The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is working with Western Carolina University to keep the Cherokee language alive.

A recent survey showed that 72 percent of fluent Cherokee were more than 50 years old. �Since January of 2005 to this month, we have probably lost over 30 fluent speakers,� Renissa Walker, manager of the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program, told The Asheville Citizen-Times.

To reverse the trend, the tribe and WCU are developing a language immersion program and expanding other language efforts. They hope to find fluent speakers to teach a new generation of fluent speakers who will be able to continue teaching Cherokee.

Get the Story:
Eastern Band-WCU effort pushes Cherokee language renaissance (The Asheville Citizen-Times 7/13)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com

Related Stories:
Eastern Cherokees go bilingual with road signs (05/13)