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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The 49th Cherokee National Holiday Committee is seeking nominations for the National Living Treasure Awards. The awards recognize Cherokee men and women who have exceptional skill and historical knowledge of a traditional Cherokee art or craft and have shown individual commitment to education and cultural preservation.

Primary emphasis will be given to artisans that produce crafts or arts in the traditional manner using native materials. The eligible crafts may include gigs, bow and arrows, basketry, stone marbles, blowguns, water drums, stone and wood carving, turtle shells, flint knapping, stickball sticks, traditional clothing, pottery, pipe making, clay or shell jewelry, weaving and other crafts.

The Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc., officially designate the selected individual(s). A nominated craftsperson must be a Cherokee Tribal Member. Since the inception of the project in 1988, fifty-three individuals have been honored. Last year’s recipients were Wynona Dreadfulwater in Loom Weaving and Marie Proctor in Buck Brush Basket Weaving. The National Living Treasure awards will be presented during the Cherokee National Holiday, September 1.

The deadline for nominations is July 31. For more information or to nominate, contact Sammy Still of the Cherokee Cultural Resource Center, phone: 918-458-6170.