CALL FOR PROJECTS: 2026 SHAWNEE LANGUAGE FAIR

Shawnee language learners of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Shawnee Language Immersion Program for the 2026 Language Fair, Dinner and Stomp Dance on Saturday, July 25 in Miami, OK. Citizens of all three Shawnee nations are eligible to participate. Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each category—see below for project requirements and important deadlines.

Entry Requirements & Contest Categories

All final entries must primarily consist of written and spoken Shawnee, a written or spoken English translation, and accompanying image(s). Shawnee text must be written using either the Shawnee Tribe orthography or bibabebo. Project drafts should be submitted with both the written Shawnee and written English. Final projects must use visuals to accompany the Shawnee and be submitted as a JPG or PDF. Examples of project types are as follows: comic strip, poster, zine, video, slideshow, children’s book. Final presentations should be submitted as a video format no more than four minutes in length—assistance creating the final video presentation will be available for any contestants who need it.

CategoryWritten Length
Kindergarten – Grade 21-3 words or phrases
Grades 3 – 54-10 sentences
Grades 6 – 86-16 sentences
Grades 9 – 1210-20 sentences
Adult Students – SLIP Levels 1–310-20 sentences
Adult Students – SLIP mayaani, miina, waapiko, m’skoci’faki10-20 sentences
Adult CLPs, Apprentices, Masters10-20 sentences

Deadline Overview

  • Wednesday, April 15 – Registration Deadline
  • Friday, May 1 – First Draft Deadline
  • Monday, June 1 – Grammar & Spell Check Deadline
  • Monday, July 6 – Final Project & Presentation Deadline
  • Saturday, July 25 – Language Fair, Dinner & Stomp Dance

Ready to register now? Email shawneelanguage@shawnee-tribe.com with your full name, tribal ID, category, and project concept.

Back

More News

Nov 2, 2026

Wild Turkey Bones Share Their Stories

By A. Gwynn Henderson, David Pollack, and Bruce L. Manzano Ancient wild turkey bones recovered from archaeological sites in the Middle Ohio River Valley hold centuries-old stories. Like Native stories and songs passed down through many generations, these bones whisper of Indigenous hunting strategies and of how Native hunters changed those strategies when circumstances called […]

Read More
Nov 1, 2026

Sid Meier's Civilization® VII: Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack

The Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack is downloadable add-on content that expands the Civilization VII experience with the Tecumseh leader and Shawnee civilization. Please note that the pack is not a standalone game and requires Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, which must be purchased separately. Once purchased, the add-on can be downloaded through […]

Read More
Aug 31, 2026

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: BATTERIES

BATTERIES: Why batteries shouldn’t end up in landfills. Key Reasons to Avoid Disposing Batteries in Landfills:

Read More
Aug 14, 2026

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

The Shawnee Tribe is accepting public comments from tribal citizens about the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) in preparation for next fiscal year, which begins October 1. All Shawnee households residing in the state of Oklahoma are encouraged to provide comments. Submit comments here through Monday, August 27, 2026. The LIHEAP program also still has funding […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

Artist Spotlight: Journey Through Art

The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

Passing on Tradition: Bow Making Connects Shawnee Youth to Ancestral Knowledge

A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

WEEMEYAKWE: ANCIENT RITUAL PLACES IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY

By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors.  This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks   Around 500 […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

♻️ Recycling Spotlight – The Price Tag You Never See

The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]

Read More
See All News