Purpose of the Bill

The bill is intended to provide financial support for Native American cultural, arts, and history programs in the state of Minnesota. It aims to promote and preserve Native American heritage, particularly focusing on the Dakota and Ojibwe languages.

Main Provisions

• Funding for Cultural Programs: The bill appropriates $2,500,000 each year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund. These funds are allocated to the Indian Affairs Council for competitive grants aimed at supporting Native American cultural, arts, and history programs.

• Language Preservation Funding:

  • $850,000 annually for 2026 and 2027 is designated for grants to Minnesota Tribal Nations, specifically to preserve the Dakota and Ojibwe languages and enhance educational programs and services for these languages.
  • An additional $650,000 each year is set aside for grants directed towards Dakota and Ojibwe language immersion educational institutions.

• Support for Language Programs: $600,000 per year is appropriated for grants designed to aid the preservation of the Dakota and Ojibwe languages through educational support and immersion programs.

• Working Group and Additional Support:

  • $50,000 each fiscal year is earmarked for establishing a Dakota and Ojibwe Indian languages working group.
  • $150,000 each year is allocated to ensure compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, under the responsibilities of the Indian Affairs Council.

Relevant Terms

Native American culture, arts, history programs, Dakota language, Ojibwe language, language immersion, Minnesota Tribal Nations, Indian Affairs Council, arts and cultural heritage fund, competitive grants, language preservation, educational programs.