There was once more linguistic variety in California than there is in all of Europe combined. That was before a cultural genocide. Starting in the 1880s, the United States government forced a generation of Native American children into boarding schools. They were told to forget their way of life and learn English. An array of different languages from a number of different language families were being threatened. Today, many dialects have only a handful of fluent speakers remaining. Some have none.

Language Keepers is a six-part multimedia experience that tells the story of native peoples that refuse to let go of their language. Through leading classes, immersing children in the language, and documenting the language for future learners, these four California tribes are joining a movement of native peoples making sure the songs, stories, and ceremonies of their people are not lost.