WSU Ph.D. student appointed to UNESCO task force

Tipiziwin Tolman, a doctoral candidate at Washington State University, has been appointed to UNESCO's Global Task Force aimed at safeguarding Indigenous languages. This task force is part of a larger initiative supporting the United Nations' International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which seeks to protect and revitalize languages essential to cultural identity. Tolman, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, specializes in Lakota and Dakota language pedagogy and intergenerational teachings in her research. Her role will involve participating in meetings to help shape strategies for Indigenous language transmission and resilience. "Our languages carry the wisdom, laws, and lifeways of our people," Tolman emphasized, highlighting the importance of ensuring future generations inherit their cultural heritage.

The initiative underscores the global recognition of Indigenous languages as vital to cultural diversity and human rights. Tolman's appointment reflects a growing commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in language preservation. This effort is crucial not only for cultural identity but also for fostering respect and understanding among diverse populations.