ATMORE, Ala. (WKRG) -- The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is determined not to let their native language die.

The tribe's language department teaches Muscogee, or Creek, to nearly 100 preschool children at the Community Center. According to teachers in the Calvin McGee Cultural Department's Creek Language Program, there are few fluent speakers left.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians wants to preserve this dying language of their ancestors.

Teacher, Greg McGhee, didn't learn Creek until he was a teenager, but has made it his mission to teach the language to the younger generation. He said it's important for them to know where they came from.

"For us as Creek people, it is who we are. You know, there are over 570 different indigenous nations out there that are federally recognized, and we're just one of them. All of those nations have some sort of song and their own language. The Muskogee Creek language is specific to who we are as people, and if we lose that language, who are we? It makes us who we are. It's a beautiful, beautiful language. I always tell people that is right here (pointing to heart), especially the people within our community. I tell you, tell our people, it's right here (pointing to his heart). You just got to unlock it," McGhee said.

The goal for the students is fluency, but since the language is not widely spoken, the hope is that the children will be able to recognize greetings, songs, prayers, and keywords.

There are Creek words posted under signs at the community center, such as in the library. In addition to the word library, you will see the Creek translation, Nak-Cokv-En-Cuko.

Paul Bell teaches preschool-aged children and older students in the after-school program. He did not learn Creek until he was in his 40s. He said the children catch on very quickly. He finds teaching very fascinating.

"They make it the most fulfilling thing, you know? Oh, the job can't pay enough. I mean, I basically would work for free." Bell said.

Megan Zamora with the Poarch Creek Communications Department, said the Creek language is like nothing you have ever heard. She says it is not like Spanish, French, or Italian.

"The Creek People here in Alabama also have a distinct language that we are regaining. And we're actively working into this revitalization of language and the resurgence of it. And so it doesn't sound like anything you've ever heard before because it's unique and it's special," Zamora said.

News 5 asked the Creek Language Department for an excerpt of a paragraph in the Creek language. They sent the Lord's Prayer: