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"Pictured L-R: Amy Thilges, and Lydia Adair, Early Childhood Educators." TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation recently introduced the “Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group” to participating childcare providers active in the tribe’s Child Care Resource Center. The Play and Learn Group meets every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Child Development Center in Tahlequah. “The Cherokee Nation believes that education is fundamental even among our youngest citizens,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “By implementing programs like the Play and Learn Group, we can instill a greater sense of cultural identity within our youth. We understand that not all of our children attend early childhood education institutes. However, that does not mean that these children should miss out on the benefits of socialization or educational activities within a cultural setting.” The program is designed to help Cherokee communities build stronger cultural identities by incorporating Cherokee language and heritage in a social environment for parents, caregivers and children. Bridget Tobey, Cherokee Nation Child Care Resource Manager, said she is excited about the program and looks forward to offering the Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group to other counties within the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction. “This program is a wonderful way for children and caregivers to take advantage of the same curriculum and cultural opportunities that are taught in other educational entities of the Cherokee Nation,” Tobey said. “We’ve had a good response. Past participants of Sparking Connections have come on board to act as mentors for providers that are new to the program.” The Cherokee Connections Play and Learn Group provides educational materials that center around Cherokee culture in a safe and nurturing environment. Children and adults participate in activities such as blocks, art, music, reading and creativity. All children age five and under may attend with their caregiver at no cost. At least one child in the group attending must be a Cherokee citizen. Snacks will be served and children are encouraged to wear play clothes that can get dirty. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. For more information about the program or to reserve a time, contact Arlene Greenwalt, phone: 918-453-5056 or Marilyn Ballard, phone: 918-453-5076.

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