Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Left to right: Ed Fields,
Le Honeycutt, Sammy Still,
and Ben Phillips.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Students enrolled in the Cherokee Nation’s online language course range from the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between. Le Honeycutt, a student from California, recently traveled over 1500 miles to Tahlequah, Okla. to meet the course instructors who she had previously only known through images on the computer screen and e-mail.

Honeycutt, 69, came to Cherokee Nation to meet with Ed Fields, Cherokee language instructor, and Sammy Still, community involvement specialist, both of whom are involved in the on-line language courses.

“He is marvelous with people,” Honeycutt said of Fields. “I cannot speak highly enough of these guys.”

“It’s just fun to share the language,” Fields said.

Honeycutt is currently enrolled in her second Cherokee language class along with students from all over the United States. The classes meet twice a week for eight-weeks. There are currently six classes, which include Cherokee I and Cherokee II. The Cherokee Nation began offering on-line language courses in November of 2002 and expects to launch a Cherokee III class by the end of 2004.

“The internet is a great way to be able to reach a broader audience,” said Ben Phillips, Cherokee Nation multi-media developer. “It’s great to see so many Cherokees from all over the country come together with a common purpose, to promote the language and the culture.”

“I knew some (Cherokee),” Honeycutt said. “I wanted to listen to a Cherokee speaker and enlarge what I know. I love it. It’s a beautiful language.”

Aside from spending time learning the Cherokee language, Honeycutt is also an accomplished artist, traditional dancer, and a storyteller. She also teaches beading and drum.

“You feel a good sensation when you can say things in the native language of your ancestors,” Honeycutt said. “ I try to pass it on. It’s so important that it doesn’t die out. It’s more than history. It’s culture.”

For more information on the Cherokee Nation on-line language classes, visit the Cherokee Nation web site, or contact Ben Phillips, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2869).

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org