NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 12, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.com
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Language Program to receive Dream Keepers Award
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission (GTAIAC) has selected the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Language Program as the 2017 Perry Aunko Indigenous Language Preservation Award recipient to be given at the 20th Annual Dream Keepers Awards Banquet on Nov. 7, 2017 at the OU Schusterman Campus in Tulsa.
According to the GTAIAC, this award acknowledges American Indian community members who are committed to the continuation of the living languages of American Indian peoples. The award also reflects the perspective of its namesake’s commitment to not only the preservation of indigenous languages but to the indigenous way of life. By ensuring the continuation of an indigenous language, the original instructions given to a people by the Creator is honored, and their culture, heritage, and tradition are maintained by such efforts.
MCN Mvskoke Language Program Manager Judy Montiel said she is glad that the department’s preservation efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“The numerous events that the staff have participated in, becomes more gratifying to know, that the efforts are not going unnoticed. Those of us in the Language Program have one intention in mind and that is to have a role in saving this beautiful language that was handed down from our ancestors. This award is an inspiration to continue to strive for the purpose of raising awareness to further the language and to meet the needs of those willing to learn,” Montiel said.
MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd said the work of the Mvskoke Language Program is about maintaining Mvskoke identity for the future.
“Our language is vital to our identity as Mvskoke people. I am proud of the essential work of Mvskoke Language Program to preserve our language for our future generations,” Floyd said.
