The whys and wherefores of Native American bilingual education

Abstract

Although many would agree in theory with the notion of bilingual education for Native American pupils, one must look deeper at this complex issue before a commitment is made to such a program. Bilingual programs in reservation schools and off-reservation serving a dominant Indian population make good sense and will continue to provide an important service. Not only do such programs make the transition to school easier for young Native American pupils, but also they provide an important cultural link to the child's heritage and promote positive concepts of self and build prideful identity. In urban areas, however, where approximately half of the Indian population of this country resides, it is difficult to defend bilingual programs because of the many problems involved in implementing such programs successfully. It is probable that these programs will continue to be found mainly in early childhood day care settings.