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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation has planned an unprecedented celebration to commemorate the 50th Cherokee National Holiday, which will take place August 30-September 1 in Tahlequah.

"This 50th Cherokee National Holiday will really be something special", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

As part of the 50th Cherokee National Holiday, the Cherokee Nation has invited the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, based in Cherokee, North Carolina, to participate in a Joint Tribal Council Meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, August 28 at 9 a.m. in the Ballroom behind the Restaurant of the Cherokees on Highway 62 south of Tahlequah.

The Holiday gets underway on Friday, August 30 with Gourd Dancing beginning at 5 p.m. at the Cherokee Cultural Grounds, located south of the Cherokee Trails Golf Course. The Pow-Wow grand entry, social and contest dancing will be held immediately following the gourd dancing.

The Cherokee National Holiday parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31 in downtown Tahlequah. Following the parade, Principal Chief Chad Smith will give his State of Nation Address at 11:30 at the Cherokee Nation Capitol Square.

Other highlighted events for the Holiday include the fiddler’s contest, gospel singing, traditional cornstalk shoot, Cherokee marbles and fishing, golf, volleyball and softball tournaments.

The theme for this year's Holiday is 'Building One Fire'. The Cherokee National Holiday marks the anniversary of the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839.

For details on the full Holiday schedule, visit the Cherokee Nation’s web site at or call Lou Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 or 1-800-256-0671 (ext. 2544).