By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-927309.mp3
LANSING, MI – A new state law allows tribal elders and other experts to become high school language instructors in Native American languages, even if they don't have teaching certificates.
Michigan already allows students to learn native languages to satisfy the high school graduation requirement. The Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community in the Upper Peninsula found there were no instructors certified to teach the Potawatomi language. They say without teachers, permission from the state to learn the language for credit is useless. So tribal leaders campaigned for a law to allow elders and experts in the languages, who are not certified instructors, to teach in schools.
Jim Thunder Senior is a member of the Forest County Potawatomi in Wisconsin. In this recorded message he explains why it's important to teach the language to keep it and Native American cultures alive.
[Jim Thunder Sr. speaking]