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Chief Chad Smith (left) explains stickball to CEO Archie Dunham, (middle) and Governor Frank Keating (right).

TAHLEQUAH, OK — Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and the, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Conoco Oil were among the tens of thousands of visitors to participate in the Cherokee National Holiday. Principal Chief Chad Smith joined Keating and Conoco chairman Archie Dunham in the Grand Entry Ceremony at the Holiday Pow Wow.

"Participating in the Cherokee National Holiday was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. I was humbled to be recognized by such a warm and compassionate group of people", Dunham said.

It is believed to be the first time that Oklahoma’s governor has attended a Cherokee National Holiday.

"My wife and I enjoyed being a part of the Holiday this year", said Keating, who attended with his wife Kathy.

Other holiday highlights included the annual state of the nation address by Smith, which emphasized a shift towards making government services more responsive to communities. The entire state of the nation speech can be heard on the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s web site, via realaudio.

The theme of the Holiday was "A Family Reunion", and there were events all weekend long for all age groups. There was storytelling and art activities for kids, traditional games like stickball, marbles and cornstalk shoot, as well as fishing, golf, volleyball and softball tournaments.

"The events of our Holiday are important", Smith said, "but the real strength of our Holiday lies in the gathering of our people. This is a chance to see old friends and make new ones, a chance to play together and a chance to honor our elders."