Story perspectives

Montana Tribes Secure Funding to Preserve Endangered Languages

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Three Indigenous languages in Montana remain critically endangered, and a historic funding increase for tribal colleges with more than $367,000 for repatriation aims to address this.
Agreements were signed to transfer ownership of items from the University of Montana to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, granting them authority over their heritage.
Despite progress, many institutions remain noncompliant with repatriation laws.
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe faces preservation challenges in receiving items.

1 of 1

Story summary

Three Indigenous languages in Montana remain critically endangered, and a historic funding increase for tribal colleges with more than $367,000 for repatriation aims to address this.
Agreements were signed to transfer ownership of items from the University of Montana to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, granting them authority over their heritage.
Despite progress, many institutions remain noncompliant with repatriation laws.
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe faces preservation challenges in receiving items.