North Carolina Cherokee Indians Take Steps to Preserve Language

[Sickwitit8750]

PART CHEROKEE HERE BABY!

[ExcusableAA98]

proud cherokee

[Unknown1stScreamo]

hold can somebody body help me my mom in cherokee indian full blooded and my dad indian. today we were talking about indians in america today in school they said cherokee indians are from israel and cherokee indians are white is that true if so if that is true then i get all the native americans are white

[AngelaA81410]

@Unknown1stScreamo This is inaccurate. It all started when a group of non-recognized Cherokee claimed to be Jewish, but they were blood tested and proved to not be Jewish. I tell you why Cherokee cannot be Jewish is because Jews have 19 hereditary genetic diseases that have plagued them throughout history. Yet the Cherokee people do not even have these diseases such as Tay-Sachs. If they were Jewish they would have same birth defects!

[Unknown1stScreamo]

@AngelaA81410 omg thank you. you help me out alote thanks yay im not jew.

[nordstern1981]

Dear Cherokee Nation members: please never forget your beautiful language. Revive it, on everyday levels! Introduce regular radio programs and maybe even public TV broadcasting in Cherokee. Also, transform road signs and advertising signs to more than 50% in your area into Cherokee besides English. Make it really visible for everyone and your own people. This way, Cherokee language could have a chance today in everyday life and thus enable to preserve this rich and valuable heritage!

[AngelaA81410]

But what does one do if they learn the language or already have a really basic understanding, but have no one else to talk to? My only family member who spoke it passed away long ago. I've forgotten most I knew because I don't live among other Cherokee. So there lies the dilemma~ how can one be Cherokee without the rest of tribe, yet the tribe is so non-accepting of those whose grandparent screwed up and didn't keep their membership with the EBCI? Also doesn't help living away from Cherokee, NC.

[cbarsonfire]

This is so wonderful!

What a great way to restore the proud history of the Cherokee.

[0d0i0a0n0e0L0a0]

WHERE R NATIVES IN GOVERNMENT? ~WE NEED TO MAKE MORE VIDEOS ASAP!`

[RATHAHONNI]

It'a a great endevour to reclaim a lost Language but even more important,when you decide to start a family if you are a recognizable Native find another like yourself to start your family,your children will know who they are and you will have taken part in preserving something really unique and irreplaceble,when it's gone it's gone,let it go.

[nativemrv19722]

I am Cherokee  and Black and proud of it a real Black Indian. :)

[MacFasse]

I am Cherokee and Choctaw. I do have some European blood, and African, but the dominant genes are Native American. I hope to be able to speak the language of my ancestors someday, so that I can be part of preserving this important piece of American (true American) history.

[KimiKyoKun]

Im part Cherokee and it makes me sad not to even know how to at least speak it, every one has to learn Spanish which is not bad or anything but it sucks that most ethnic groups don't even know there own language.

[interstellarwonder]

typical white american point of view --->@FlashVirus

[Breakaywayroper11]

@littlepatutie

I like that i have cherokee in me...... I luv being able to get tha pic of my gma & showin people that she was cherokee & talking to them & telling them what i think of thngs lke the trail of tears & the rez's....... I dont think cherokee or any other people should have been made move off there land........ We lost allot of people.... :'-(

[Breakaywayroper11]

I have been told that my family was on the trail of tears & i dont like that.... I dont like it because the trail of tears didnt have to happen. My gma was 100% cherokee & cple years ago we lost her bt im happy that i got 2 b with her for the time while she was here. Im trying 2 see how much cherokee i have & im hoping that its allot! I hope to help people understand we r all not bad....

[littlepatutie]

@Breakaywayroper11 My great grandma was Cherokee on my dads side and my grandma is white/black. I never got to meet her but we have photos and I think it's so cool to have some history like that.

[Canadasx]

Yeah I love being cherokee. Though some people get confused and ask me if I'm latino. Lol! I like it!

[TwistedMind6969]

@Canadasx many Latinos, not all of course have indian blood in them. Some are blacks, some are whites, some are mulatos, some are indians, some are indian/white mixed, and some have every race in them. I'm glad that you are a Cherokee. I would love to learn more about your great culture and people.

[GrrrrFace14]

The Cherokee fascinate me. I am 15 and I am 1/4 Cherokee Indian..and proud of it [:

[john19362]

Tsani Uwena dagwadov. My name is John Dix and I'm a 2nd language learner. My family is mainly from Swain N.C.. If I was in control up there in the schools I would make the Cherokee language class a course that you would have to take in school in order to graduate. If you want to use the language in school make it a requirement in school to take. We aren't Yuneg we are Kituwahgi and we should speak Kituwahgi and not yunega. Sgi dindagohvyu

[milekrizman]

I am particularly interested in Eastern woodland tribes (North and South).

[milekrizman]

SOME DAY, THIS LAND WILL BE OURS AGAIN. I AM EUROPEAN, BUT NATIVE AMERICANS ARE REAL AMERICANS. MAYBE WE COULD PICK SOME NATIVE LANGUAGE AS OFFICIAL OF USA INSTEAD OF FUCKING RETARDED ENGLISH WHO BELONGS TO BRITISH ISLES?

[Gentilejedi]

@milekrizman Natives believe or believed land is a resource to be shared, the land does not belong to anyone. It is a gift from the Creator. It is Whites that, take, take take. They did it in So. Africa, The Americas and to a large extent in Israel to the Palestinians. Let's not forget the Hawaiians that were also died of European diseases and pushed to near extinction. I'm a multi-racial person, I have no loyalty, just an end result to reckless breeding.

[milekrizman]

@Gentilejedi In Europe we have nation states. I am aware that USA was founded by white Anglosaxon colonists from Europe, so they imposed their language and culture upon Native Americans. But it is sad that Natives amke only 1-2 % of total US population. And most of them live in poverty, their language and culture are diminished.

[Gentilejedi]

@milekrizman That small of a population is actually very alarming. Many were killed from sickness and disease. What many people are unaware of as well is in the American Southeast, Natives were originally used as slaves before the Africans were imported.

[FlashVirus]

@milekrizman

To be honest, it's for the best. There's still nations today that have either a native majority or a mixed race (mestizo) majority, and they're absolute hellholes. See Peru or Mexico. European colonization was a great thing, it just didn't go far enough. Not to forget, many of us whites descended from early American colonists have some Native blood. What makes these pure blooded natives any more deserving of the land than us?

[milekrizman]

@FlashVirus Well, european colonizers came with their guns and diseases and entire cultures and tribes were wiped out. Of course it was good, bringing livestock and technology to Indians, but it also had bad effect - weaker cultures were wiped out by European colonizers. I am not for America as it was in 1492., because that's impossible. I just want to say that we should respect heritage of Indians - languages and customs. And give better opportunities to poor tribes like Pine ridge in Dakota.

[hibyeeee2]

@FlashVirus Well most whiteAmericans actually don't have native ancetry although somevery few do. European Colonization was a terrible thing as it killed many ofus Natives and ruined our great advanced societies.

[interstellarwonder]

@FlashVirus typical white american point of native of native american politics, mind your own fucken politics bitch

[milekrizman]

Founding fathers were for CULTURAL DIVERISTY! That means taht Americans should PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN NATIVE LANGUAGES, CUSTOMS, SONGS AND DANCES! THEY WERE ONLY FOR MAKING INDIANS EUROPEAN LIKE IN A MANNER THAT THEY ADOPT EUROPEAN WAY OF LIFE - EUROPEAN CLOTHES, HOUSES, GOING TO SCHOOL, HAVING FARMS WITH COWS AND CHICKENS...BUT PRESERVING LANGUAGE, CUSTOMS, SONGS AND DANCES - CULTURAL AUTONOMY, NOT 'MELTING POT!!!

[lion3p0]

@milekrizman HA yet they were killing us my the tens of thousands and destroying everything that made us Indian peoples

[milekrizman]

@lion3p0 As I said before it is a shame that Natives make only 1-2 % of total US population. They should represent at least 18 %, because German Americans are the largest ancestry group with 17 %. There should be 3 senators, and every third should be Indian from particular state.

[milekrizman]

Is Cherokee official in North Carolina? Well, it should be! It is a shame that Russian federation is giving greater rights to their indigenous people then USA! USA has always had policy of 'Melting po' which is CULTURAL IMPERIALISM OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE! We should give official status to every Native language. That means signs on Cherokee, schools on Cherokee, documents on Cherokee, radio and TV stations on Cherokee...etc.

[ivegottaheadache]

@milekrizman So true. I think the school system should teach a variety of Native American languages; if you want to really know about the country you live in then you should learn the languages spoken on that land before colonization.

[milekrizman]

@ivegottaheadache Yeah, I totally agree. I even said that Indians should be given special rights, like Afroamericans had from mid 1960's until now, when Afroamerican is the President. Why the largest ancestry group in USA are Germans (17 %). In my opinion Indians should be given jobs, better health care and education and stimulate infancy growth rate. In future I hope that Indians would become the largest ancestry group in USA (from 1 % to 18 %).

Take care sis ;)

[CaskeyLee17]

@ivegottaheadache

not nessesarily require it, but at least offer it. at my school they ONLY offer spanish. aint that sad? and i am SO not takin spanish!

[milekrizman]

@CaskeyLee17 English and Spanish colonozers TOOK this land and RAPED HER. This is primarily a LAND OF THE RED PEOPLE. People who came after 1492. should FUCK OFF if they think that Indians don' have special rights!

[CaskeyLee17]

@CaskeyLee17

none of them people are alive anymore.

they are just as native as you are, born into this coutnry for generations. no one anywhere is above anyone else.

[CaskeyLee17]

@CaskeyLee17

none of them people are alive anymore.

they are just as native as you are, born into this coutnry for generations. no one anywhere is above anyone else.

[milekrizman]

@ivegottaheadache Totally agree. It should be in Constitution that English language is only LINGUA FRANCA in USA. Indian languages should be made official in every state beside English.

[runingblackbear]

cherokee has always been here i have walk in my familys foot prints in stone

[JOSUE1987]

White people go around acting like native americans, Thats funny.

[mizzSHADYgurl]

@JOSUE1987 dont make fun of them. its nice to be proud of your ancestors-even if its only a tiny bit. its only funny if they wear feathers on their heads and try to experience nature. thats when laugh. :)

[JOSUE1987]

@mizzSHADYgurl I'm also part Native American. Should I go an join a tribe as well and do a little rain dance.

[mizzSHADYgurl]

@JOSUE1987 lol if you want to

[milekrizman]

@JOSUE1987 You should learn Your Native language and teach it to Your children.

[JOSUE1987]

@milekrizman I do Speak My native Language. I speak Spanish....The language of my ancestors.

[milekrizman]

@JOSUE1987 So, You are not Cherokee? What are You? Mexican? Puertorican? Cuban?

[JOSUE1987]

@milekrizman I never claimed to be Cherokee but I know for a fact that I have Native American ancestry. I hope you realize the Cherokees weren't the Only indigenous tribes in North America.

[milekrizman]

@JOSUE1987 Of course I know that. We in Europe have couple of dozen of languages - official. You in America have only imported European languages as official - English, Spanish, French and Portuguese (Brazil).

There are countries like Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Mexico who have some indigenous languages as co official beside Spanish, but these are exemptions.

[angelstar1]

My Great-grand was full blooded cherokee. I wish I could have known her and experienced hearing her stories of her life and culture. Cherokee is the main part of my heritage I hold onto and want to learn more about. My Mom and I are both very spiritual and I think if I could understand more about my cultural background (Cherokee) I can make more connections. If you know any good sites or books where I can learn more in depth about Cherokee life and morals it would be very much appreciated.

[AlohaSiempre]

@angelstar1 I am Cherokee but from a young age compleatly emerged in the Hawaiian culture and spirit. I am thankful as even though this was not MY culture, it is a Native spirit filled culture and so I do not feel like a stranger now as I serch my own roots. I will tell you what I told my 1/2 sister about being Hawaiian. go there to the lands that brought you life and LIVE being who you are. You will not know untill you place your foot on anciant paths and your heart to the Creator's.

[pazuzu126]

I have to say, I am not American Indian but I think this is so cool! There are not many Indians were I live and many people seem to think that they are dying out or that there are not very many left. I hear though, that the American Indian population is growing and it is great to hear about programs like this. I hope that, someday, the Cherokee language comes back into everyday use in the tribe.

[lumeriam]

It has begun although very slow in coming. YES

[warriorswindow382000]

Heritage, Language and Culture are vital.To have all three is a miracle, considering what happened.As far as the history of the Cherokee Naion,there are sizable gaps.It jumps from the 1770's right to the 1830's. That's why I did a really indepth study of the records of the Cherokee agency ( at Highwasssee town) and the dept. of war records,to cover this period. Chiefs of Nations vol 1 :The Cherokee Nation 1730 to 1839 : 109 years of Political Dialogue and Treaties.It fills in these gaps.

[TheBh72]

You can't even say things certain things in English that you can say in Indian...........Indian language is more than words......it opens up a worldview...............withou­t it we're all just assimilated Americans with a unique history...........It's awesome to see that they've got a program like this in place in Cherokee.........with 4 and 5 year olds allready becoming fluent hah?.......That's Awesome! ....Good 4 U Cherokees.

[vmutuma]

First Americans! Do everything and I mean everything to preserve whatever languages that you speak and the cultural practices you have and REVIVE what was destroyed by European imperialism.

[KyraClimbingbear]

Reni! I'm so glad Reni is up here repping! I miss my Granny Myrt! She has such a DOPE mountain view... It just sucks getting up there!

Look at Yoksi! Look at Beau! Awww man I love this clip!

[harajukabarbie4life]

im cheerokee and sux or something like that im half though

[MusicalChick15]

OMG THATS MY AUNT ON THERE!!!!!!!!!!! I wunder if Rene knows shes on youtube LoL She might just be shocked!

[Fireman58FD]

Unfortunately, English has forced too many languages into the shadows, not only our Native American languages.

[EBanonymous]

The struggle for self preservation is an essential one. W/ all the terrible things that the Americans have done to the Native American tribes - including the Chreokee - it is encouraging to hear people defend their right to teach their children their own language.

There was a history before the Europeans showed up; this is a way of showing that still exists. Maybe they should offer this to American students instad of imposing the language of the conquers.

[danagasta1]

Sgi dv nusdadikanodi (thanks for the feature.) I speak, read and write Cherokee and am Eastern Band Cherokee. It's good to see this, both the kids learning the colors and our Beloved Woman, Myrtle Driver, telling it like it is. Thanks again!

[tuchesuavae]

@danagasta1 I'm part cherokee and am teaching myself tsalagi. I feel it's extremly important even if people around me don't. Wado.