A nationwide movement is gaining momentum as states from Minnesota to Maine are incorporating Native American language translations into road signs and public spaces.
This initiative aims not only to promote language and cultural awareness but also to revive and celebrate Indigenous languages. The growing trend, seen in at least six states, reflects a broader commitment to Indigenous representation, sovereignty, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Revitalizing Indigenous Languages
Sage Brook Carbone, a member of the Northern Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, initiated a groundbreaking project in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Inspired by signs in the Pequot language at a Connecticut powwow, Carbone proposed adding Native American translations to city street signs.
The project, approved by residents, will feature approximately 70 signs in the Massachusett Tribe’s language, offering a universal and tangible way to teach Indigenous languages.
Several states, including Iowa, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have followed suit, incorporating bilingual highway signs in the languages of various Native American tribes.
These efforts contribute to raising awareness about Native American communities, their languages, and their historical contributions. The use of Indigenous translations serves as a bridge to broader discussions on land rights, discrimination, and Indigenous representation in political processes.
Darren Ranco, Chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine, emphasizes that while the signs symbolize a moment of reconciliation and justice, they should not be seen as the sole solution to deeper historical issues.
The signs, representing the beginning of addressing profound histories, contribute to a broader societal understanding of Indigenous languages and cultures.
In Wisconsin, six out of the state’s 11 federally recognized tribes have installed dual-language signs, reflecting the commitment to meaningful partnerships with Native Nations. Similarly, Minnesota features signs in English and Dakota or Ojibwe languages on roads traversing tribal lands.
The southeast Alaska community of Haines erected signs in both English and Tlingit, fostering healing and acknowledging cultural heritage.
Read more: Closure Of St. Louis’ Largest Nursing Facility Uproots 170 Residents
Native American Language Signs on Education
Local efforts, such as the Bemidji Ojibwe Language Project in Minnesota, demonstrate the positive impact of bilingual signs on education and community engagement.
Michael Meuers, the project’s founder, sees the signs as a way to open conversations and promote unity among diverse communities. These initiatives go beyond highways, reaching schools, hospitals, businesses, and public spaces.
While many embrace the cultural and educational benefits of dual-language signs, not all efforts have been universally welcomed.
New Zealand faced opposition to bilingual road signs, reflecting a broader debate on the use of Indigenous languages.
However, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the participatory budgeting process enabled residents to support initiatives like the Native American language sign project, fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding.
The incorporation of Native American language translations on road signs across the United States marks a significant step towards cultural awareness, language preservation, and Indigenous representation.
These initiatives, rooted in local and state-level efforts, reflect a national commitment to acknowledging the rich heritage of Native American communities.
As these signs become a visible part of public spaces, they serve as reminders of the diversity and resilience of Indigenous cultures, opening doors to broader conversations on historical accuracy, representation, and unity.
Read more: Putin’s Threats To Finland Raise Concerns Over Potential NATO Conflict
