Native Youth Language Fair: Celebrating Culture and Heritage

Caddo Nation Child Care children pose prior to performance

Caddo Nation's Commitment to Language Preservation 

The Caddo Nation has proudly participated in the Native Youth Language Fair for the past

seven years, showcasing the depth and vibrancy of their historic language and culture. This annual event, now in its 22nd year, has become essential for the Caddo Nation Child Care Program, fostering engagement and enthusiasm for language learning among youth. As Lauryn French notes, “We have always... placed every year that we have entered since for the past eight years.” This reflects the increasing interest and participation from Caddo children, as well as the commitment to cultivating their cultural identity. 

This year, the hard work and dedication of the children paid off with remarkable achievements: 

• 1st place in the 3-5th grade spoken prayer: Hasinai Taysha. 

• Honorable mention in the 3rd-5th grade traditional song: Hasinai Taysha. 

• 2nd place in the PreK-2nd grade traditional song: “Ah ah hi yo” by our childcare children with Hasinai Taysha. 

• 2nd place in the 3rd-5th Individual Traditional Song: “Trust in Him” by Hasinai Taysha Hayden Topaum. 

• In the 6th-8th grade individual traditional song category, our two Caddo performers tied for first place: 

• 1st place: “Trust in Him” by Kari Jo Quetone. 

• 2nd place: “The Way Father Told Us” by Constance Smith. 

  
  
  

  Kari Jo Quetone (left) & Constance Smith both tied for first place

  

  2nd place winner Hayden Topaum

Lauryn French: A Passionate Advocate for Language Learning 

For Lauryn French, a key figure in the Caddo Nation's language initiatives, her journey began as a Head Start teacher. “I started with the Caddos in the language fair program when I was a Head Start teacher,” she recalls, emphasizing her early efforts to instill pride in Caddo language and culture. Her dedication has led to impressive results, with the program continuously placing at the fair. Lauryn passionately articulates, “I always think it’s interesting... I wish I had something like this when I was younger,” underscoring the importance of this experience for today’s youth. 

Language as a Family Tradition 

Patiently waiting to be called for awards

The impact of the language fair extends beyond the event itself; children are taking the lessons learned home, where they become leaders in their families. As Lauryn explains, “Our children then go home and they use them within their own home and their family.” Many students have integrated songs and rituals learned at school into their family traditions. A touching example is a young girl, Daeliona Meeks ‘DJ’ who has started a family tradition of singing a Caddo song before meals, showcasing the intergenerational transmission of language and cultural values. Lauren reflects, “A lot of them also take that and then they end up leading their families into being, wanting to know and learning songs,” illustrating the fair's long-lasting influence. 

Diverse Forms of Expression 

The Native Youth Language Fair has evolved into a multifaceted platform for expressing Caddo culture and language. Participants are encouraged to showcase their talents through various formats, such as singing, dancing, plays, skits, films, and artistic submissions like books and comic strips. Lauryn highlights the fair's inclusivity, stating, “It gives them a plethora of opportunities... and it’s just not in this one space.” This diversity ensures that every child has the opportunity to engage with the language in a way that resonates with their individual strengths and interests. Through this process, Lauryn emphasizes how the fair is not just an isolated event; it represents “the effort of... having these songs” integrated into daily lives across the community. 

Moreover, the emotional connection to language resonates deeply with many, as Lauryn observes, “I always like watching in the audience, because the grandparents will come to listen and they'll get emotional just because there’s a huge history of the loss of language and effort in the loss of language.” This sentiment illustrates the significance of the language fair, not only as a celebration but as a poignant reminder of the heritage that is being revived. 

The Caddo Nation's dedication to language preservation through the Native Youth Language Fair exemplifies the power of cultural education and community engagement. This ongoing effort encourages a new generation to take pride in their heritage while ensuring the language continues to thrive.