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Cherokee Nation infant class teachers, Jennifer Cheater and Angie Comacho carry banner in front of class at annual "Week of the Young Child" parade.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Buggies of babies wearing tie-dyed t-shirts and toddlers masquerading as ladybugs and bumblebees recently paraded around the James Danielson Children’s Village in celebration of the "Week of the Young Child." The Cherokee Nation hosted the parade, children’s events and parent appreciation activities to commemorate the weeklong event.

"It’s a time to focus on the needs of young children and families and to plan how to better meet those needs," said Curtiss Hogner, Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit project development coordinator.

Cherokee Nation "Week of the Young Child" events included a children’s artwork display in the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, a parade with the Sequoyah High School boys basketball team serving as parade marshals, a parent appreciation breakfast, children’s activities, and a special day for local agencies, such as Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and the Tahlequah Police Department, to educate students with activities and presentations.

"We chose to participate in the "Week of the Young Child" because we feel that it is important for children to understand how EMS (Emergency Medical Services,) and other emergency services such as police and fire work," said Marten Webb, ambulance supervisor for Cherokee Nation EMS. "This way they are not afraid if we have to respond to an emergency at their home."

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration held each spring and is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Related 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