The Language Conservancy (TLC) began in 2005 when a group of Indigenous educators and language activists raised the alarm about the rapid loss of Indigenous languages across the United States. They saw children growing up without the words their grandparents spoke, and they understood that without urgent action, dozens of languages were at risk of going silent within a generation.
From the beginning, their message was clear: communities already held the knowledge, the teachings, and the stories — they simply needed support.
That vision guides us today, now under the leadership of an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and Indigenous Executive Director. This shift has brought TLC back to its roots: centering Indigenous values and the voices of Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Working by invitation, TLC partners with Tribal Nations, schools, and community programs to develop tools that reflect each Nation’s goals — not ours. Together, we create:
Our role is not to lead, but to listen. Not to own, but to support. Not to speak for communities, but to help amplify their voices.
Today, your support helps us honor that commitment. Contributions to TLC help provide fair compensation to Elders and Indigenous artists, print and ship language materials to classrooms and homes, and expand digital learning tools that make language accessible wherever learners live.
Language is living. Every gift helps bring a language home — to families, to young learners, and to the generations yet to come.
Language revitalization is about people — Elders sharing wisdom, artists illustrating children’s books, and communities learning together. Your support helps TLC respond when needs arise — whether that’s covering rising shipping costs for textbooks, printing literacy materials for classrooms, or ensuring Elders are honored and compensated for their time and knowledge.
