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Tahlequah, OK - The Cherokee Clemente Course offered at the Cherokee Heritage Center begins May 27, 2002. Those interested in the Cherokee language, history, culture and literature are encouraged to apply to this college level humanities course. Upon completion of the course, students will receive two hours of college credit being offered through the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

The course is open to anyone with a genuine interest in the Cherokee Heritage, but enrollment will be limited to 20 students. The class is not restricted to currently enrolled college students. In fact, special consideration will be given to those who may not otherwise attend college. The course is free of charge. In addition, students are provided with books, childcare and are reimbursed for driving expenses. The course will be taught on Monday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from May 27, 2002 through July 29, 2002. Applications are available at the Cherokee Heritage Center and at Cherokee First at the Cherokee Nation complex in Tahlequah.

This summer students of the Cherokee Clemente Course will discuss the Trail of Tears. The Trail of Tears is known as a painful time in Cherokee history when Cherokees were forced from their homeland in the East and moved westward to Indian Territory. Yet the Trail of Tears illustrates the triumph of the Cherokees. Even though many settlers, soldiers and politicians forced Cherokees from their homes, the people survived and thrive into the present day. What the general history books teach as the "Trail of Tears," the Cherokee language describes with the words "Ge-chi-u-go-i-se-ne-nuh-e a-le di-ge-chi-i-luh-se-i" which means "they were forced out from their home an driven here like cattle." Learning the unique intricacies of the Cherokee language makes up a large part of the Cherokee Clemente Course. This summer students will read treaties in Cherokee and discuss the circumstances leading to the time when Cherokees were driven out and moved to Oklahoma. Students will also explore Cherokee mythology such as the origin stories describing the ancient migration routes.

The Cherokee Clemente Course is hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center thanks to the support of the Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of the humanities. OHC joins with local organizations to encourage the life of the mind, creating lifelong learning through reflection and discussion of literature, history, philosophy, and more. OHC is the designated agency for the National Endowment for the Humanities in the state of Oklahoma.

For more information or an application, contact Anne Woodward, Clemente Course Coordinator, phone: 918-456-6007 or toll free 888-999-6007.