TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Immerse yourself in Cherokee culture at the Cherokee Heritage Center during the 67th annual Cherokee National Holiday this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.
As part of the holiday celebration, CHC is offering free admission each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours of Diligwa, the 1710 ancient village, offered for $5 per person.
More than 80 vendors participate in the annual arts and crafts fair, including several Cherokee National Treasures and United Keetoowah Band Master Craftsmen.
“The Cherokee National Holiday is an exciting time in Tahlequah, especially at the Cherokee Heritage Center,” said Tonia Hogner-Weavel, education director and holiday coordinator at CHC. “This is the culmination of our mission to preserve, promote and teach Cherokee history, culture and art, and we welcome the public to join us as we celebrate our rich culture and thriving nation.”
Guests are encouraged to visit the Trail of Tears exhibit inside the museum, as well as the recently opened Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale in the museum gallery. There’s also a variety of events located within Adams Corner Rural Village, which features special cultural activities for children.
On Saturday, Cherokee author Traci Sorrell will share her new book, “At the Mountain Base,” with signings offered after each reading throughout the day. At 1 p.m., guests can take part in a live action print station where they can create custom souvenirs featuring southeastern designs.
The heritage center is also hosting the Native Games tournament finals for Cherokee Marbles at 9 a.m. and a blowgun contest at noon.
Saturday evening CHC will host Cherokee Stories with Robert Lewis beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the special event is $10 per person and includes a musical performance by Keri Bell.
On Sunday, The First Families of the Cherokee Nation is hosting its annual reunion from 1-3 p.m. at Owen School, across from the Cherokee Heritage Center.
The annual potluck dinner coincides with the Cherokee National Holiday and honors the families who played a vital role in forming the Cherokee Nation. The event is hosted exclusively for FFCN members and their guests.
For more information about CHC’s holiday events, please call the Cherokee Heritage Center at 1-888-999-6007 or email tonia-weavel@cherokee.org.
– Cherokee Nation release
