HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – New outdoor exhibit signs at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park in Hopkinsville uniquely feature bilingual text with both English and Cherokee translations. This update makes Hopkinsville the only stop along the trail to feature the language on a sign.
“More and more people are trying to preserve their heritage and language and teach the youngsters more about their language,” Trail of Tears volunteer Richard Narkevic told Christian County Now. He explained the grand scope of displaying this language, emphasizing how big of a deal it is to them. These simple changes had to be approved by the National Parks Service and the Cherokee Nation, according to Narkevic.
Other examples of the Cherokee language are on display inside the Heritage Center at the park, with the original alphabet and sample of a native newspaper available for visitors to see. A translation is also visible on the entrance sign to the park. Volunteers like Narkevic are available during business hours to answer questions and share their knowledge on the subject.
There was a dedication ceremony for the signs on June 8 with Mayor Knight, a representative from the National Parks Service, and community members coming out to show support. People participating in the Remember the Removal Bike Ride also attended. The group rides bikes nearly 1,000 miles along the entire Trail of Tears every year and stops at historical markers along the way.
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