
Free Chance For Oklahomans To Learn The Comanche Native American Language
The Lawton Public Library in southwest Oklahoma has expanded their free language learning resources to include Comanche. For cardholders at the Library, the rescources come without charge to help you learn to understand, read, write, type and speak Comanche.
The program, developed by the Comanche Nation in 2023, serves as a way to help the tribe preserve the language - but there are other ways you can also participate with the Comanche Nation.
The new program to learn Comanche comes as part of the Transparent Language database that includes 110 languages. Comanche has unfortunately become lesser known, as there are less than 50 people that can speak the language fluently.
Comanche Transparent Language Program Helping Preserve The Language
The director of the Lawton Public Library, Kristin Hirr, told News Channel 6 why they've added the program, saying "by making learning materials free and accessible to our community, we hope to honor the cultural heritage of the Comanche people and provide a way for our community to connect with and learn about this rich history.”
The Comanche Nation has a few other opportunities to help tribal members and get more involved with their efforts to bring the community closer.
Other Opportunities To Participate With Oklahoma's Comanche Nation
Currently, they are hosting a Buffalo Meat Exchange to help Riverside Indian School students in need. Volunteers who donate these items can get 10lbs of buffalo meet. They are needing a hoodie and:
- Socks
- Hats/Gloves
- Hygiene Items
Items are preferred to be new and need to be all sizes. The Buffalo was obtained by the Buffalo Indian Management Act from the DOI for the Comanche Nation.
The Exchange is happening Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Comanche National Tribal Historic Preservation Office in Lawton, Oklahoma. Donors will require any CDIB (Certificate Degree of Indian Blood); you do not have to be Comanche to participate. To find out more information, click here.
Members of the Comanche Nation have also been kind enough to extend a helping hand to any seniors and struggling members of the community with the Grasshopper Program. Members who've been helping cut low hanging trees and branches have been giving free firewood to those in need, both tribal and non-tribal members.
To learn more information about the Grasshopper Program, click here. If you're in need of firewood, contact the Comanche Nation Emergency Management hotline here.
To keep up to date with more opportunities to get involved with the Comanche Nation, follow their social media.
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