At the center of the Poarch Creek community, the effort to preserve and revive the Muscogee (spelled in traditional Creek as “Mvskoke”) language is a preservation of identity, memory, and connection and the survival of a living culture – not just words.

When we speak Muscogee, we are honoring our ancestors and affirming that our people endure.

Paul Bell, a leader in language and cultural education for Poarch Creek Indians, explains that the Muscogee language holds stories and meanings that simply can’t be translated into English. “Our language is endangered and will be lost if we don’t preserve it.

It is one of the things that define us as Creek people. It also helps our kids to realize that they are Poarch Creek,” said Bell. Without it, he says, a part of their identity and what sets them apart from other tribes would be lost.

Samantha Martin, who works closely with Poarch Creek Indian’s Language and Cultural Education programs, emphasizes the emotional dimensions of the language. “Our language holds so much of our identity,” she explains.

“When you can view the world through the lens of Muscogee, you see the world differently. You see the way our ancestors thought and lived. It’s beautiful to have that connection with those who are no longer with us. Our core beliefs and values are reflected in our language,” said Martin.

Education is key. The future of the language depends on the youngest members of our Tribe. Daily classes are offered in basic language, songs, colors, animals, and traditional stories.

These lessons are woven into broader cultural education efforts including traditional arts and dance to storytelling and history.

Our Tribe’s cultural education programs, including the Youth Hymn Class, Princess competitions, and Youth Council initiatives all incorporate Muscogee words and phrases. “We have an amazing staff at the Calvin McGhee Cultural Department,” says Martin.

“They actively teach and use the words that go along with their lessons.” Also, as part of cultural outreach, Poarch Creek educators introduce simple Muscogee words to local students in surrounding schools.

However, the path to revitalization has not been easy. The lingering effects of assimilation and fear silenced many fluent Muscogee speakers over the years. “Our elder generations were fearful of speaking the language,” Martin says.

“They feared their children would be taken to boarding schools or bullied for being different. To protect them, they tried to make them fit into colonial society. Because of that, our language elapsed over time.”

Despite these challenges, the language revival movement at Poarch is gaining momentum. Bell sees how learning even a few words can make Tribal Citizens feel more connected to their heritage. The excitement is especially strong among younger children.

“We get more excitement with younger preschool students, and we try to develop new techniques for older kids to get them more interested,” said Bell.

Martin agrees, describing the youth as “sponges” who quickly pick up new words.

“The Tribe is blessed to have fantastic employees that encourage our youth to use what they know,” Martin says. Staff members at the Boys and Girls Club and the Fred L. McGhee Early Learning Center are constantly looking for new words to incorporate into daily activities.

Still, time remains the biggest challenge. “The Muscogee language is critically endangered,” she says.

“There are only a few hundred first-language speakers left, and many are elderly. Our biggest obstacle is access to those elders so that we can learn all they know.”

Looking ahead, our shared goal is clear: to hear Muscogee spoken confidently in homes, workplaces and community events, not just by fluent speakers, but by families and friends speaking to one another naturally.

“Our ultimate goal is to have fluent speakers who will carry on the Muscogee language,” said Bell. Martin also envisions the same. “I would love to see our community members comfortably using the language,” she says.

“Our language is who we are.”

This Native American Heritage Month, we honor our ancestors not just by remembering them – but by speaking the words they carried forward to us.
“Este-cate opunvkv opunahoyemahaks” – Let’s keep our words alive.

The Poarch Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the world. Read more at poarchcreekindians.org.