(Mashantucket, Conn.): The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced today they received a 2021 Administration for Native Americans Language Preservation and Maintenance grant award from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

The awarded funding for year 1 of the 33-month grant term is $150,336; with the Tribe contributing $37,584 in matching funds for a project total of $187,920 in the first year.

The anticipated federal award over the entire grant term is $619,608 with the Tribe’s total matching contribution anticipated at $154,902 bringing the total anticipated project cost to $774,510.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s "Nupeeqátôooá" (I speak Pequot) project is focused on hiring and training two new language instructors, as well as recruiting five apprentices over the course of the grant. This will greatly increase the number of classes, curriculum, and community support (translations, naming ceremony, language games, etc…) necessary for promoting and sustaining cultural pride and identity.

For more information, contact Lori Potter at LPotter@mptn-nsn.gov.