A groundbreaking ceremoney was recently [Aug. 16] held for a new Speakers Building in Cherokee that will facilitate preservation of the Cherokee language. The 8,300 square foot facility will be located on the grounds below the New Kituwah Academy. The building looks to be completed within 18-24 months once the final details are set. Travis Sneed, director of EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) support services, said that there are still ongoing negotiations for pricing and contracting, and as soon as those are finalized, construction can begin. He said that they are looking to make the Cherokee Adult Language Learners (CALL) program a full-time position that would increase pay and maintain EBCI employee status.
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