The Traditional Preservation Department is located on the Big Cypress reservation at the Ahfachkee School. The department provides on campus classes that focus predominately on teaching the Seminole Tribe of Florida native language to students in grades K-12th. Proficiency in the native language is evaluated through informal and formal assessments. The Elaponke I and II courses offered fulfill the Florida high school world language credit for high school students. Along with language classes, traditional teachings of the Seminole people are also taught within a camp setting. Students learn to prepare Seminole food, how to cultivate seeds, plant and harvest a traditional garden, as well as, how to clean and prepare traditional food such as garfish, turtle, deer and hog.
