Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee First Division of the Cherokee Nation recently took part in the International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State by hosting a group of eight internationalists.

Participants of the Visitor Leadership Program took part in a question and answer seminar hosted by Cherokee First staff members Diana Mouse and Michelle Locust.

Group leader Emily Kalogeropoulis, of Tulsa Global Alliance, said that participants are carefully selected based on their fields.

“They are current or potential leaders in government, education, the arts, business, the media, and other related fields that directly impact the countries that they represent,” Kalogeropoulis said.

The international visitors were primarily interested in government, education and the tribe’s role and relationship with the U. S. federal government.

“Cherokee Nation is a nation within a nation,” said Mouse. “In recent years tribal leaders have encouraged Cherokee citizens to let our voice be heard by voting in federal elections.”

Historical information relating to Cherokee Nation and its culture were presented to group members by the Cherokee First staff. Mouse explained the steps taken by Cherokee Nation to help preserve the Cherokee language, which has become a growing problem.

Kofie Iddie Adams, a member of the National Democratic Congress of Ghana, noted that English is the first language in many parts of Ghana, and explained that the need to preserve the language native to his own country is steadily increasing.

The International Visitor Leadership Program participants not only brought with them questions about the Cherokee government, but also brought enlightenment by opening the doors of communication between cultures.

For more information about the International Visitor Leadership Program contact Bob Lesser, Program Director for Tulsa Global Alliance, phone: 918-591-4750.

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