As the Chickasaw Nation continues to invest in the future of Chickashshanompa', teaching elders to speak the Chickasaw language is vital to its growth and success. "This class is fantastic. We have a lot of fun and we're learning a great deal of Chickasaw," says Lance Straughn. Lance is one of many students in the Elders Language Class who did not grow up speaking Chickasaw, instead learning the language in adulthood. The class is an encouraging, welcoming environment where like-minded individuals connect with their heritage and each other as they gain knowledge, confidence and experience learning Chickashshanompa'.

Not only do students leave class with a better understanding of their ancestral language, but also of their ancestors. "By studying the language you can get an insight into our culture," explains student Stormy Bryant. "You can tell how [the ancestors] thought and how they felt if you look and see how they spoke." As instructor Sandra Wolf Nichols says, "Every time we speak Chickasaw in class and we learn something new, I feel that our ancestors are simply rejoicing to hear their language in this group of people."

While the goal for many students is to learn new phrases and incorporate Chickashshanompa' into their daily conversations, being able to speak the language with younger generations is also important to learners. "To be able to say something to our children, to say something to our grandchildren in Chickashshanompa' is just one of the greatest things in our lives," shares Sandra. As students help each other learn Chickasaw, they also help the language itself grow into the future.