Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Center recently introduced the “Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group” to participating childcare providers.
Marilyn Ballard of the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Education Unit works with Inola Grimmit, a participant in the Cherokee Connections
Play and Learn Group.
The new program is designed to help Cherokee communities build stronger cultural identities by incorporating Cherokee language and heritage in a social environment for parents, caregivers, and children.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said the program is important because it helps keep Cherokee families together while teaching the culture and language of the Cherokee people.
“The Cherokee language is important to maintaining our cultural heritage and identity. Through our language immersion program, we are working diligently to teach our future generations our native tongue,” Smith said.
Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Manager Bridget Tobey stated she was excited about the program and looks forward to expanding the Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group to other counties within the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction.
“This program is a wonderful way for children and caregivers to take advantage of the same curriculum and cultural opportunities that are taught in other educational entities of the Cherokee Nation,” Tobey said. “We’ve had a huge response. Past participants of Sparking Connections have come on board to act as mentors for providers that are new to the program.”
Inola Grimmett of Stilwell provides child care for her grandson Ian and feels as if she has already learned a lot from the instructors and other group members.
“I’m trying to teach my grandson how to speak Cherokee, but it’s hard when so many others in his life speak English,” Grimmett said. “I think it will be easier for him to pick up the language in a group.”
The Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group offer educational material that centers around the Cherokee culture in a safe and nurturing environment.
For more information about the program, contact Bridget Tobey, phone: 918-453-5300 or by email.
| Related Cherokee Nation 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 |
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 |