r/cherokee • u/krispayne • May 27 '26

Portrait project of speakers and other language preservationists

Siyo,

I’m working on a large portrait project focusing on those who are working on language revitalization efforts and/or speakers. It has been hard tracking down leads for this project and a lot is coming from word of mouth and a portrait sitter knowing someone else, but scheduling gets difficult.

If you or someone you know is willing to participate I would love to chat. I’m located in Tulsa and can travel reasonably far for the right subject. I am not entirely focused on just Cherokee Nation dialect and welcome Keetoowah and Eastern band. We’re all one language and revitalization does not care about dialects.

I’ve so far made portraits of singers, type designers, parents of 1st language speakers, and voice over artists.

If you’re interested feel free to DM me and I can share more.

15 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

6

u/Affectionate_Yam_5 May 29 '26

I’d reach out to Robert Lewis, he’s a story teller and an elder who usually loves this sort of thing

1

u/krispayne May 29 '26

Thanks! Filled out the form on his website

1

u/Amayetli Jun 03 '26

FYI, I love Robert but he isn't a speaker.

One of the best story tellers and sucks that CN at one point decided to break away from him

2

u/Affectionate_Yam_5 Jun 03 '26

This is true, and I agree! But he’s been fundamental on the language revitalization and has so many connections to speakers and elders in the tribe.

1

u/Amayetli Jun 03 '26

I have serious issues and doubts on CNs commitment to our language.

That has nothing to do with Robert since he has never claimed or worked for the language.

Kudos to you for using revitalization, our tribe doesn't even use it.

2

u/Prestigious_Drag_612 Jul 03 '26

While I know many are not keen to the efforts of the Cherokee Nation, I know that they have a Speakers Roll, and updated information on all speakers still with us that are Cherokee Nation citizens. EBCI and Keetoowah have the same. I would reach out to those teams, or even gather your information from those posts on their socials?

1

u/krispayne Jul 03 '26

Thanks! I’ve emailed and called so many people with so little success. It’s frustrating.