Hawaii Senate Bill SR111

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Recognizing The Period Between 2022 And 2032 As The United Nations International Decade Of Indigenous Languages.

Impact

By officially recognizing this decade, the resolution establishes a framework for the state of Hawaii to celebrate, preserve, and promote its own indigenous language, Ōlelo Hawaii. This acknowledgment emphasizes the importance of indigenous languages as repositories of knowledge, culture, and environmental awareness. The resolution supports ongoing efforts within Hawaii to honor the achievements in revitalizing Ōlelo Hawaii and fosters educational initiatives aimed at further restoring and maintaining its use within communities.

Summary

Senate Resolution 111 recognizes the period from 2022 to 2032 as the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. This resolution aligns with the global initiative to draw attention to and promote the preservation of indigenous languages, which are vital to cultural identity and diversity. The resolution stems from actions taken by the United Nations, including the 2019 proclamation marking the International Year of Indigenous Languages, which highlighted the alarming risk of language extinction impacting thousands of languages worldwide.

Contention

While the resolution serves a mostly unifying purpose, it may also highlight potential tensions related to resource allocation for language preservation efforts. Some stakeholders may question the adequacy of funding and support for educational programs and initiatives that promote Ōlelo Hawaii and other indigenous languages. Nonetheless, the resolution stresses a collective responsibility to address language endangerment issues, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts between government bodies and educational institutions in Hawaii.