Native American Studies Initiative
Cherokee Language Program
Beginning Fall 2024, Duke will launch its first American Indian language program with the establishment of a Cherokee Language course series.
These courses will initially be taught by Gilliam Jackson (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizen). A fluent speaker, Mr. Jackson began teaching sixth grade and has taught at the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Stanford. Early in his professional career, he realized the need to preserve the history, language, and culture of his isolated community and has audio and video recorded several oral histories of this Snowbird Community. Hear his comments here: https://www.foxfire.org/it-still-lives-season-4-episode-4/
This course series will span three semesters for learners who wish to have greater proficiency and knowledge of the Cherokee language.
It will be offered in a hybrid format that includes online and in-person sessions at Duke University with Mr. Jackson and a field trip to Cherokee, NC for better immersion learning opportunities.