Choctaw linguists attend 13th annual Native youth language fair
By Brandon Frye
Choctaw Nation
Norman, Okla. -Students and instructors of Native languages came together for the 13th Annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman on April 6-7. The gathering aims to give recognition to young students, as well as give them an opportunity to use their tribal language skills publically. Many Choctaws did just this, as students from schools within and outside of the Choctaw Nation’s boundaries made trips to compete individually and on teams. Public school students attended, competitors from Jones Academy showed up, Choctaw speakers from community classes around the state demonstrated their skills. In addition to plainly speaking tribal languages, competitors recited poetry, performed songs, voiced chants alongside drums, took every chance to sharetheir language with a large audience.
Sydney Anderson-Cullum earned 1st place in the 6-8 grade individual spoken language competition. Sydney also won the poster art design contest for this year’s language fair, and her piece “One Voice, Many Voices” decorated the flyers and shirts for the event.
April Osburne and Echo Merryman, with Talihina Public Schools, perform in the 9-12 small group spoken language competition.
Sarah Williston, Alisha Hardy, and Loren Crosby, with the Choctaw Language Class, performed Choctaw Hymn #53 during the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Museum.
Micah and Alexis, with Talihina Public Schools, hold their award for placing first in the 6-8 grade small group spoken language contest.