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Tahlequah, OK - The leaders of the Cherokee Nation get back to their roots this week with a trip to the land of their forefathers. Principal Chief Chad Smith and Deputy Chief Hastings Shade will join council members on a cultural and historical tour of the Cherokees original tribal lands.

The group will meet with leaders of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees at New Echota, the former capitol of the Cherokee Nation, now located in Georgia. "We want to set the foundation for an ongoing working relationship between the two nations," said Smith. "We can be allies on common issues like health care and economic development." "We want to start a dialogue," said Stephanie Wickliffe, one of the council members making the trip. "Hopefully we can lay the groundwork for a joint council meeting in the fall."

The two nations were separated at the time of the forced removal of most Cherokees from the eastern lands in 1838, but they share a common culture. "We want to work together to preserve and teach that culture, history and language," said Smith. "It's a great way to take in that history in a meaningful, personal way," said Wickliffe.

Other council members scheduled to attend the events include: John Ketcher, from District 1; Don Garvin from District 4; John Keener from District 6 and Dorothy McIntosh from District 8. The Oklahoma Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association organized the tour.