"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Little Miss Cherokee First in Language Fair

***"Little Miss Cherokee Chelbie Turtle of Vinita recently won first place in the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman."***

VINITA, OK - Keeping the Cherokee language alive, Little Miss Cherokee 2006, Chelbie Turtle recently competed in the 5th Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman.

“The Cherokee language is important in maintaining our cultural heritage and identity,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “The Cherokee language enhances the quality of life of our people and preserves the culture and traditions of our past. The Cherokee Nation is very proud of Chelbie and her accomplishment at the language fair.”

Students of Native American languages from preschool to high school were invited to enter the competition. Participants demonstrated their language skills through presentations of skits, stories, poetry, drama, song and dance by incorporating Native American language into their performance. Each year more than 350 students compete in the event and as many as 18 Native American languages, are represented at the competition.

“The language competition is fun for all of the kids who participate,” said Mary Linn, museum curator. “They really get confident when they hear the other kids cheering for them. It’s a great atmosphere of sharing and support.”

This year’s competition was Chelbie’s third year to compete in the event. Experience helped her to capture first place in the Individual Music and Dance Competition.

“I competed against other tribes,” said Turtle. “I sang three songs, One Drop of Blood, Amazing Grace and Orphan Child. I had fun because I got to sing and I won first place. I like speaking Cherokee and I like to represent my tribe.”

According to Chelbie’s mother, Lisa Trice-Turtle competing in the language competition is a great opportunity for young Cherokees.

“I believe these language fairs are great experiences for our young children,” said Trice-Turtle. “As long as she keeps enjoying it we will keep competing. Teaching the language is important to our cultural preservation. It is my duty as a parent to expose my children to Cherokee art, language and culture.”