BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Language Conservancy (TLC), a nonprofit organization supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages, proudly announces a new chapter in its history: a full transition to Indigenous leadership at both the board and executive levels. This transformation marks a renewed commitment to centering Indigenous values, knowledge systems, and priorities in every aspect of the organization’s work.

TLC is now governed by an Indigenous-led Board of Directors, composed of six accomplished leaders in the fields of Indigenous language revitalization, linguistics, education, and community advocacy:

– Taa’ąįį Ch’igiiontà’ – Neets’ąįį Gwich’in – Arctic Village, Alaska

– Dr. Janine Pease – Apsáalooke – Hardin, Montana

– Alex FireThunder – Oglála Lakȟóta – Pine Ridge, South Dakota

– Curtis Yarlott – Apsáalooke – Ashland, Montana

– Sabre Pictou Lee, J.D. – Mi’kmaw –  Point La Nim, New Brunswick

– Damian Webster – Tonawanda Seneca Nation – Akron, New York

In alignment with this shift, the Board has appointed Taa’ąįį Ch’igiiontà’ as Interim Executive Director, further reinforcing TLC’s dedication to Indigenous leadership and accountability.

Taa’ąįį shares that, “This transformation marks a new beginning. We are building an organization that is both technically strong and culturally grounded. One that operates with transparency, seeks consent, and follows the leadership of Indigenous communities every step of the way. This future honors Indigenous protocol, values, and relational ways of being—because that’s where our strength comes from.”

As part of this transformation, the Board has realigned TLC’s mission and scope to focus exclusively on supporting North American Indigenous languages. This includes the removal of international programming and a restructuring of internal systems to better meet the growing demand for technical and community-based support in language documentation, resource development, and education.

This transformation also acknowledges and addresses past challenges within the organization. Through this process, the Board and leadership are committed to rebuilding trust, listening deeply, and forging meaningful partnerships that honor Indigenous values and protocols. TLC’s new direction is already taking shape through expanded partnerships, renewed transparency, and increased collaboration with Tribal communities, schools, and language advocates across the U.S. and Canada.

About The Language Conservancy

The Language Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with Tribal Nations and Indigenous community organizations to revitalize and strengthen Native languages. From project planning and grant support to the development of cutting-edge language tools and teacher training, TLC provides comprehensive support to help North American Indigenous communities seeking to protect and expand work on their Native languages.

Learn more at https://languageconservancy.org. 

Detailed Board of Director Bio’s at https://languageconservancy.org/board_of_directors/

For further inquiries, please contact info@languageconservancy.org