"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CNYC Will Perform During Holiday

***"The Cherokee National Youth Choir"***

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir will perform throughout the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday at various locations and times during the holiday festivities.

“The youth choir has become a holiday favorite,” said Kathy Sierra, youth choir coordinator. “Everyone loves to come out and listen to these young people sing our Cherokee hymns. This year we are singing in several different locations during the holiday to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to hear the choir perform.”

The youth choir will perform on Thursday, August 30, at 7 p.m., at the Cherokee Heritage Center’s amphitheater, 21192 Keeler in Park Hill, Oklahoma. Nationally renowned Cherokee storyteller and author Gayle Ross, of Fredericksburg, Texas, will perform with the choir during the free public performance.

During the Cherokee National Holiday art show, a small group of members will perform on Friday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m., at the Tahlequah Armory Municipal Center, 100 N. Water Street, in Tahlequah. The choir’s final holiday performance will take place on Saturday, September 1 immediately after the parade during the State of the Nation address on the Cherokee Nation Courthouse lawn, 101 S. Muskogee Ave. in Tahlequah.

“If you haven’t heard our young people sing then I really encourage you to come out and watch them perform,” said Sierra. “They are all very talented and I am proud of each of them and the accomplishments that they have achieved together.”

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 169 years of rich history the Cherokee Nation has in what is now Oklahoma, 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 Mary Kay Henderson, phone: 918-478-4473.