Our Story, Our Impact
Our history is rooted in the collective efforts of leaders, visionaries, and language champions who recognized the urgency of preserving Indigenous languages. Their dedication laid the foundation for the work we continue today. Explore our story and see how ILI has grown in service to Indigenous and Tribal communities.
How We Started
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The Indigenous Language Institute (ILI) traces its roots back to September 1992, when it was founded by Joanna Hess in Santa Fe, New Mexico, under the name Institute for the Preservation of the Original Languages of the Americas (IPOLA). Established to preserve the original languages of the Americas, the organization quickly grew into a central hub for supporting Indigenous communities across the United States. By 1997, IPOLA had become a national center serving tribes and individuals working to revitalize Indigenous languages. To reflect its expanded mission, international collaborations, and new leadership, the organization was renamed Indigenous Language Institute (ILI) in 2000. This change signified a commitment to serving Indigenous communities worldwide and embracing a broader vision for language revitalization.
A Legacy of Leadership
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In 1995, Inee Yang Slaughter was appointed as Executive Director by founder Joanna Hess. For more than 28 years, Inee led the organization with unmatched dedication. She worked closely with language consultants and advocates across Indian Country, forging relationships with Tribal communities in the United States and Canada. Her leadership elevated ILI into an internationally recognized leader in language immersion and revitalization. Inee spearheaded the development of numerous publications and immersion resources, many of which continue to be used worldwide. Her legacy reflects a deep commitment to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages for future generations.​
Today and Beyond
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In 2024, Raul Aguilar Jr., a member of the Red Lake Nation and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, was named Executive Director, marking the start of a new chapter for the organization. Raul continues to build upon ILI’s strong foundation, driving efforts to address the urgent need for language revitalization as Elder speakers decline. Under his guidance, ILI remains steadfast in its mission to support Indigenous communities in reclaiming their languages and ensuring their survival for generations to come.
Today, ILI proudly serves over 200 American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, the First Nations of Canada, and the broader international Indigenous community. We equip Native language teachers, learners, and advocates with the tools, training, and strategies they need to bring their languages back into the daily lives of their People. Our seminars and workshops foster a network of individuals and organizations, creating enduring partnerships for sharing experiences, resources, and knowledge. ILI also collaborates with other organizations that share and complement our mission to strengthen the impact of language revitalization globally.
Past Projects & Achievements
In 1994-1995 ILI (then known as IPOLA) collaborated with the Hotevilla Bacavi Community School on the Hopi Reservation to help create two award-winning Hopi/English bilingual textbooks that were illustrated by the second graders of the school. We also collaborated with the Santa Ana Pueblo Education Department of New Mexico on the ‘Youth Language Assessment Project’ in May 1995. An outgrowth of this project was the September 1996 cultural education trip of the Santa Ana Youth to Japan. We assisted in initiating the ‘Onondaga Summer Language Camp’ in August 1996. ILI co-sponsored the 7th Annual Conference of the Keepers of the Treasures in June 1998, the topic being ‘Native Languages: Repatriating the Spirit of Nations’. A limited edition ‘Native Languages Revitalization Resource Directory’ was published in June 1998. In 2002, ILI hosted the Native Youth Language Fair. The Nambe Youth Video Project was completed in 2005, and the digital story for the Pojoaque Community Garden Project was produced at the ILI’s Language Materials Development Center.
