This native language risks disappearing: the last member of the Caddo tribe who spoke it in a flowing way died

There CADDO TRUN OF OKLALAHOMA is in mourning for the disappearance of Edmond Johnson, The last fluent speaker of the Caddo languageancient cultural expression of this native American tribe. Johnson, who died at the age of 95 on 14 July 2025, was considered a vital knowledge bearer and a precious custodian of the history and identity of his community.

Its loss represents a Hard blow for the cultural heritage of the tribesince the Caddo language is much more than a simple means of communication: it is a real link with the roots and tradition of the people.

A cultural identity threatened by linguistic extinction

President Bobby Gonzalez underlined the crucial importance of the language, calling it “What makes us Caddo“And highlighting how The language is an integral part of the tribal identity. The Caddo belongs to the Caddoan linguistic group, which includes other indigenous languages such as Wichita, Pawnee and Arikara. These languages are quickly disappearing Due to the increasingly small number of speakers, mostly elderly, and the influence of globalization that pushes towards the use of more common and commercial languages.

Efforts to preserve a precious legacy

In recent years, Edmond Johnson has collaborated with Alaina Tahlate, director for the conservation of the language of the tribe, dedicating herself to keep the Caddo language alive through educational programs and community initiatives. To honor Johnson’s legacy and Caddo culture, the tribe decided to establish a fund dedicated to linguistic conservation.

Gonzalez has made it known that they are doing everything possible to preserve their identity, even through the language. An initiative that represents an attempt to fight cultural extinction and keep a tradition that has its roots in antiquity alive alivein lands that today correspond to Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.