With a population of over 400,000 worldwide, the Cherokee Nation is one of the largest federally recognized tribes in the country. The estimated population of the Nation in northeast Oklahoma is estimated to be about 171,000 across nearly 7,000 square miles.
According to the Administration of Native Americans, only about .5% of the Cherokee population are native speakers. On Thursday, Chuck Hoskins Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, spoke at the first day of the Elder’s Summit in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, about the importance of preserving the Cherokee language.
”Because, as you know, most Cherokees are like their chief, and they don’t speak Cherokee. I know we’ve got a lot of Cherokee speakers in this room. We’ve got to save this language for the next generation.”
Chief Hoskin also announced 3 million dollars in funds to better protect Cherokee elders from abuse and fraud. Day two of the Elder Summit is being held this morning, starting at 11 at the Will Rogers Downs Event Center in Claremore, Oklahoma. You must be 55 or older to attend; lunch will be provided.
