Article publié dans Osage News Newspaper

7/10/07

Press Release

Osage News Newspaper

by John Maker

On May 20th of this year, Vann Bighorse and John Maker, staff members of the Osage Language program, journeyed to France at the invitation of the Oklahoma-Occitania (OK-OC) Association of France to participate in the Fete des Langues (Celebration of Languages) in Montauban.  The OK-OC Association enjoys a sister-city relationship between Pawhuska and Montauban, thereby promoting a strong cultural relationship.

Their 22-hour journey began in Tulsa with stopovers in Chicago and London before arriving in Montauban. The 10-day visit was tightly packed with exciting events — speeches, school visits, civic meetings, receptions, workshops, and celebrations — beginning in the early morning hours and lasting till the late night hours. Vann and John met the mayor, vice-mayor, and Bishop of Montauban, school children of all ages, citizens of Montauban and Toulouse, Occitans, Gypsies, and people from around the globe who were representing their endangered languages.

The purpose of the trip was to participate in the Forum of Languages, which is a yearly event held in Toulouse, France. This was the first time that the Osage Nation was invited to share their language at the Forum. Participants representing over 100 languages from throughout the world — from Albanese, German, Persian, Tcheque, Tibetain to Chinese and more — hosted booths with displays of their language and culture. Vann and John said that one of the main highlights of the trip was teaching Osage words to French school children in the public schools of France.  The schools visited were in the towns of Lauzerte, Lafrancaise and Montauban.  Vann said, “The children were very attentive and did quite well in their pronunciation of the Osage language.  They were very curious about the Osage culture and asked us many questions about the Osage way of life.”

The local people and members of the OK-OC Association gathered nearly every night to meet, learn, and celebrate.  Monsignor Sarrabere, Bishop of Montauban, hosted one of the first events. John said, “It was a lovely reception with refreshments.  Meeting with the very gracious Monsignor Sarrabere was very exciting, and we presented him with a Pendleton blanket, which he enjoyed receiving.” 

The next big event was “Walking across the Tarn Bridge.”  The Tarn Bridge is the bridge over the Tarn River that the Osages of 1829 walked.  John said, “Although this event appeared to be a new tradition for the OK-OC Association, I felt like I was walking in the foot steps of my ancestors.”

After crossing the bridge and walking to the town hall, vice-mayor Madame Marie-Pierre Pouch of Montaubon hosted a reception in which gifts were exchanged. Madame Pouch presented both Vann and John with gifts along with a beautiful silver medallion. Vann and John honored the officials they had met with some gifts as well. 

Another interesting place they toured with the OK-OC Association was the medieval castle of Carcassonne, which is one of the most famous places in all of France and possibly all of Europe.

The Forum of Languages was the last big event.  The Forum took place in the town square of the beautiful city of Toulouse.  Over 100 countries represented their languages at the various booths displaying their cultural items, such as clothing and food.

When asked to share their most memorable event of the trip, Vann said, “For me, teaching the school children and participating in the Forum of Languages.”

John said, “My answer to that same question is teaching the kids Osage and meeting all the friendly French people.  It was very enjoyable being in a foreign country, sharing our heritage, and learning about their culture.  Both Vann and I felt privileged to represent the language of the Osage Nation at the Forum of Languages in France.  Additionally, it was a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the Osage Nation and the people of France. A big “thank you” goes to the Director of the Osage Language Program, Mr. Mogri Lookout, and the Speaker of the House, Mr. Archie Mason, for making this exchange of cultures possible. ” We also thank the Ok-Oc Association members especially Jean Claude and Monique Drouilhet.