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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is seeking nominations for the seventeenth annual National Living Treasures awards. The awards will be presented during the 52nd Cherokee National Holiday at noon on Saturday, September 4, at the Cherokee Capitol Square located in downtown Tahlequah, OK.

The Cherokee Nation Living Treasures awards recognize Cherokee craftsmen who have exceptional skills and historical knowledge of a traditional Cherokee art or craft, and have shown individual commitment to education and cultural preservation.

Crafts may include gig making, bows and arrows, basketry, stone marbles, blowguns, water drums, stone and woodcarving. Other crafts include turtle shells preparation, flint knapping, stickball sticks, traditional clothing, pottery, pipe making, clay or shell jewelry, weaving and other crafts.

A nominated craftsperson must have practiced his or her craft for a minimum of 10 years and must have perfected the techniques utilizing all-natural, non-commercial materials. The craftsperson must be a Cherokee tribal citizen. The Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee National Historical Society officially designate selected individuals as a National Living Treasure.

Since inception of the awards in 1988, 64 individuals have been honored. Those inducted in 2003 were Rosie Chewey and Kathryn Kelley. Both received awards for basketry.

The deadline for nominations is August 12, 2004. Nomination forms can be picked up at the Cherokee Heritage Center, or can be obtained at the Cherokee Heritage Center Website, www.cherokeeheritage.org. Persons wishing to nominate a Cherokee citizen for a National Living Treasure award may also call the Cherokee Heritage Center at (918) 456-6007 and request nomination forms.

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. This year’s theme, “The Spirit of the Trail,” celebrates the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people, past, present and future.

For a full Cherokee National Holiday schedule, go to the Cherokee Nation’s web site or call Louie Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 or 800-256-0671 (ext.2544).

For more information on the Living Treasures award, contact Kathy VanBuskirk at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK, phone: 918-456-6007 or 888-999-6007.

Related 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 Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

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 Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org