"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Annual Cherokee National Holiday PowWow

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Powwow will be held on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, at the Cultural Grounds behind the Cherokee Nation tribal complex south of Tahlequah. Grand Entry will begin at 8 p.m. each evening of the event.

“The Cherokee National Holiday Powwow is a great place to take in the beauty of traditional Indian culture. The Holiday Powwow will bring together and showcase traditional forms of dancing from across Indian Country,” said Darlene Foreman, event coordinator. “This is one of the largest powwows of the year and a wonderful place to meet up with old friends and make new ones.”

On Friday, August 29, competitions will be held for tiny tots, junior, women’s cloth, buckskin, jingle, fancy shawl and golden age men and women. Registration for the contest and gourd dancing will begin at 5 p.m.

Saturday’s competition will include men’s straight, traditional, grass and fancy dancing. A special contest will be held for adult men’s and women’s fancy dancing. Gourd dancing will begin at 2 p.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded to first through fourth place in the adult, golden age (55 and older) and juniors (6-15) divisions. All contestants must be in full regalia when registering and participate in both grand entries. Winners must be in full regalia to receive prize money.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "Diniyotli Unalisdelvdodi, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."

“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.

For more information contact Darlene Foreman, phone: 918-453-5393.