Introduction to Choctaw With Charlie I.E. Charley Jones

Review The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Language Committee has reviewed the program and feel that the material is an appropriate representation... -- Hollis Roberts, Chief, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Product Description Six lessons teach pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and practical phrases. From the Publisher We developed this program working directly with the Choctaw Nation in 1992. This program was quickly adopted and led to the development of a K-3 program which was soon introduced into the schools of SE Oklahoma. We are pleased to have received the endorsement of the Choctaw Nation. About the Author Charley Jones was born in Honobia OK in 1917. A full-blood he spoke only Choctaw until he was sent to Indian School in Hugo Ok. He graduated from Bacone Indian College in Muskaogee, OK and worked the Department of Education and Indian Housing Program. He has been honored for his work in preserbving Choctaw history and culture and is currently an elder on the Choctaw Tribal Council in Durant, OK. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. It is good that you are learning to speak Choctaw. In fact, it is very important for you to learn Choctaw. The Choctaw language speaks of where you came from and will help you see where you are going. Learning to speak the language of your ancestors will help you in many ways. The spoken words of a heritage language enable you to visit the souls and hear the teachings of the old ones. The Choctaw words will speak to your heart and give meaning and purpose to your life. They will become the bridge over which the knowledge and understanding of what has been learned and the mistakes that have been made can be passed to you and it will make you strong and tolerant. In your veins flows the blood of the Choctaw, a proud and courageous people who have a rich heritage and culture you should be aware of. This is your country. This is where you and many Choctaws before you came from. Nanih Waiya is located in what is now Mississippi, but all Choctaws come from Nanih Waiya regardless of where you were born - and like the roots of a mighty tree, you have spread and grown deep into the earth.