Legislation

The following is a collection of relevant legislation that has affected not only the Navajo but almost all other indigenous peoples. The latter half consists of legislation targeted at supporting the revitalization and support of native languages.

The Native American Programs Act (NAPA) was passed in 1974 and provides financial resources/support to Native peoples whether or not they are federally recognized or not.

Winters v. United States would grant water rights to reservations that had a body of water on or adjacent to their land. Unfortunately, many tribes would have to continue waging legal wars for rightful access to their own water supplies.

Bilingual Education Act (1967)

With dropout rates among Hispanic students at approximately 50%, Senator Ralph Yarborough introduced legislation that would provide funding for students who were acquiring English as a second language.

Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act

Esther Martinez is one of the greatest advocates for restoring native languages. In 2006, Congress passed an act that dedicated a significant amount of funding for native language development and/or restoration. The page linked above is the reauthorization of funding through 2024.