Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - For the second year in a row, Cherokee Nation has contributed $10,000 to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Located in the historic Union Agency Building and built in 1875 by the U.S. government to house a series of superintendents of the five tribes, the museum celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has planned a series of events that will include Cherokee arts, crafts and history.

“Cherokee Nation is pleased to assist the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in underwriting and sponsoring the Art Under the Oaks Indian Market and Festival and ‘Celebrating Cherokee Traditions’ week,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “These events are part of the museum’s year-long 40th anniversary celebration. Cherokee tribal history and important contemporary Cherokee issues will be highlighted through a series of museum exhibits and displays. Cherokee artists and musicians like the Cherokee National Youth Choir will perform at these events. It is important that visitors to Oklahoma hear Cherokee perspectives, voices and history. We are happy to help the Five Civilized Tribes Museum tell our story and showcase some of our contributions.”

“I think it is tremendous that Cherokee Nation can donate to such a good cause and that we can join the other four tribes to help preserve our art and culture. I just think it is tremendous,” said Don Garvin, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for District 4, where the museum is located.

The weekend of April 22-23, the museum will hold its annual Art Under the Oaks Indian Market and Festival. The Cherokee National Youth Choir is scheduled to perform on April 22 at 2 p.m. The choir has made four CDs and has performed nationally, including an appearance at the White House late last year.

In September, the museum will hold its annual Celebrating Cherokee Traditions tribal week. During that week the museum will spotlight Cherokee art and artifacts held in its permanent collection and will feature displays on historical and contemporary issues important to the Cherokee Nation and its citizens.

Throughout the year, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum will feature art shows and showcase the artwork of Cherokee artisans, who will teach special classes, such as basket-weaving, pottery-making and beading, at the museum.

The museum’s mission is to preserve the history, culture and traditions of the Five Civilized Tribes via exhibits, tours, programs and writings.

“The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is thrilled to receive this large donation from the Cherokee Nation. It will help the museum continue to fulfill its mission. A large part of this donation will sponsor the activities held during Celebrating Cherokee Traditions week scheduled for later this year,” said Mary Robinson, executive director of the museum. “Funds from this gift will help us continue to educate and inform the general public about the past and the present of the Five Tribes.”

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