Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – A reunion is planned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the “Remember the Removal” bicycle ride that retraced the northern route of the “Trail of Tears” in 1984.

“We’d like to get these people together and recognize them,” said J.R. Claphan, reunion organizer. “They were part of something very special.”

In 1984, 20 youth bike riders rode nearly 1,200 miles to retrace the path of the northern route of the 1838-1839 forced removal of the Cherokees, also known as the “Trail of Tears.” The six-week ride began in Cherokee, North Carolina and ended in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

“The ride was to honor their ancestors,” Claphan said. “It really helped them to get an idea on what they went through.”

“Remember the Removal” bike ride participants, staff and those who helped sponsor the trip are invited to participate in the reunion. The reunion is schedule for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4 at the Cherokee Nation EMS building in conjunction with the Cherokee National Holiday.

Students who participated in the Cherokee Nation Education department’s leadership program from 1982 to 1984 are also invited to participate in the reunion activities. For more information, contact J.R. Claphan or Bertha Alsenay, phone: 918-458-9440, Will Chavez, phone: 918-456-0671, (ext.2351), or Sherrie Holcomb, phone: 918-458-6170.

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