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VIDEO: Daines Commends CSKT Youth for Salish Language Preservation Efforts

By Beacon Staff

On the House floor yesterday, Montana Congressman Steve Daines commended Vance Home Gun, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Arlee resident, for his work to preserve the Salish language.

“I commend Vance for his commitment to preserving and increasing awareness of an important part of his tribe’s culture and history, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved award,” Daines stated. “Vance Home Gun, well done.”

The Beacon wrote about Home Gun after he was named an inaugural “Champion for Change” for the Center for Native American Youth.

Daines met Home Gun this week at a Tribal Leaders Reception, held in conjunction with the 2013 White House Tribal Nations Conference, at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

For the past six years, Home Gun has focused on following the example of his late aunt Sophie Quequesah, who dedicated her life to promoting and protecting the Salish language before passing away in 2009.

Champions for Change recognizes and encourages inspirational native youth, ages 14 to 22, who are working in their tribal or urban Indian communities to promote hope and make a positive impact. Each year, the Center for Native American Youth invites young Native American leaders to apply and get involved in the Champions for Change program.