Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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DeSoto, Texas - Come be part of history, the memorial ceremonies for the second day battle site, known as "The Battle of the Neches" will be held on, July 12, 2003, before the battle date of July 16 this is the 164th. Chief Chadwick 'Corntassel' Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and his wife, Mrs. Bobbie Smith will attend the memorial Ceremonies. Chief Smith attending is truly a historic event. As far as we know there has not been a Principal Chief on this LAND in 164 years.

* Honored Guest and Speaker: Chief Chadwick 'Corntassel' Smith and his wife Mrs. Bobbie Smith.

* Ceremonial Master: Eagle I, trustee of the LAND and Chairman of the board for A.I.C.S.

* Special Guest Ceremonial Leader: Danny Hair, Chairman of NAICAT and A.I.C.S. member

On this land, The Texas Cherokee and 13 associated bands, led by Chief Bowles (Duwali), Chief Big Mush and six other Chiefs and many men, women and children, perished along with the burning of a Delaware village on (July 16, 1839). The associated bands were made up of Cherokee, Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Choctaw, Biloxi, Ioni, Alabama, Coushatta, Caddo of the Neches, Tahocullake, Mataquo and possible other groups.

We have personally taken on the responsibility of preservation and maintaining this sacred ground. Helping to preserve it as a memorial and sanctuary for all who wish to honor and respect the ancient traditions, beliefs, and customs of all American Indian people!

Schedule: JULY 12,2003 from: 6pm - 7pm we will eat. 7pm - 8pm walk to marker. 8pm - ON Memorial Ceremonies, Speakers & Story Tellers.

This LAND is now and forever considered sacred ground by many. The spirits of the men, women and children slain there can still be felt. Their blood and tears forever stain the LAND!

Bring lawn chairs, tables, camping gear, Food and Drink for yourself and to share. You may camp out over night. NO FIRES, ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR FIREARMS ON THE GROUND! Someone will be on the land on July 11, 2003 11, 2003 in the evening! R.S.V.P.: using the contact information e-mail, postal address, and/or FAX number found below. Please include the number of people in your group coming!

Directions: (85) Miles east of Dallas - go east out I-20 as if you were going to Canton, TX exit hwy. 64 off I-20. Right at stop sign go thru Canton, stay on 64, Ben Wheel and Midway into Red land it is about 25 miles to V. 4923 turn left (2.4 miles to the LAND) look for the signs. The LAND is about (12) miles West of Tyler on hwy. 64 turn right on VZ4923 {2.4 miles to the LAND} look for the signs.

BIO: Chadwick Corntassel Smith, Principal Chief Cherokee Nation, has a rich family history of service to the Cherokee people. Chief Smith is the great-grandson of Redbird Smith, a Cherokee Nation Senator and a patriot who fought against allotment of Cherokee lands. Smith's grandmother, Rachel Quinton, was a life-long advocate for the Cherokee people.

Chad Smith holds a Bachelors of Arts in Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters of Business Administration degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin and a Jurist Doctorate, Law from the University of Tulsa.

The majority of his professional life has been dedicated to service to Indian people. He is a renowned speaker, educator and constitutional scholar and has written curriculum in tribal operations and a Cherokee history text.

The Cherokee elected Smith Principal Chief in 1999. Chief Chad Smith is committed to the revitalization of our language, traditions, culture and the preservation of tribal history. He has fought for tribal sovereignty and stood up for Indian rights for many years. Chief Smith believes strongly in the concept of GA-DU-GI, coming together to work for the good of all Cherokees.

Prior to his service as Principal Chief, Mr. Smith taught Indian law at Dartmouth College, Northeastern State University and Rogers State University. He worked as a Cherokee Nation prosecutor and an administrator of the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission. He also worked as Director of Planning, Legal Historian, Attorney and Director of Justice for the Cherokee Nation. He is a former prosecutor in Creek County, a public defender in Tulsa County and has operated his on law practice.

Mrs. Bobbie Gail Scott Smith, is a full blood, bilingual Cherokee from the Rocky Mountain community of Adair County. A former Miss Cherokee, she teaches the Cherokee language and is active in the preservation of Cherokee language and culture.