"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Little Miss & Mister Cherokee Competition

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Encouraging cultural knowledge and identity among its youngest citizens, the Cherokee Nation is accepting applications for the Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Leadership Contest.

“The Cherokee Nation would like to encourage all of our young Cherokee boys and girls to participate in this competition,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This event is a lot of fun to watch and culturally enlightening to our children.”

The event is held annually in conjunction with the Cherokee National Holiday and is a great way for young Cherokees to display their knowledge of Cherokee history. The competition will be held for participants ages 4-7 on Tuesday, August 7, and for ages 8-13 on Thursday, August 9. Each of the competitions will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation Complex.

“The Cherokee Nation is proud to offer this event,” said Joyce Bunch, event coordinator. “I would like to encourage all young Cherokees between the ages of four and thirteen to take part in this competition. Everyone is a winner. All of our contestants will receive a t-shirt and a small trophy. What I think is special about this event is that it allows our youngest citizens to showcase their knowledge of our language, our culture and our traditional dress.”

Each contestant must include a copy of their Cherokee Nation tribal membership card, CDIB card and a short biography about the participant along with the application form. The entry fee is $5 and can be paid in cash or by money order payable to Cherokee Nation. Deadline for entry is Friday, July 20, at 5 p.m.

Contestants will be judged on traditional dress, a Cherokee history, traditions and cultural knowledge interview, plus poise and personality. There will be four age categories: ages 4-5, ages 6-7, ages 8-10 and ages 11-13. No parents or guardians will be allowed on stage.

The doors will open at 5 p.m. and registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. each night of the competition. Judging will begin promptly at 6 p.m. A male and female winner, first runner up and second runner up will be chosen in each age division. All decisions by judges are final.

“Right after the competition, the awards ceremony will take place followed by a reception,” said Bunch. “We will have a photographer on hand to take pictures, which will give parents the opportunity to buy pictures of their child.”

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. The Mission of the Cherokee Nation is: ‘ga du gi’: working together as individuals, families and communities for a quality of life for this and future generations. In our partnerships with the state and community organizations all across Oklahoma we can in effect help to create a better Oklahoma for everyone.”

For more information or for an application contact Joyce Bunch, phone: 918-207-3898 (ext.7198) or send e-mail to: joyce-bunch@cherokee.org.