The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians developed a Samala-English language dictionary to preserve the Samala language. Image from Santa Ynez Band

A bill that will expand the use of Native languages and cultures in public schools was signed into law by California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Monday.

The state already issues credentials for Native language instructors under AB 544, a law from 2009. As part of the process, tribes develop their own standards to determine fluency and proficiency.

The new law, AB 163, extends the process to Native culture instructors. Teachers will be able to secure credentials in one or both subjects.

“Our tribe is all too aware of the importance of not only preserving our language, but our culture as well,” Vincent Armenta, the chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, said today. “The passage of this bill will allow educators throughout California to become credentialed in Native American culture and share our traditions with children who have never been exposed to Native American life.”

According to California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 28 teachers so far have received the Native language credential. The new law should expand those ranks in the coming years.

“This bill is a reminder of California's incredible diversity, and the Commission is excited to help safeguard our state's Native American heritage for future generations by placing qualified teachers of tribal culture in California's classrooms,” said Mary Vixie Sandy, the commission's executive director.

California is home to more than 100 tribes.