Earlier this year, tribal leaders permanently reauthorized the Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act, providing more funding to preserving the Cherokee language. That was originally passed in 2019. Since then, tens of millions of dollars have been poured into preserving the Cherokee language.
The language that our ancestors spoke to pass along Cherokee wisdom through countless generations; that the unique Cherokee genius Sequoyah created a syllabary for; that Cherokee hero Durbin Feeling dedicated
The language that our ancestors spoke to pass along Cherokee wisdom through countless generations; that the unique Cherokee genius Sequoyah created a syllabary for; that Cherokee hero Durbin Feeling dedicated his life to preserving and promoting; and that hundreds of Cherokee elders, teachers and students are working to revitalize today; is our most valuable cultural treasure. Today, at Cherokee Nation, we have the urgent task to reverse that trend. Originally passed in 2019, the act laid the foundation for the largest language investment in Cherokee history.