ATMORE, Ala.  –  In recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that celebrates and honors Indigenous American natives and commemorates their history and culture, the Poarch Creek Indians are proud to teach the Mvskoke language and honored to share the success of their Calvin McGhee Cultural Department’s Creek Language Program. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of October and was formally commemorated with a presidential proclamation in 2021.

The Mvskoke (Muskogee)language is an endangered language, with very few fluent speakers left. The Poarch Creek Indians, Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe, are wanting to preserve and restore this dying language of their ancestors.

To preserve the language, the Creek Language Program was formed in 2017 and has grown rapidly over the years. What began with one coordinator and an apprentice teaching the Fred L. McGhee Early Learning Center (FLMELC) 4K class, has grown to include five staff members and two 4K classes, three 3K classes, and three 2K classes.

Over the years students from the FLMELC 4K class have participated in the annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair held at Oklahoma University.  This year the students won 1st place in the Skit division and 2nd place in the Traditional Song division.  Each year these students spend the entire school year learning multiple songs and practicing the skit they feature during the competition.

The Mvskoke Language Program provides resources and classes to FLMELC students that teach the language and provide an even stronger cultural identity. The program promotes a sense of unity and pride amongst the students who participate.

Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians, reflects on this special day and recent accomplishment of the Creek Language Program. “I am very proud that as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the history and language of our ancestors. The Mvskoke Language Program is a vital part of our culture, and I want to commend them for their work in keeping these traditions alive for the younger generations.”

In addition to educating students, the program provides hymn classes for Tribal Citizen elders and offers online community language courses during the fall and spring. These language courses are also extended to the Tribe’s Boys and Girls Club through summer programs. Additionally, the program collaborates with Tribal Princesses, helping them prepare for the annual Princess competition held at Pow Wow.