Hearing on SB 612, SB 911 highlighted the needs of over 35,000 Oregonians who speak Indigenous languages
SALEM, Ore.—Advocates and speakers of Indigenous languages provided testimonials at a public hearing in Salem on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to pass a pair of bills for “Indigenous Language Justice,” SB 612 and SB 911. Currently, none of Oregon’s statewide systems reliably provide services or interpretation in Indigenous languages, despite the fact that Oregon is home to over 35,000 people whose primary language is one of more than 30 Indigenous languages.
“Indigenous language speakers from present-day Mexico, Central America, and South America should experience the fundamental human right to understand and be understood. Full stop,” Sen. Wlnsvey Campos (D-District 18, Aloha) said. “All Oregonians should have access to interpretation services if and when they need them. This is critical to our collective prosperity as Oregonians.”
Pueblo Unido, a member of the Fair Shot for All economic justice coalition, and the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are supporting the legislation to increase language access and ensure the inclusion of Indigenous communities in government.
SB 612 would result in the development of new evaluation processes for Indigenous languages, which would create a path for interpreters to demonstrate proficiency and obtain formal credentials.
SB 911 will establish a commission for Original Peoples from South America, Central America, and Mexico within the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, ensuring that Indigenous peoples from these regions are represented in state government and have a direct voice in policy proposals that concern their communities.
Cameron Coval, executive director of Pueblo Unido, told legislators that Oregon’s statewide systems must meet the needs of all Oregonians and be available in languages that they understand. “Without adequate access to interpretation, Oregonians who speak Indigenous languages face tremendous barriers to participating in society and experience devastating human rights violations, including delay or denial of life-saving medical care, inaccessibility of critical services, wrongful imprisonment, and unjust deportation and family separation.”
Interpreters with the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO) shared stories at today’s hearing of the impacts to Indigenous language speakers who struggled to understand and receive life saving medical care, legal services, or simply to obtain driver’s licenses and other services. Interpreters also told legislators that people who need interpretation services often must pay out-of-pocket, forcing them to go without interpretation, or for interpreters to forgo payment.
“Many times I have had to interpret without receiving payment or travel expenses because the people we serve do not have the capacity to pay,” said Pedro Sosa, an interpreter and member of CIIO. “At the same time, there is limited funding for help.”
Furthermore, Amelia Pacheco Santos, a member of CIIO and one of only two qualified healthcare interpreters of an Indigenous language in Oregon explained, “the lack of funding for interpretation has prevented me from exercising my career as an Indigenous interpreter, because with the current rates I cannot cover my basic expenses. This prevents me from dedicating myself to interpreting full-time, because I am forced to work other jobs and only be available to interpret when possible.
Emiliana Aguilar, an interpreter for Mayan K’iche’ who works as a legal and social services navigator, testified that the bills would have a far-reaching impact in the state, “Offering Indigenous language interpreters accreditation would change the life and the future of the Indigenous language-speaking community in Oregon.”
More information about Indigenous Language Justice is online at https://www.fairshotoregon.org/languagejustice.
More about Pueblo Unido
Pueblo Unido connects immigrants with legal, social, and Indigenous language interpretation services. Its programs are focused on addressing long-standing inequities and promoting social inclusion by helping people overcome financial, technological, literacy, linguistic, and bureaucratic barriers to essential human rights and services. This work protects due process rights, promotes household stability, and secures language justice so that our communities can be safe, feel supported, and thrive.
Pueblo Unido is a member of the Fair Shot for All coalition. Since its launch in 2014, Fair Shot for All has been committed to taking on discrimination and inequality through policy, organizing, and action. The coalition’s work is centered on ideas and input from those who bear the burden of Oregon’s broken systems, especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC); women; immigrants; and/or LGBTQ+.
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