Pueblo de San Ildefonso Law Library

Resolution No. SI-R19-026: Tewa Language Department Establishment Act

At a duly called meeting of the Council of San Ildefonso Pueblo on the 20th day of December, 2019, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, 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,

WHEREAS, 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,

WHEREAS, current Tewa initiatives, programs and budgets are handled under the Pueblo's Department of Education; and,

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

WHEREAS, Tewa language initiatives, programs and budgets shall be under the responsibility of the Tewa Language Department (staff), subject to an appropriation of funds for such purposes; and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tewa Language Department is hereby established effective January 1, 2020, to carry out the Tewa language initiatives of the Pueblo; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Tribal Council hereby enacts the attached law entitled "TEWA LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHMENT ACT."

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing resolution was duly voted upon by the Council on December 20, 2019, at a meeting with a vote of 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 abstaining and 0 absent (Governor presiding and not voting) pursuant to the authority vested in the Council by the Agreement of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso.

Irene Tse-Pe, Council Secretary

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE SPONSOR(S): CR Tim Martinez

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE YES NO ABSTAIN ABSENT
William Stuart Christian X
Glenda Fred-Weahkee X
Thelma Gonzales X
Thomas Gonzales X
Christopher Moquino X
Raymond J. Martinez X
Tim Martinez X
James L. Naranjo X
Leon T. Roybal X
Irene Tse-Pe X

DELIVERY OF THE RESOLUTION TO THE GOVERNOR:

Resolution No. SI-R19-026 was presented to the Governor of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso on the 20th day of December, 2019, pursuant to the Governing document of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso ("Agreement"), GOVERNOR, Sec. 4(c), and will become effective after signature by the Governor or veto override by the Council.

Irene Tse-Pe, Council Secretary

GOVERNOR'S ACTION:

{ X } APPROVED

{ } VETO - RETURNED TO COUNCIL WITH EXPLANATION:

On this 23rd day of December , 2019.

Perry Martinez, Governor

Presented by the Governor to the Council on the _______ day of ________________, 2019.

COUNCIL'S ACTION:

Override of Governor's veto:

{ } YES

{ } NO

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE YES NO ABSTAIN ABSENT
William Stuart Christian
Glenda Fred-Weahkee
Thelma Gonzales
Thomas Gonzales
Christopher Moquino
Raymond J. Martinez
Tim Martinez
James L. Naranjo
Leon T. Roybal
Irene Tse-Pe

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing resolution was duly voted upon by the Council on _________________, 2019, at a meeting with a vote of ______ in favor, _____ opposed, _____ abstaining and _____ absent (Governor presiding and not voting) pursuant to the authority vested in the Council by the Agreement of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso.

Irene Tse-Pe, Council Secretary

TEWA LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHMENT ACT

Section 1.1. Short Title

This enactment shall be known as "TEWA LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHMENT ACT" ("Act").

Section 1.2. Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to establish the Tewa Language Department.

Section 1.3. 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.

Section 1.4. General Policy

This act shall establish the Tewa Language Department to carry out the Pueblo's language promotion, preservation, and maintenance initiatives.

Section 1.5. Organization of the Tewa Language Department

(a) The Tewa Language Department shall be established effective January 1, 2020. The existing Education Department and Tewa language program shall continue to operate uninterrupted until separate funding for the new Tewa Language Department is appropriated. Initially, the Tribal Administrator shall work to provide a smooth transition of the language program to the new Tewa Language Department. The Tribal Administrator, and after the appropriation of funds for the new Tewa Language Department, shall work with the Council Language Committee in its legislative oversight capacity in the development and implementation of the Tewa Language Department and language program, which shall include utilizing a Culture and Language Camp, the Headstart Program, the Day School Tewa Program, and an after school program. Curriculum will be designed with the help of instructors hired from within the community, which includes elders and tribal leaders. The Tribal library at the Learning Center shall assist with the development of teaching strategies that include use of media and technology.

(b) The Tewa Language Department shall be included in the Pueblo Administration's Organizational Chart separate from the Education Department.

(c) The Tewa Language Department shall adopt an effective departmental structure and program(s) subject to approval by the Governor.

(d) The Tewa Language Department may employ staff who shall implement the department mission based on the approved departmental structure and programs.

(e) In order to promote efficiency within the Tewa Language Department, program offices shall be established as necessary.

(f) The Governor shall be authorized to establish a Tewa Language Advisory Board consisting of Tewa language speakers to provide recommendations to the Department. The Board shall be comprised of an equal number of members selected by the Governor and by the Council.

Section 1.6. Tewa Language Department Goals and Objectives

The overall goals of the Tewa Language Department shall be to promote, preserve, and maintain the Tewa language for the benefit of the members of the Pueblo.

Tewa Language Department planning and establishment shall include:

(a) Conducting review and analysis of the existing Tewa Language Program including accomplishments, goals, and areas for growth and improvement.

(b) Preparation of a written report regarding the existing program to the Governor and the Council. The report shall include a list of any grants or funding currently utilized by the Pueblo. The report shall include any language grant opportunities that may be available to

support the Department, including grants for additional teachers, community outreach, and additional programmatic funding.

(c) Convening and facilitating at least one community meeting to introduce the new Department to the public and to solicit comments and recommendations for developing a successful and comprehensive Tewa language program.

(d) The authorization to hire a qualified language consultant on a contractual basis to assist with the development of a Tewa language plan ("Language Plan"). The consultant shall identify any successful language promotion and preservation programs utilized by other Pueblos and Indian tribes to determine the appropriateness of using similar techniques for the Pueblo. The Language Plan shall address:

(1) Developing a mission of the Tewa Language Program.

(2) Goals for Tewa language instruction including, to the greatest extent possible, speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing skills.

(3) Development of the Tewa Language Department structure including staffing.

(4) Exploration of types of language programs to be utilized such as immersion programs.

(5) Funding sustainability for the Department including the identification of grant opportunities.

(6) Any other recommendations that the Pueblo and consultant may develop to support successful implementation of the Tewa Language Department for the Pueblo.

Section 1.7. Authorization of Initial Funding

The Council authorizes initial funding for the Tewa Language Department as approved in the Annual Budget and/or budget modification for the Pueblo.

Law Information

Cites

  • Council Resolution No. SI-R19-026 (PDF)

Effective

December 23, 2019