Cherokee Nation's Language Built Project / gawonihisdi anegstanv'i - Objectives: By the end of Year 1, develop and finalize a comprehensive training curriculum through collaboration between two Translator Specialists, one curriculum developer, one curriculum specialist, and a Master Cherokee Language Speaker. By the end of Year 3, train four apprentices through full-time instruction (4,160 total hours of apprenticeship) under the guidance of Master Language Cherokee Speakers and Translator Specialists, with all apprentices completing the program and achieving proficiency in Cherokee Language translation. By the end of Year 3, establish and implement a mentorship program pairing new translators with experienced translators and language specialists, with 75% of participants showing improved translation skills and increased confidence through quarterly evaluations. Summary: The Cherokee Nation proposes the "Language Built" project to address the critical need for Cherokee Language Translators, focusing on adult language learners. The project aims to increase the number of proficient Cherokee Language Translators from five to nine through a comprehensive Master Apprentice training program. Currently, the Cherokee Nation Translation team has only five members, with most being 70-80 years old, creating an urgent need to train new translators. The project will develop a structured curriculum, provide intensive training for four apprentices, and establish a mentorship program to ensure knowledge transfer and professional development. Upon completion, graduates will have opportunities for careers with Cherokee Film and other tribal entities. The project represents a strategic investment in preserving the Cherokee language while creating sustainable career paths for language professionals. By the end of the 36-month project period, the Cherokee Nation Language Department will increase its capacity to deliver Cherokee language translation services by 75%, demonstrated through curriculum development, successful training of new translators, and implementation of an ongoing mentorship program.
