Such a change has allowed for the realization of increased pride in their culture and unique traditions. Participants indicated that they are no longer so hesitant to speak their own language in the presence of others and mentioned that the community even hopes to build a Watha cultural center to share their history with others.
“The Watha want to be recognized and they want to build a cultural site where tourists and other communities can know how our community used to live in the old days and now (KCDP, interview 27).”
Moreover, Watha interviewees not only enjoyed the benefit of improved community relationships, but also simply took pride in the fact that their name was known by individuals and institutions external to their immediate region.