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TAHLEQUAH, OK — Thirty students participating in the first round of Cherokee Language classes at the Cherokee Nation have finished their initial 10-week course. The classes are a part of the culture, language and history initiative, in which tribal members are given the opportunity to learn the Cherokee language.

"We try to teach a few basic words and phrases, and help the students develop a comfort level in Cherokee", said Marilyn Cochran, an instructor with the program. "We can't make anyone fluent in just 10 weeks, but we encourage our students to take our other advanced courses as well because you need to speak Cherokee everyday to reach a better level of comprehension."

Currently, the second set of courses is underway, with classes meeting at both the tribal complex and the Housing Authority. For more information, contact the Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Resource Center, phone: (918) 456-6170.

Denise Howard and Ruby Wells are among the first students to complete the classes. Marilyn Cochran is one of the instructors for the classes.