Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) and the Cherokee Nation are announcing a new cultural program for Cherokee youth. Seventy participants in the new program, called Cultural Plan 2002, will be selected to travel to Cherokee, North Carolina to visit the Eastern Band of Cherokees in June. The trip will be paid for the by the HACN and the Cherokee Nation.

The comprehensive cultural program is open to Cherokee youth who will be between the ages of 12-18 years of age on July 25, 2002 and who reside within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county jurisdictional boundaries.

The participants, all of whom must have a Cherokee Nation tribal membership card, will be required to attend at least eight cultural activities during the months of March, April, and May of this year. The activities will be scheduled throughout the 14-county area and each youth’s attendance will be recorded. The youth who participate in the North Carolina trip will be selected from applications submitted to the HACN and/or Cherokee Nation. The applications will go through a selection process by the selection committee.

"We want our youth to be aware of their heritage", said George Roach, HACN Youth Activity Center. "Participating in these cultural activities will give the kids a better understanding by experiencing their culture first hand."

According to Roach, the trip to Cherokee, North Carolina will also include stops at historical sites along the way, as well as giving participants the opportunity to experience cultural activities of the Eastern Band Cherokees.

Cherokee youth who are interested in this Cultural Plan should submit their application to the HACN Family Investment Center located at 206 E. Allen Road in Tahlequah or at HACN Area Offices located throughout the 14-county area by 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2002. Youth who will participate in this Cultural Plan will be selected by the first week of March, 2002. The youth selected will be notified by letter from the Selection Committee.

For more information or to request an application, contact the following HACN employees: John Ross, George Roach, or Sam Bradshaw, phone: 918-453-2900 in Tahlequah; or Rob Daugherty, phone: 918-253-2429 in Jay; or Angela Burns, phone: 918-825-0494 in Pryor. Youth can also contact Sharon Dry at Cherokee Nation Community Services, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2483); or toll-free 1-800-256-0671 (ext.2483).