Encouraging the Use of the Chahta Language

In the last blog post, I spoke about the importance of the Chahta language and what it means to the growth and development of the future of the Choctaw Nation. In Part 2 of our Chahta language discussion, I would like to highlight some of the steps we are taking as a tribe to ensure that our ancestral language is secure for future generations.

I want to begin by spotlighting the School of Choctaw Language, which was created to encourage and teach the use of the Chahta language so that a new generation of first-language speakers will promote our ancestral language. There are many avenues within the School of Choctaw Language where you can learn online and by hearing and seeing the language being used in conversation. You may notice that this blog you are reading right now is translated into Choctaw and has an audio component so you can see and hear how the words sound, thanks to the efforts of the School of Choctaw Language to support and assist in turning this ongoing communication into yet another, ongoing learning opportunity for those interested in learning our Chahta language.

In addition, I would recommend that you go to the Choctaw Nation website, click on “About” and then click on “Language” and access the numerous language resources there, that can assist you in beginning your learning journey. From videos and language lessons to online teaching tools these valuable language learning resources can help get you immersed into the Chahta language. Once you have completed the website courses, I encourage you to apply to the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna (School of Choctaw Language). The Choctaw Nation Language Department has courses for every skill level, and I’m proud to say, we have extremely gifted and knowledgeable instructors who can guide you in the language of our people.

One of the challenges we created for our Choctaw Nation workforce is a program called “You Had Me at Halito.” The program encourages associates (our employees) to use terms like Yakoke (thank you), Halito (hello) and Chi Pisa La Chike (until we meet again, see you later) in your everyday conversations. Our hope is that Yakoke becomes as common as thank you to everyday people visiting the Choctaw Nation. I view it as a big win if our guests go home after visiting the Choctaw Nation and use the Chahta language off the reservation with their friends and family.

The promotion of our language not only ensures our culture remains vital, but it also announces that the Choctaw Nation is a proud, strong, sovereign nation that honors its heritage. Our language is just a part of the important culture that our ancestors have passed down to us. Our historic battles for our rights, sovereignty and language were hard fought and we should never turn our backs to the sacrifices of our ancestors.

And as another point of pride, I am proud to say that we have a record 15 new apprentices who graduated from our school of language on Sept. 20. The Assistant Chief and I were there to proudly congratulate our newest ambassadors of the Chahta language. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our School of Choctaw Language that we are graduating new Chahta language learners each year. It is a shining example of what we can do as a Chahta if we work hard, honor our history and achieve our goals.

I am excited to see where our new Chahta language speakers take us on this continuing learning journey. Our ancestors would be proud that the ideas and culture they created are being carried on by a new generation of Chahta. Yakoke students for all your hard work! And Yakoke to all tribal members, associates, and guests who help us in support of our focus on the importance of the Chahta language for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Yakoke and God Bless!