October 03, 2006

Frazier gives back to Cherokee

Eastern Band translates ‘Thirteen Moons’The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is translating the “Removal” section, including Frazier’s retelling of the Tsali story, into the Cherokee language. Frazier and his wife, Katherine, have given an initial $15,000 to the project.

The translation may be a first for any new fiction for any Indian tribe, according to Barbara Duncan, education director with the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. “In talking with Charles and Katherine, we were talking about the language and the efforts to keep it alive. They wanted to give something back."
See also 'Cold Mountain' Author Promotes New Book.

2 comments:

Rob said...

Sure, Frazier could do more. But this is the first time I've heard of an author doing even this much.

Rob said...

I think Frazier donated the money voluntarily. The Cherokees didn't ask him or require him to pay. (Not that they could have required him to pay, mind you.) So I don't think you can say they "sold out cheap."