Oklahoma Native American Languages Celebrated, Shared at Annual Festival

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- In Oklahoma, there are 39 federally recognized Native American tribes, and this week their languages are being showcased at the Native American Youth Language Fair.

The event is the only one of its kind in the country. Oklahoma's youth are front and center at the event, demonstrating their skills in languages like Cherokee and Choctaw.

Twenty-five tribes participated in the fair at the Sam Noble Museum.

"It's the only place you can go in the whole world where you can hear so many Native American languages spoken in one day. To me, it's the most beautiful day of the year," said Mary Linn, Curator of Native American Languages.

Students compete in native speaking, dance and music, some write books, and others create art. There is also a masters performance category for those who are more fluent.

"Any time you learn a second language, you have to be okay with making mistakes. You have to not let that bother you. You have to let that go," said Candessa Tetehee Morgan, Native American Youth Language Fair organizer.

There are 17 languages just in Oklahoma without even one living fluent speaker.

"All of the languages are endangered. Even Cherokee, even Creek, even Choctaw that have quite a few number of speakers. The speakers are adults, and children aren't learning it and acquiring it naturally in the home," Linn said.

Organizers hope the fair will inspire others around the country to start similar events.

"We know that language and culture go hand-in-hand. You can pass down culture without the original language, but often times, most often, it doesn't happen," Linn said.

Leaders of the movement said it's not just native speakers who need to help languages thrive, it takes a whole nation.

The fair continues Tuesday at the Sam Noble Museum when middle school and high school students will get their chance to showcase their skills on stage.