Yale Expands Cherokee Classes Amid Indigenous Language Challenges

Yale University is advancing its commitment to Indigenous language education by expanding its Cherokee language program, the institution's first accredited Indigenous language offering. Launched in fall 2023, the program has experienced consistent enrollment, leading to the addition of a Level 4 course scheduled for spring 2025.

Meanwhile, Yale’s non-credit Indigenous language courses, facilitated through the Native American Cultural Center (NACC), have been paused for the fall 2024 semester due to funding challenges. Since 2015, these courses have included Diné, Hawaiian, Mohawk, and Ojibwe, fostering long-term relationships with Native communities through bi-weekly video sessions.

Professor Ned Blackhawk, a leading figure in Native American studies at Yale, underscored the importance of preserving endangered Native languages. While the non-credit program is on hold, students interested in Indigenous languages can access Yale's Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) program, which pairs them with fluent speakers for personalized instruction.

The Cherokee program’s expansion marks a significant step in integrating Indigenous languages into Yale’s curriculum, as the university aims to continue its efforts to preserve and revitalize Native languages.

Sources:

• Cherokee classes expand, NACC Indigenous language program on pause

• Cherokee | Yale Linguistics

• Yale offers first-ever Cherokee course for credit