Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Cherokee youth recently hit the road for Cherokee, North Carolina, to further their knowledge of Cherokee history and culture, along with performing community service projects in three Cherokee communities while there.

Participants in the Cherokee Nation Cultural Renewal Program will participate in a variety of activities including research, interviews with tribal leaders, crafts, language, traditional Cherokee games, community service and leadership building skills.

“All projects are geared towards learning about the Cherokee culture and helping to build future leaders,” said Cherokee Nation Youth Coordinator Jody Reese.

While in North Carolina, the group will learn about the beginning of the “Trail of Tears,” the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to Indian Territory in 1838, and the way of life of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, both past and present.

According to Sharon Dry, who serves as a youth development director for the tribe, the education in the way of life of the Cherokees is an important objective of the trip.

“We not only want them to learn about the history but also the way of life,” Dry said. “We have been teaching the youth that they have a voice in their communities and that they can make a difference, which is why we are doing the community service projects in North Carolina.”

While in North Carolina, the youth will be visiting the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Kituhwa Indian Mound. They will also hike the Smokey Mountains to visit Klingman’s Dome, watch the drama “Unto These Hills,” and take part in service projects with the youth of the Eastern Band Cherokees.

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