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Oklahomans Celebrate 20 Years of Native American Language Learning
Recently, Oklahomans gathered at the Sam Noble Museum to celebrate 20 years of Native American language learning. The annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair brings together students from various states to celebrate language diversity and cultural heritage.
Keeping Traditional Languages Alive
The fair recognizes the importance of native language teachers, who have played a vital role in keeping traditional languages alive. In honor of celebrating 20 years, the fair recognized teachers in the program who have brought students to the event for 15 years or more.
Students participate in various activities during the fair, including singing, storytelling, skits, and poster contests. This year, over 500 presentations were accounted for, judged on fluency in the native language and how well students presented themselves.
Fashion Show and Language Theme
A special Native American fashion show was presented in honor of the fair’s anniversary. Among the three designers was Courtney Little Axe, artist and designer of ALTRN8V. Little Axe’s line combines traditional designs and styles with an alternative twist, inspiring her to “boost visibility of alternative Natives and to provide a specific fashion for them.”
The fair’s theme was “Carrying Our Languages,” highlighting the importance of keeping traditional languages alive for the next generation of Native speakers. The fashion show incorporated traditional language and designs.
The Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair is a testament to celebrating language diversity and cultural heritage, recognizing the significance of traditional languages in Native American culture.
