaluate a network of hundreds of interpreters both in the U.S. and throughout the world to ensure that speakers of Indigenous languages can fully understand and be understood in important situations like healthcare, legal settings, in disaster and emergency response scenarios, and in receiving access to government programs.
Contact us to schedule a meeting or call us anytime, day or night, at (801) 753-8568.
Comments