WHAT:
The Cherokee Nation is hosting a gathering of first-language, fluent Cherokee speakers to announce several new projects and initiatives focused on perpetuating the Cherokee language.

WHEN:
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
3307 Seven Clans Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464

WHO:
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation leaders
Cherokee speakers

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation leaders will gather with first-language speakers and fluent Cherokee speakers and announce several new projects and initiatives focused on perpetuating the Cherokee language.

The Cherokee Nation Language Department now estimates there are 1,500 first-language, fluent Cherokee speakers. By the year 2032, Cherokee Nation is committed to graduating at least 25 second-language speakers per year.

Since taking office in 2019, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner have worked with the Council of the Cherokee Nation to invest historic resources - more than $68 million - into Cherokee language capital projects. Recently, they signed into law a permanent Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act that sets aside a minimum budget of $18 million annually for Cherokee language perpetuation.

Other efforts include the Cherokee Language Master/Apprentice Program, which teaches adults to be proficient conversational Cherokee speakers and teachers. Participants receive an hourly educational stipend and typically spend 40 hours per week for two years immersed in the Cherokee language with master-level, fluent Cherokee speakers. Nearly 60 adults have graduated the program so far.

The Cherokee Nation also recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of its first ever Cherokee Immersion Middle School, providing an opportunity for Cherokee children attending the tribe's existing elementary immersion schools to continue their language immersion into middle school.

During Tuesday's gathering, Chief Hoskin will also highlight new Cherokee film and Cherokee Language Department collaborations to help bring the language to a global audience.