Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation invites the public to join in the dedication ceremony at Sequoyah School’s newly constructed “Place Where They Play” building on Friday, December 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This newest addition to the school will be named “Tsu-Na-Ne-Lo-Di,” which is the Cherokee word for “place where they play.” The center will provide students a place to showcase their talents in athletics as well as a stage for concerts and graduations, a student recreation area, a kitchen and four classrooms. The facility will also be used as a gathering center for Cherokee citizens and other community organizations. “Education is very important to the Cherokee people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “For a promising future, we need to develop leaders with vision, and education is the gateway to visionary thinking. Creating a functional learning environment such as this facility enables the faculty to offer an educational setting that will enhance the academic life of our Cherokee leaders of tomorrow.” “History books are replete with world-first accomplishments in the 1800’s,” said Dr. Neil Morton, head of Cherokee Nation’s education department. “The new facility at Sequoyah School is a guiding symbol of the Cherokee Nation’s movement from what once was to what is and will be pacesetting educational innovation.” The $8.5 million dollar structure will house over 1, 769 seats and provide space and accommodation to an ever-increasing student body and fan base. The center will be available for rental to community groups and organizations. Sequoyah School has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1871 as an orphan asylum to one of the most recognized schools in the state of Oklahoma. The school is a regionally and state-accredited school that has become the school of choice for over 300 students each year. Throughout the years, Sequoyah School has grown into a modern learning establishment spanning over 90 acres. For more information on the school or to rent Tsu-Na-Ne-Lo-Di facility, contact Gina Stanley, phone: 918-453-5400.

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