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Cherokee National Children's Choir

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee National Children's Choir is raising money to sing at a commemorative ceremony in New York City, May 10-11.

The state of Oklahoma invited The Cherokee National Children's Choir and several other performers to sing at the ceremony, where Oklahoma will present New York City with a brand new fire truck titled "The Spirit of Oklahoma."

"It will be such an honor to represent Oklahoma at 'Ground Zero,' said Jamie McGee-Geneva, choir leader. "These children will represent the Cherokee Nation and the state of Oklahoma with pride."

On May 10, the Cherokee National Children's Choir will tour New York and visit the five New York City fire departments that lost fire fighters in the terrorist attacks on September 11. They will sing at each location and the fire fighters will be able to view the new fire truck that the state of Oklahoma will present to the New York City fire department at the commemorative ceremony.

The commemorative ceremony, on May 11, 2002, will be presented by the state of Oklahoma to the state of New York, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist activities in both states. Several Oklahoma performers will perform at the ceremony.

The Children's Choir is a group of 30 Cherokee children in 6th through 9th grades who were selected by audition from across the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation. Choir members use their native voices to perform songs in the Cherokee language at many special events throughout the year. Their voices reflect the richness of Cherokee pride and contribute to the preservation of the Cherokee language.

The Children's Choir is working diligently to raise enough money to make the trip. The trip is expected to cost $34,000 for the 30 choir members and 10 sponsors to get to New York.

"We are asking our friends and community organizations to help finance our Children's Choir on this trip," said Margaret Raymond, development director for the Cherokee Nation Education Corporation. "Our fund raising goal is $34,000, any contribution will help us send the 'Voices of the Creator's Children' to this ceremony."

The Cherokee National Children's Choir will also stop and perform in Washington D.C on the way home. They will be hosted by Congressman Brad Carson and expect to sing at the Capitol and possibly the White House.

For more information about the choir or to make a contribution, contact Margaret Raymond, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2420).