In an interview for the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project, Shawn Yanity (Stillaguamish) shared his people's view that language is a sacred gift. This gift, he explained, should be used

In an interview for the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project, Shawn Yanity (Stillaguamish) shared his people's view that language is a sacred gift. This gift, he explained, should be used to uplift others, a principle he contrasted with the "mud-slinging" prevalent in modern politics.

The complete interview transcript is available on the project website: www.nativeperspectives.net.

This interview, originally posted by MarkMolaro on November 25, 2007, features K. David Harrison. Harrison is an assistant professor of

This interview, originally posted by MarkMolaro on November 25, 2007, features K. David Harrison. Harrison is an assistant professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College, author of "When Languages Die: The Extinction of the World's Languages and the Erosion of Human Knowledge," and Director of Research at the Living Tongues Institute. He was also featured in "The Linguists" documentary.

In this conversation, Harrison discusses the critical importance of the world's many threatened languages and the vital knowledge each uniquely preserves. He emphasizes the urgent need for more trained linguists to document these nearly extinct languages in remote regions before they are lost forever.

On December 3, 2009, Ecotrust recognized five of the West's most innovative Indigenous leaders for their efforts to improve community conditions. Jim Manion, Janeen Comenote, Allen Pinkham, Sr.,

On December 3, 2009, Ecotrust recognized five of the West's most innovative Indigenous leaders for their efforts to improve community conditions. Jim Manion, Janeen Comenote, Allen Pinkham, Sr., A. Brian Wallace, and Patricia L. Whitefoot were honored for their work spanning youth advocacy, education, renewable energy, cultural restoration, and scholarship.

The Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award is a preeminent program supporting tribal, First Nation, and Alaska Native leaders. These groups are vital nations, governments, landowners, resource co-managers, and economic drivers, contributing long-range vision and sustainable values to the global economy.