1990 Native American Languages Act (NALA)

What is NALA?

The Native American Languages  Act (NALA) of 1990 is the short cited title for executive order PUBLIC LAW 101-477 enacted by Congress on October 30, 1990. Public Law 101-477 of 1990 gave historical importance as repudiating past policies of eradicating Indian Languages by declaring as policy that Native Americans were entitled to use their own languages. The fundamental basis of the policy’s declaration was that the United States “declares to preserve, protect and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use practice and develop Native American Languages”. In addition, to “fully recognize the right of Indian Tribes and other Native American governing bodies, States, territories, and possessions of the United States to take action on, and give official status to their Native American languages for the purpose of conducting their own business”.