Seminole Nation Language Program
The Seminole Nation Language Program began implementation in the Fall of 2007. At this time, we are functioning on a voluntary basis. The Nation has submitted a grant application for funding and is anticipating a response in early Summer, 2008. Funding was requested to begin planning for an immersion program for the Nation and for further documentation and research on living histories.
For more information, to donate items, or to record your family’s oral history, contact Jennifer Johnson at 405-257-7271, or, email her at
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Mvskoke Phrases
The focus of the Seminole Nation Language Program is to encourage and create fluent speakers. Multiple publications exist for words in Mvskoke Seminole. To foster fluency, common phrases are made available here so that the reader can use the single Mvskoke words already known, to create “interchangeable” phrases to be used in everyday activities.
Here are a few phrases that we will use. Click on each word to hear the spoken phrase recorded by Language Program volunteer and Family Services Director, Edwin Marshall. |
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Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes Language Revitalization Committee
The Seminole Nation Language Program is also an active participant in the Inter-Tribal Council Language Revitalization Committee (ITRCLRC). Committee members are appointed by their respective Tribal leaders. This committee meets on a quarterly basis on a rotating schedule for tribal host. The elected officers are as follows:
Norma Marshall, Muscogee (Creek) Nation – Chairperson
Richard Adams, Choctaw Nation – Vice- Chair
Jo Ann Ellis, Chickasaw Nation – Treasurer
Janet Johnson, Seminole Nation – Secretary |
Upcoming events:
July 28, 2008 – Quarterly Language Revitalization Committee Meeting
Hosted by Cherokee Nation
Begins at 10am
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
October 9-11, 2008 – Oklahoma Native Languages Association Conference
Location: TBD
October 27, 2008 – Quarterly Language Revitalization Committee Meeting
Hosted By Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Begins at 10am
Okmulgee, OK
January 26, 2009– Quarterly Language Revitalization Committee Meeting
Hosted by Choctaw Nation
Begins at 10am
Durant, OK
March 2009 – Native Languages Legislative Summit
Location & Date: TBD
For more information on the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes, visit http://www.fivecivilizedtribes.org/
Meeting Minutes
January 2008
March 2008 |
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By Edwin Marshall
Family Services Director
Traditionally, the Mvskoke people consider humility an integral aspect of tribal culture. In fact, it is one of three principles which have been espoused in both family traditions and cultural teachings.
Eyasketv (meekness, mild mannered), Vnokeckv (love, affection) and Kvncvpkv (humility, lowliness) are considered the three most important qualities of character. These principles were the underlying foundations of a civilized society even before the European exposure.
It is, therefore, conceivable that the conversion of the Tribal Nations to Christianity was advanced because of the commonality with the New Testament principles of Jesus Christ.
When two or more people meet, it is customary to extend one’s hand to the other for a handshake. Handshaking is a gesture of both a respectful salute, and evidence of submission – open hands hold no weapons. [Read More]
By Edwin Marshall
Family Services Director
The Mvskoke language, as it is spoken by the Oklahoma Seminoles, is the same as the Mvskoke (Creek) language. This is due, particularly, to the fact that most Seminoles who were removed to Oklahoma, after the Treaty of Payne’s Landing in the 1830’s and subsequent “Great Seminole War,” were descended from the lower Creeks who had migrated to Florida in the 1700s.
Following removal, The Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, through their principal missionary, Rev. R.M. Loughridge, already had an active ministry in the Creek Nation, and was educating their children in Boarding Schools. In 1846, the Board instructed Loughridge to visit the recently arrived Seminole Chiefs to inquire of them regarding their willingness to have schools and allow preaching in their Nation. Most were supportive, and thus began the formal education and conversion of many Seminoles in Oklahoma. [Read More] |
