Key Takeaways:
- The Cherokee Nation is leveraging technology to preserve Cherokee culture and improve health outcomes for its citizens.
- The tribe has launched two mobile apps: a Cherokee language dictionary app and a mobile prescription management app.
- These apps aim to bridge generations and make Cherokee language and healthcare more accessible.
- The Cherokee Nation is taking a holistic approach to uphold Cherokee culture while leveraging modern tools to improve daily life.
- The tribe’s initiatives reflect a commitment to blending tradition with innovation to ensure a stronger, healthier Cherokee Nation for generations to come.
Introduction to the Cherokee Nation’s Innovative Approach
The Cherokee Nation is proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand, especially when it comes to supporting its elders, first-language speakers, and families. In today’s age, where technology can often leave us feeling disconnected from our cultural roots, the Cherokee Nation is using technology to create solutions that preserve Cherokee culture while improving health outcomes for its citizens. Two recent mobile app launches, a Cherokee language dictionary app and a mobile prescription management app, highlight the tribe’s efforts to leverage smart technology to achieve these goals.
The Cherokee Language Dictionary App
The Cherokee Language Dictionary mobile app is a significant development in the tribe’s efforts to preserve its language and cultural heritage. Built from the foundational work of the late Cherokee linguist Durbin Feeling, the app puts a searchable database of over 6,000 words, audio recordings, and biographical information about first-language speakers at the fingertips of Cherokees worldwide. The app also includes a New Testament app called the Cherokee Book of Praise, which allows speakers to read passages and lyrics to hymns on their mobile phones. These tools are not only convenient but also provide a connection to community, making the language more accessible in everyday spaces of Cherokee life.
Bridging Generations with Technology
The Cherokee Language Dictionary app bridges generations, allowing elders to reminisce about their first words and young families to explore the syllabary together. This app is a modern chapter in the Cherokee Nation’s story of resilience and adaptability, empowering Cherokees to carry knowledge in their pockets. By making the language more accessible, the app will help repropagate the Cherokee language, which is the cornerstone of the tribe’s cultural heritage and history. This initiative reflects the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to preserving its language and cultural heritage for future generations.
Improving Health Outcomes with Technology
In parallel to its language preservation efforts, the Cherokee Nation is using technology to improve the health and long-term wellness of its people. The Cherokee Nation Rx mobile app enables patients of Cherokee Nation Health Services to manage prescriptions anytime, anywhere. With features like refill reminders and pharmacy notifications, this online tool makes it easier for elders, caregivers, and busy families to stay on top of schedules for critical medications. For families caring for loved ones with complex regimens, these tools reduce barriers to care, providing a simple but meaningful way to utilize technology to improve health outcomes.
A Holistic Approach to Upholding Cherokee Culture
The Cherokee Nation’s initiatives reflect a holistic approach to upholding Cherokee culture while leveraging modern tools to improve daily life. By centering the needs of its citizens, from language learners to those managing health conditions, the tribe is blending tradition with innovation. This approach ensures that the Cherokee Nation is moving forward together for its future, ensuring a stronger, healthier Cherokee Nation for generations to come. The tribe’s commitment to preserving its language and cultural heritage, while improving health outcomes, demonstrates its dedication to the well-being of its citizens and its determination to thrive in the modern world.
Supporting Tribal Sovereignty and Journalism
The Cherokee Nation’s efforts to preserve its language and cultural heritage, as well as improve health outcomes, are part of a broader movement to support tribal sovereignty and Indigenous voices. Native News Online, a publication that covers issues related to sovereignty, culture, education, health, and economic opportunity, plays a critical role in amplifying Native truth and holding power accountable. The publication’s mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices, and it relies on the support of its readers to continue its work. By standing with warrior journalism, individuals can help ensure that Native voices are heard, Native stories are told, and Native sovereignty is defended.
