Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is helping an Oklahoma organization add Sequoyah's home to the National Literary Landmark Register. The Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO) is the beneficiary of $3,000 from the Cherokee Nation, a portion of which will be used by FOLIO to help celebrate the contributions of Sequoyah to Cherokee and Oklahoma culture and make his Sequoyah County cabin the sixth Oklahoma Literary Landmark to be listed on the National Literary Landmark Register.
"Sequoyah's Cabin will become an Oklahoma Literary Landmark on October 6, 2006." 
Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee syllabary, is the most famous Cherokee in the tribe's long history. The syllabary, introduced in 1821, consists of 84 characters that represent the 84 syllables used in speaking Cherokee. It quickly led to almost universal literacy among Cherokees in their own language.
"The Cherokee language is important to maintaining our cultural heritage and identity. The Cherokee language enhances the quality of life of our people," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We at Cherokee Nation are pleased to provide these funds to help commemorate Sequoyah's contributions to our tribal culture, history and literacy as well as to be a good partner with our communities."
FOLIO's multiyear centennial project, "Oklahoma Literary Landmarks," which began in 2001, will honor Sequoyah and his cabin this year on Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. Sequoyah's cabin and home site are located off Route 59 on Highway 101 in Sallisaw. Scheduled guest speakers are Principal Chief Smith; Dr. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society; Julia Brady Ratliff, past president, FOLIO; Clare Delaney, president, FOLIO; and Phyllis Yargee, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council representative in Sequoyah County, where Sequoyah's home place is located. Michael Wallis, who is the voice of "Sheriff" in the recent Disney/Pixar hit movie "Cars," will act as master of ceremonies.
"I attended a planning meeting of Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma and learned that they were going to honor Sequoyah (this year) and Will Rogers (next year) with Literary Landmarks for their contributions in literacy and works for and on behalf of the Cherokee people," said Yargee. "Personally, I thought this was a very noteworthy event and we as Cherokee Nation citizens should also be involved in and sponsor part of their agenda and activities."
"The Cherokee genius Sequoyah brought literacy to his people," said Ratliff. "FOLIO and the Cherokee Nation are natural partners as his genius is honored. FOLIO is pleased and proud to have the support of the Cherokee Nation as Sequoyah's home is placed on the National Literary Landmark Register. We hope that this dedication will bring more people to see this lovely spot and to the home Sequoyah built with his own hands."
The Cherokee National Youth Choir will perform during the festivities, and descendants of Sequoyah have also been invited to participate.
Additional guest speakers on Oct. 6 will include Marilyn Hinshaw, director of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System; Susan McVey, state librarian for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries; and Bethia Owens, Sequoyah County librarian.
Previous honorees in the FOLIO Oklahoma Literary Landmarks program with ties to the Cherokee Nation include Okemah, home of Woody Guthrie, in 2001; in 2003, Territorial Claremore, home of Cherokee playwright Lynn Riggs (1899-1954), author of Green Grow the Lilacs, upon which Rodgers and Hammerstein's immortal 1943 musical OKLAHOMA! was based; and the OSU Library and Marshall, Oklahoma, home of Angie Debo, in 2004. FOLIO plans to honor Will Rogers at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore with a similar event in 2007, and one-half of the current contribution will help fund those festivities.
In 1978, at the Governor's Conference on Libraries, a proclamation called for the formation of state organizations, Friends of the Library. From that proclamation arose Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma, or FOLIO. The mission of FOLIO is to promote and nurture libraries in Oklahoma by assisting and encouraging citizens to support their libraries.
For additional information on this event, send e-mail to Julia Brady Ratliff of FOLIO or call her, phone: 918-743-5751.
Related path(s):
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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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 |
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 |
