Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - On Saturday, September 4, traditional marble players will be given the chance to show off their athletic abilities during the Cherokee marble tournament. The marble game still played today among the Cherokee People dates back to 800 A.D.
Dennis Sixkiller demonstrates how to play Cherokee marbles. 
“Just like the Cherokee culture, the marbles game is ancient,” said Dennis Sixkiller, event coordinator for the marble tournament.
The Cherokee Marble Tournament finals will be held on Saturday, September 4, at 9 a.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center located south of Tahlequah, Okla., one mile east of Highway 62 on Willis road.. Ten to twelve teams of three players each will begin double-elimination play on Monday before the holiday weekend at Clouds Creek Marble Ground north of Little Kansas, Okla. Games begin nightly at 6:30 p.m. with the surviving teams playing for the championship on Saturday, September 4. A tournament takes a week to complete. Registration and drawing for teams will be held on Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Clouds Creek marble ground.
Immediately following the regular marble tournament at the Cherokee Heritage Center. The winners of the community versus community marble tournament, which has been held in different communities in the fourteen county area throughout the year, will compete in the final tournament. There will be six to seven teams competing and each team will consist of two members. The tournament is single elimination and teams play only four holes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
“The Oklahoma Cherokee is the only cultural group in the world that plays this game and holds it as a social tradition,” Sixkiller said. “Marbles captivate Cherokee children, teaching them game skills by the time they reach the age of three.”
This year’s Cherokee National Holiday begins September 3 and runs through September 5. The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in commemoration of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 people from across the world.
For a full visit the Cherokee National Holiday schedule, on the Cherokee Nation’s web site or call Louie Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 or 800-256-0671 (ext.2544). For more information about the Marble Tournament contact Dennis Sixkiller, phone: 918-456-0671 or 800-256-0671 (ext.2489).
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
|
Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |
