Japanese Program News

The history of Western Carolina University is held by its people. Though archives and images can provide a framework for the past, there is no richer or truer contribution to the story than the lived experiences of alumni, staff, faculty and students.

Tom Belt doesn’t view the world the same as everyone else. Yes, it’s a big blue marble floating in space and a melting pot of billions with different experiences, backgrounds and beliefs. However, Belt, a Cherokee Nation citizen, also sees it through a Cherokee lens — but that lens is fading.

Unearthing history is nothing new to Cherokee Language Program director and associate professor Sara Snyder Hopkins. Thanks to a federal grant, she and a group of colleagues will continue to do so.