School of Choctaw Language

Meet the School of Choctaw Language Apprentice 👋🏽

Hello, my name is Shalea O’Riley. I am from Greenwood, AR, and my family is from Spiro and Skullyville, OK. I now live in Durant, OK. I have an Environmental Science (BS) Degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

Since moving here, I have been able to connect with my culture, and it makes me happy. I now play defense for the Tvshka Homma Ohoyos, bead, do basketry, and make more traditional foods. When I started, I didn’t know many Choctaw words, (except Halito, Yakoke, and Chi pisa la chike), but now I’m able to speak and write in my language, which makes me happy.

Halito, sʋ hohchifo hʋt Shalea O'Riley. Greenwood, AR amiti li, himakano Durant, OK ʋtta li. A̱ chukka achʋffa ʋto Spiro micha Skullyville, OK mako̱ okla aminti. Central Arkansas "Environmental Science (BS)" holisso aiʋlhopuli aia̱hlichi aiishi li tuk.

Ʋla li tuk ahli kʋt ʋm aiʋlhpiesa aiimma lawa i̱ shahli ho̱ ikhʋna li cha sʋ na yukpa. Himakano, "Tʋshka Homma Ohoyo" ibachʋffa li, shikʋlla ikbi li, tapushik ikbi li, Chahta illimpa hoponi li. Ʋmmona isht ia lihmʋt, Chahta Anumpa ak ikhano tuk (Halito, Yakoke, Chi pi̱sa la chike makʋlla ho̱ ikhana li tuk). Himakano, a̱ Chahta Anumpa anumpuli micha holissochi la hinla kʋt sʋ na yukpa.

Experience the beauty of Chahta Anumpa through storytelling. 🗣️

With Chahta Stories, you can listen to stories told in the Choctaw language, helping learners strengthen their listening skills while connecting with the language through traditional storytelling. Hear these stories at bit.ly/3XPrOeE.

Language is more than words, it’s a connection to culture, community, and identity. 🤎

In Choctaw, many words reflect the deep relationship between people and the world around them. From the land we walk on to the way we care for one another, the Choctaw language carries meaning that goes beyond translation.

By learning and using Chahta Anumpa, we help keep traditions strong and ensure they continue for future generations. Are you currently using the Choctaw language? If not, let's start today!

Meet the School of Choctaw Language Apprentice 👋🏽

Hello! My name is Bethany Harris, I am from Ardmore, OK, but I live in Silo, OK. I was born in Ada, OK. I grew up in Ardmore, Davis, and Wayne and completed my education in Ardmore. My mother is Jennifer McCormack and father is Melvin McCormack, Jr. I have two younger brothers, Isac and Rider. I wanted to learn Choctaw language to honor my grandmother who lost her language, and to teach future generations our language. My new niece Dahlia will hopefully be able to speak Choctaw in the future as well.

Halito! Sʋ hohchifo yʋt Bethany Harris. Ardmore, OK amiti li, micha himak ano Silo ʋtta li. Mikmʋt, Ada, OK si ʋlhpowa tuk. Ardmore, Davis, Wayne, yohmi kʋt si ahofanti, micha Ardmore holisso apisa ahlopulli li tuk. Sʋshki i̱ hohchifo yʋt Jennifer micha a̱ki i̱ hohchifo yʋt Melvin McCormack Jr. Nakfish tuklo hosh ʋm a̱shwa. Achʋffa kʋt Isac, mikma̱, inla mʋto Rider. Sʋ pokni im anumpa i̱ kania tuk hatukosh im aiokpʋchi sʋ bʋnna tuk. Chahta Anumpa ikhʋna sʋ bʋnna hatukosh Chahta anumpa ikhʋnachi toba sʋ bʋnna. Sʋbitek himona, Dahlia yʋt Chahta Anumpa anumpula chi̱ sʋ yimmi. Chahta Anumpa Aiikhʋna atoksʋli li kʋt sʋ na yukpa fehna.

Need to relocate? Eligible apprentices may qualify for a $5,000 relocation opportunity.

Apply for the Choctaw Language Apprenticeship Program! 🗣️ This temporary 12-month position begins September 28, 2026, and concludes September 24, 2027.

Apprentices will work alongside master-level fluent Choctaw speakers in a face-to-face language immersion environment, gaining hands-on experience through daily conversation, cultural engagement and guided instruction.

This is a unique opportunity to strengthen your language skills while helping preserve and carry forward Chahta Anumpa for future generations. Apply today and take the next step in your language journey at bit.ly/4vmxKcu.

Ready to learn a new Choctaw word? 🗣️

Today, we're sharing a little language lesson so that you can practice your Chahta Anumpa skills and connect with the words that carry our culture, history and traditions forward.

Let's look at the word 'walk' and how the meaning changes with different prefixes and suffixes.

nowa: (one) to walk
nowachi: to cause to walk
anowa: place where one walks; a trail, path, tracks, or course

Practice using these words and share what you’ve learned with family and friends. Yakoke for helping keep our language alive!