6.9.1.030 Findings

The Council hereby finds that:

(a) Since time immemorial, the Pueblo has spoken the Tewa language, and through the language, the Pueblo's history, culture, and traditions have been passed from generation to generation; and,

(b) Language is the mind, spirit, and soul of a people, and every effort must be made to protect, preserve, promote, and practice our indigenous, aboriginal language; and,

(c) Language includes the knowledge, wisdom, and energy we possess to ensure our survival; and,

(d) The importance of language as an expression of culture, of who we are as a people, must be upheld by each individual, each family, each community, and tribal leaders; and,

(e) In order for the Tewa language to survive as a primary language, Tewa language instruction and practices must be implemented within all learning environments of the Pueblo including in school, community facilities and homes of the Pueblo; and,

(f) Current Tewa initiatives, programs and budgets are handled under the Pueblo's Department of Education; and,

(g) The Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the Pueblo to establish a new Tewa language Department separate from the Education Department, to address all aspects of Tewa Language preservation, promotion, and maintenance; and,

(h) Reorganizing the structure of governmental departments and programs will promote efficiency within the Pueblo; and,

(i) The primary goal of the new Tewa Language Department shall be the preservation and use of the Tewa language.