5 graduate from language program
Snowbird – The Cherokee culture is steeped in traditions of language, spirituality, food, storytelling, crafts and other forms of art.
It has been passed down through many generations of Cherokee families in Graham County.
As future generations face the challenges of an ever-evolving world, it is important that the Cherokee Nation discover ways to preserve and promote their values.
In that same spirit, the Snowbird community celebrated the third graduating class of Cherokee Language learners (the “Dadiwonisi” program) Sept. 25, with a ceremony at the Jacob Cornsilk Community Center.
Five new speakers received their diplomas for completing the two-year program, which saw each sacrifice time and commit to learn one of the hardest languages.
The Cherokee language features unfamiliar sounds; nasalized vowels; unusual consonant forms; and uses a unique syllabary system, rather than an alphabet. Learning to speak Cherokee is deeply tied to understanding the culture.
As elder members pass on, it is very important to instruct the next generation to embrace their heritage by not only learning the language, but immersing in the culture as well.
The “Ugota” graduating class consisted of She-li “Seli” Lewis; Desiree “Kiyug” Turpin; Jack “Uwetsi” Cooper; April “Svgta” Johnson; and Kyla “Kali” Millsaps. The ceremony was spoken entirely in Tsalagi Uwasa (Cherokee Only).
Lewis entered the program as a way to honor her grandmother.
“My grandma was a speaker and she always wanted us to learn the language," said Lewis. "All of my hard work and dedication is for her."
Now that “Seli” has completed the course, she plans to enter the third-year program, grow within the language and become more fluent.
“Kiyug” felt the need to learn the language, because she wanted to reconnect to the Native American culture. Her grandparents were fluent speakers and she described her experience in “Ugota” as life-changing.
“I plan to enter the third program and gain teaching experience, so that I can teach the language to our youth,” Turpin added.
“Uwetsi” felt the program helped him reconnect to the culture, and establish long-lasting relationships with his cohorts and the local speakers of the language.
“I have grown so much as a person,” Cooper said.
He plans to work with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, now that he has graduated the program. He is currently directing a documentary on traditional Cherokee foods. Cooper's long-term goals are to write and film television programs and movies in the language.
"Svgta” decided to enter the program to help her develop a closer relationship with her mom.
“I remember my mom and my grandma talking in Cherokee when I was young," Johnson recalled. "I want to be able to talk with my mom like that and I want my children to learn the language.
“'Ugota' has meant the world to me.”
She also plans to enter the third-year program. Johnson would like to find a job that will allow her to stay in the language in the future.
“I have grown so much," Millsaps shared. "Our language is in a state of emergency. It is going away. Without our language, we are nothing.”
She joined the program to help the younger generation.
She said “Ugota” taught her what family is.
“It has been a lifechanging experience,” she added.
“Kali” will also enroll in the third-year program. She was presented with the “Speaker’s Council Award” for the second-year class.
This graduating class is dedicated to family, preservation of culture and changing lives of the young Cherokee Nation.
Their dedication strengthens the community, honors their ancestors and ensures that future generations will continue to celebrate the heritage of the Cherokee.