CHEROKEE LANGUAGE EXPERT GIVES TALK MONDAY

A Cherokee language instructor will present a program Monday on the Cherokee Indian alphabet at the Trail of Tears State Park Visitor Center. The center is located near the park's south gate, on Highway 177.

Prentice Robinson of Tahlequah teaches the alphabet to students at the tribal headquarters in Tahlequah. He will speak here at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Robinson is currently on a multi-state tour, presenting the program on the Cherokee's letters and alphabet.

Before their forced removal in 1838-39 from their tribal homelands in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cherokee nation had their own alphabet, written constitution; were self-governed, and published their own tribal newspaper.

Anyone interested in the heritage and the language of the Cherokee is invited to attend Monday's presentation.