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53rd Cherokee National Holiday

From The Cherokee Nation:

This year, the theme for the Cherokee National Holiday is "Celebrating the State of Sequoyah". A little known historical fact for you: The Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma knew there was little to no way to avoid statehood, so they decided to petition the US Senate and create a state of their own.

Their request was not granted. However, just a few years later, another group from this area, would petition the Senate for statehood, and in 1907, the state of Oklahoma was created.

We want to take time this year to look back at our rich history, how we have struggled, survived, and even thrived in this new state, regardless of the odds.

The Cherokee National Holiday is celebrated each year to commemorate the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution, the first constitution since the Cherokees had been moved from Georgia on the Trail of Tears.

Each year, the Holiday brings some 100,000 visitors to the quiet town of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

So, for more information regarding this year's festivities, visit the Cherokee National Holiday site.

Regrettably, Eagle Rock won't be able to attend this year, but we are already making plans to attend next year.

52nd Cherokee Holiday Pow Wow Festival

Our hosts Julie and Lee

Opening ceremonies and gourd dance at the Pow Wow grounds

The next pictures were taken at the Heritage Center and Museum

Our guide through the tour of a replica of an old village

Above are the indoor and outdoor areas for the Cherokee worship representing the seven clans.

A few of the huts or homes.

Stick Ball court and accessories (You can read about the game in our "Stories and Quotes")

Making of a canoe. They would burn the inside out, the ends of the canoe weren't pointed. When they wanted to go the other way they would just turn their bodies around instead of turning the canoe around.

The whole camp would be surrounded by a wall (like a fort) with only a small entrance wide enough for one person. There were also sentry posts lookouts to alert the camp of intruders. We were told that this particular camp would have housed 200-250 people. This camp resembled those prior to 1800's.

Above early homes with open fire pits inside. (mid and late 1800's)

Sorry about the quality of the pictures. The competition dancing was at night and I couldn't get away from the booth so a friend took those and the whole time my camera just wouldn't focus properly.