Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) will be accepting applications for the Cherokee Nation Fire Dancers. The Cherokee Nation Fire Dancers are firefighters employed as contracted labor by the U.S. Forest Service in the suppression of wildfires across the United States. This is not regular full-time employment but strictly an on-call basis throughout the fire season.

"We are recruiting for the Cherokee Fire Dancers Program and have scheduled the annual pack test for those that are interested in renewing or becoming a Cherokee Fire Dancer", said Larry Ketcher, Director of Education and Human Services for the Cherokee Nation.

The mandatory requirements are as follows: 1) an applicant must be at least eighteen years old. 2) Must have proof of membership from a federally recognized tribe. 3) Must fill out a firefighter application and include supporting documentation (i.e., photocopy of drivers license or state issued I.D., CDIB, and Social Security card. 4) Must provide proof of recent medical exam prior to taking the pack test. 5) Must be able to pass the pack test. 6) Must attend and pass the basic firefighting courses.

An individual must pass the pack test to be eligible to attend the basic firefighting courses. The pack test consists of walking a distance of three miles wearing a 45-lb. pack vest. The tentative dates scheduled for the pack test will be February 12-14, 2002 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sequoyah High School Track. Applicants are required to wear footwear with ankle support when taking the pack test. Representatives from the United States Forest Service will be here to lead the pack test each day.

For applications, medical exam forms, or questions, call Leroy Wolf at the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), phone: 1-800-256-0671 or 918-456-0671(ext. 2335).