The Legacy of Language: Indigenous Language in Children’s Fiction

Authors

Christine Hartman DerrFollow

Abstract

Generally speaking, storytelling is an honored tradition in many Native communities. I use the term generally with a disclaimer. There are currently 574 federally recognized tribal Nations on the land presently known as the United States of America. There are additional Native Nations recognized at the state level and tribal Nations left unrecognized. Each Nation has its own culture, language, traditions, and beliefs. The statements made in this paper could not be universally applicable to all Indigenous communities. There is no monolithic Native perspective that could adequately represent every Native Nation, nor should there be. We celebrate our differences as well as our shared traditions. Numerous Native Nations are prioritizing language revitalization and celebrating their Indigenous languages. Including Indigenous languages in fiction impacts Native and non-Native readers alike. For Native readers, language inclusion signals belonging and provides much needed representation. For non-Native readers, including Indigenous language offers insight into Native culture. For all readers, the presence of Indigenous languages shapes the character’s lens, world, and perspective. The interconnected nature of story, culture, community, and language are inextricably woven together; storytelling is stronger as a result.

Author Biography

Christine Hartman Derr



Christine Hartman Derr is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Originally from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Christine lives in East Tennessee with her spouse, children, and a rambunctious crew of lovable pets with themed names. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Find her short fiction in Just YA and Legendary Frybread Drive-In. Her debut picture book, Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi and debut novel, Raven, Rising, are forthcoming from Heartdrum/HarperCollins Children’s.

Recommended Citation

Derr, C. H. (2025). The legacy of language: Indigenous language in children’s fiction. Occasional Paper Series, (54), 32-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58295/2375-3668.1563