"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Host Annual Intertribal Pow-Wow

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will be hosting the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Pow-Wow on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1 at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah.

“This is one of the largest pow-wows of the year and it is a great place to meet up with old friends and make new ones,” said Darlene Foreman, event coordinator. “The Cherokee National Holiday Pow-Wow is a great place to take in the beauty of traditional Indian culture.” The Holiday Pow-Wow will bring together and showcase traditional forms of dancing from across Indian Country. Although the pow-wow is not a traditional Cherokee activity, the Cherokee Nation is proud to host the annual intertribal pow-wow to celebrate the signing of its 1839 Constitution and share in the fellowship and culture of neighboring tribes and nations.

Registration for the dance contest will begin on Friday, August 31 at 5 p.m. and will end at 7:30 p.m. Categories for the dance competition include: tiny tots, junior, women’s cloth, buckskin, jingle, fancy shawl and golden age men and women. On Saturday, September 1, contests will be held for men’s straight, traditional, grass and fancy dancing.

All contestants must be in full regalia when registering and participate in both grand entries.

Cash awards will be presented to first through fourth place in each category. Adult and golden age first place winners will receive $600, second place adult and golden age winners will be awarded $400, third place winners in these two age division will win $300 and fourth place winners will receive $200. In the junior division (6-15 years of age), the first place winner will receive $175, second place will be awarded $150, third place will take home $125 and fourth place will receive $100. All decisions made by the pow-wow committee will be final. Winners must be in full regalia when receiving prize money.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute of 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.

This year’s theme is “Common Values, Common Ground”, in commemoration of the rich history of the Cherokee Nation, which spans 169 years, and the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s statehood.

“This theme is a tribute to the partnership that exists between the Cherokee Nation and the great state of Oklahoma.” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Throughout the years we have worked together to create better and stronger communities all over the state. This year’s theme of ‘Common Values, Common Ground’ reiterates the importance of the continuation of this relationship for the betterment of Cherokee citizens and our Oklahoma neighbors. In our partnerships with the state and community organizations all across Oklahoma we can help to create a better Oklahoma for everyone.”

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