Notes from the Chief: Enjoy the culture and hospitality of the Cherokee Nation during Cherokee National Holiday, Labor Day weekend

Once again, we expect another record crowd of more than 100,000 visitors to Tahlequah this Labor Day weekend, as we celebrate our 62nd annual Cherokee National Holiday. I look forward to joining you, your family and friends in fellowship and fun as we celebrate the history, heritage and hospitality of the Cherokee Nation. The first Cherokee National Holiday was held in 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution.

As we come together this year, we celebrate the accomplishments of our tribal government and our bright future. We will honor the progress we have made over the past year, and I am confident we will build upon it next year.

Every year the Cherokee Nation offers its citizens and visitors an array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events to participate in. The Cherokee National Holiday has something of interest for all walks of life, from traditional foods and music to competitive marbles, a car show, softball and stickball tournaments and the celebrated intertribal powwow.
 
A performance of the musical “Nanyehi, The Story of Nancy Ward” will be held in advance of the Holiday this year. It will be performed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, our flagship business enterprise, Aug. 21-23. The story and music of the “Nanyehi” production are moving. As a direct descendant of Nancy Ward, I am humbled we are able to present that to the public, while sharing the proceeds with the Cherokee Heritage Center to support its mission to preserve and promote our tribal culture and history.

Additionally, I encourage history enthusiasts to explore our local museums during the Holiday weekend. They all highlight different aspects of Cherokee events and people from our history. Our five museums in or near Tahlequah tell the stories ranging from our removal to Indian Territory 175 years ago, to our traditions and culture today in Oklahoma. 

This 62nd National Holiday is especially poignant, as we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the end of the Trail of Tears. Although we were forcibly marched from our homelands in the Southeast to Indian Territory, our ancestors never relinquished the fortitude to continue walking another day in hopes of a better life.  While nearly a quarter of the 16,000 Cherokees who started the Trail of Tears perished, our Cherokee people collectively persevered.

Keeping with that spirit of Cherokee perseverance, a resurgence occurred at the end of that marched journey. We rebuilt our communities, court system and government. We not only survived, but we thrived and prospered. Today, the Cherokee Nation is stronger than at any time in our history.

Our history will forever influence who we are as a people and a sovereign tribal nation, and we draw upon that strength every day. That legacy is something I hope each of you come and celebrate with us this Cherokee Nation Holiday.

I believe you’ll find a wealth of kind hearts, determined minds and resilient spirits, while making memories you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.

God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the Cherokee Nation.