Caddo Language Classes Reach Record Attendance as Nation Expands Digital Preservation Efforts

aorcutt8
2 days ago
2 min read

More tribal members joined online language Zooms in 2025 than in the three prior years combined — and 2026 brings an expanded weekly class schedule open to all Caddo people.

The Caddo Nation Language Preservation Program is heading into 2026 on momentum rarely seen in the program's history. Participation in weekly online language classes surged last year, with more Caddo people attending virtual sessions in 2025 than in the previous three years combined, a milestone that organizers say reflects a deepening hunger across the community to reconnect with the language.

At the heart of the program is a standing Wednesday-night Zoom class, held every week at 6 p.m. Central time and open to all Caddo Nation tribal members and descendants regardless of age or experience. The sessions are free, recorded, and stored in a shareable folder so that members who miss a week can catch up on their own time.

"All Caddo people of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Whether you've never heard a word of the language or you grew up hearing it at home, there's a place for you."-Alaina Tahlate

The 2026 calendar organizes those Wednesdays into four recurring tracks. On the first Wednesday of each month, a low-commitment "Homeroom" class offers a casual, come-and-go entry point for beginners. The remaining Wednesdays rotate through three focus groups Preserve, Reclaim, and Revitalize, each centered on a distinct approach to the language. The Preserve group explores Caddo as it intersects with history, stories, songs, and culture. The Reclaim group focuses on creating new learning tools books, games, artwork, and online content to normalize the language's everyday presence. The Revitalize group is for learners committed to becoming speakers themselves.

Alongside the class expansion, the program has issued an open call for Caddo families who may be sitting on old audio recordings or video footage featuring the language, stories, or songs. Language program director Alaina Tahlate is available to travel to record elders directly. Families who contribute materials retain their original recordings and retain control over who may access the digital copies stored in the program's secure archive.

Registration for classes and archive services is handled through Tahlate directly. Prospective participants are asked to register with a personal email address rather than a work or school account, ensuring uninterrupted access to class materials if employment or enrollment changes. All registrants complete a brief questionnaire before receiving Zoom access and are added to a group chat for between-session practice with fellow learners.

To register for classes or inquire about archiving family recordings, contact Language Program Director Alaina Tahlate at atahlate@mycaddonation.com or (405) 779-9112.

Use a personal email address when registering.