The Cherokee Language Program at Western Carolina University

Cherokee is the Indigenous language of the Cherokee people and is still spoken in Western NC. The Cherokee Language Program is part of Cherokee Studies and contributes to efforts to revitalize the Cherokee language, bringing it back into a language of everyday use. There are currently fewer than 200 fluent speakers of Cherokee living in North Carolina. Students can take Cherokee language courses toward completion of the undergraduate Cherokee Studies minor. Our classes also count towards fulfilling the foreign language requirements for undergraduate degrees. Our courses provide students with conversational skills and a solid grammatical understanding of the Cherokee language as well as opportunities for students to engage and collaborate with the Cherokee community. Our graduates can be found teaching Cherokee language in schools, working in cultural programs with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and surrounding areas, or attending graduate programs in a range of disciplines. 

Cherokee Language Repertory Choir 

The Cherokee Language Repertory Choir performs hymns and popular music in the Cherokee language. The choir is open to anyone and rehearses each week on Monday at 4PM alternating location between Cullowhee Baptist Church and New Kituwah Academy. If you are interested in joining the choir or want more information, please contact Sara Hopkins at slsnyder@wcu.edu.