"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Language Incentive Program

"Ella Mae Daugherty of Stilwell holds her granddaughter Jeri Ogden during a meeting of Cherokee speakers. Daugherty teaches her granddaughter the Cherokee language as part of the Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Connections program."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - In an effort to continue keeping the Cherokee language alive, the Cherokee Nation is currently searching for speakers interested in teaching it to young Cherokees.

The tribe’s language program is offered through the tribe’s Early Childhood Unit (ECU) and is a part of Cherokee Connections, an initiative to promote early learning, cultural identity and social interaction among children five years of age and under.

According to Arlene Greenawalt, Cherokee Connections Program Coordinator, the program is a great way to integrate Cherokee language into the lives of younger generations of Cherokees.

“What is great about this program is that it allows children to learn their native language in the home, an opportunity that is lost to children who are in formal child care settings,” said Greenawalt.

The language incentive program is currently in need of fluent Cherokee speakers. Participants can earn a $50 incentive each month for providing instruction for 7 to 9 hours per week. Speakers who are willing to work with children 90 to 100 percent of the time will receive a $100 incentive each month for participating.

Interested parties must take a speaking assessment test to evaluate their level of fluency in the Cherokee language.

Ella Mae Daugherty of Stilwell takes part in the program and takes time to teach her four-year-old granddaughter, Jeri Ogden, the Cherokee language.

“The ECU staff is wonderful,” said Daugherty. “As a caregiver all of the services that they provide are really helpful. This program provides a lot of support to me and it’s a wonderful way to keep our language alive.”

Participants will receive the same Cherokee Immersion Curriculum that is being used in play and learn groups. In addition, materials such as CD’s, cassettes, books, handouts with songs, stories and interactive games are provided for the speaker’s use.

“Our goal is address language revitalization and community building by supporting our child caregivers in their communities through financial incentives to providers who instruct children in the Cherokee language,” said Greenawalt. “This is a wonderful opportunity and I encourage fluent Cherokee speakers to participate.”

For more information on the Cherokee connections program, call 918-453-5056 or 918-453-5076.