Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation recently held their annual Festival of Lights Ceremony and Open House at the James Danielson Children's Village.
Jane Danielson, lit the Christmas tree during the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit’s 9th Annual Tree Lighting
and Open House ceremonies to begin the children’s Holiday season.
"The Festival of Lights Ceremony and Open House begins the Christmas season for the children of Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Development Center and to give thanks for the Children's Village in honor of James Danielson," said Norma Harvey, public education coordinator at Cherokee Nation Head Start.
The James Danielson Children's Village was dedicated in honor of the late James Danielson in 1995. Danielson was a Cherokee Nation employee who spent most of his life working to better the lives of Cherokee people. He envisioned the Children's Village and was instrumental in its development during the early 1990's.
The Tsa-La-Gi Emersion Head Start class entertained the audience by singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and "Ga-Ge-Yu" (I Love You) in the Cherokee language. The children also said their Cherokee names in the Cherokee language to the audience.
Jane Danielson, wife of the late James Danielson, was on hand to light up the Christmas tree to begin the Holiday season for the children.
The audience also enjoyed songs from Jr. Miss Cherokee, Lora Miller. She sang "Silent Night" and "Oh Holy Night" in the Cherokee language.
After the ceremonies, Santa passed our candy canes and took pictures with the children.
| 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 |