Cherokee Language Certificate
Beginner Immersive Cherokee Language
August 2026 - December 2026 (Beginning August 25, 2025)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
5:30 - 6:45 PM
In-person format: Meetings will be held at WCU's Cherokee Center in Cherokee, NC
This class is designed to be an introductory course into Cherokee Language through an immersive setting. The class will start by teaching sounds, and developing an understanding of the structure of the language and its vast differences from English. The assumption is that all students come in with little to no prior experience with the language, however by the 2nd-3rd week students will be learning in the language. The class will move strategically through various introductory topics such as: Family, Time, Weather, etc. while developing exposure to grammatical changes for the Person and Tense. The intention is to develop comfortability using the language, and work our way to introductory conversation. The course will move methodically, and each class will provide exposure to new words and topics, to continue our growth without becoming overwhelming or daunting. By the end of the first semester we will be able to hold basic conversations with each other and have built a foundation to continue our growth in the spring, and will do so entirely in the language.
Instructor:
Jack "Tsegi" Cooper
Siyo! My name is Tsegi, I am a graduate from Stanford University, and a current first
year learner in the Dadiwonisi adult language program in Snowbird. I have been working
in the language for roughly 4 years now, studying under Gil Jackson during my freshman
year of college, and then working as his Teacher’s Assistant in the years following,
and now I am about to complete my first year in the adult language program. I am far
from being a fluent speaker, but I have spent a lot of time engaging with the language
in a classroom setting and I hope to be able to provide you all with a safe and comfortable
space to start your language journeys. Sgi!
Gil Jackson
Gil Jackson is a North Carolina native and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee
with 58 years of teaching experience. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty and
lecturer at Duke University. He has previously taught Cherokee language at the University
of North Carolina – Asheville and Stanford University. Gil also served as the Executive
Director of Snowbird Cherokees Traditions for nearly ten years, where he planned after-school
and summer language programs for Cherokee youth. Prior to that he served as the New
Kituwah Immersion School Administrator for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians
for nine years managing and meeting all Tribal, State and Federal licensing requirements,
while supervising and planning staff development and staff evaluations.
Madison Hye Long