Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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PARK HILL, OKLAHOMA – Anyone raised in or visiting the state of Oklahoma has heard the phrase “Five Civilized Tribes,” but how many people can retreat to their elementary school days and remember which tribes make up the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw and Seminole) and what role these tribes played in the forming of the state of Oklahoma?

For example, not many people know that the five tribes opposed the formation of the state of Oklahoma or that they proposed, and had all of the elements in place for, the creation of a separate state known as the State of Sequoyah.

As one of the Cherokee National Museum’s rotating exhibits, the State of Sequoyah Convention Centennial exhibit will be displayed June 6 through October 2 at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

“This exhibit shows how passionate the Five Civilized Tribes were for maintaining control of their people’s future in government, health and economy in the Indian Territory,” said exhibit curator Mickel Yantz. “The Sequoyah Convention had a huge influence on the convention that would establish the state of Oklahoma. The constitution, seal and leaders of the Sequoyah Convention were all used for Oklahoma.”

Visitors to this exhibit can expect to learn about this pivotal time in Cherokee and Oklahoma history, as well as see a variety of items and clothing designed to take visitors back to the 1905 convention.

“We have a lot of photographs of the Indian Territory in 1905 as well as representations of the people who played a pivotal role in the forming of the convention and the Sequoyah constitution,” said Yantz.

With the 2007 centennial of Oklahoma fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start looking at the people who shaped this state.

“The history of our state started well before 1907,” said Yantz. “The Cherokee Heritage Center strives to educate our visitors on all aspects of Cherokee history and culture. It would be a shame not to look at this historical event and celebrate the bravery and leadership it took to put this idea together and send it to the US Congress.”

For more information on the State of Sequoyah Convention Centennial exhibit or other Cherokee Heritage Center attractions, call 918-456-6007, or call toll free: 888-999-6007, and visit the CHC web site.

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 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