"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - State of the Nation Address on Saturday

"Chad Smith, Cherokee
Nation Principal Chief"

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith will be presenting the annual State of the Nation address on Saturday in Tahlequah during the 57th Cherokee National Holiday.

Under the shade of spreading oaks on the tribal courthouse lawn, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation will address citizens and visitors this weekend, just as previous chiefs have done for more than 170 years. Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, will offer the annual State of the Nation address on Saturday, September 5, at approximately 11:30 a.m., on the grounds of the historic Cherokee Courthouse Square in downtown Tahlequah.

The State of the Nation program and address is the highlight of the 57th Annual Cherokee National Holiday, and is expected to draw a crowd of thousands. Smith will deliver the traditional Principal Chief’s speech, to update the Cherokee people about the status of their Nation and government. During the ceremony, the Cherokee National Treasure Master Craftsman Award, the Cherokee National Community Leadership Awards, the Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism and the Cherokee National Statesmanship Awards will be presented to this year’s recipients.

A special guest, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) from Georgia’s 5th District, will present remarks during the program.

Rep. Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America. His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principals has won him the admiration of many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the U.S. Congress. He serves as Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the Democratic Party in leadership in the House and is an active member of the House Ways & Means Committee and several of its sub-committees. The primary role of the Ways & Means Committee is to make recommendations to the House on all bills concerned with raising revenue. It holds jurisdiction over taxation, tariffs and other programs such as social security, unemployment, Medicare and the enforcement of child support laws.

The State of the Nation ceremony will also provide spectators with an introduction to this year’s Miss Cherokee Ambassador, who will be crowned during the event. Five accomplished young women vied for the prestigious title and scholarship money, and the chance to represent the Cherokee Nation during the coming year. In addition, the Cherokee Nation Children’s Choir and the award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir will perform during the event.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. With its exciting array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world. This year’s theme is elohi nusdidanv degadelaquasgesdi (“I learn from all that I observe”), reflecting the Cherokee Nation’s long held belief in education as a means to uplift individuals and their communities. The 57th Cherokee National Holiday is a smoke-free event. For more information about the Cherokee National Holiday, please call 918-453-5536 or visit CNH online.

The State of the Nation program will commence on the square immediately following the Cherokee National Holiday parade.