Events Kick Off For The 70th Annual Cherokee National Holiday

Tens of thousands of people from around the country are in Tahlequah for the 70th Annual Cherokee National Holiday.

The event is back in person after being virtual for two years.

The Cherokee National Holiday dates to September 1839 with the re-signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution.

"Which reestablished our tribe and our tribal government in our new homelands of Tahlequah and nestled up here in Eastern Oklahoma,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.

Warner said the event used to be called a homecoming.

People would come to Tahlequah to catch up and share stories. Now, the occasion is a four-day event.

Warner said hotels across town are booked with people traveling from around the nation and world to celebrate.

"We really bring everybody in, and we listen. Not only with our ears, but also with our heart and these ideas and these initiatives are a culmination of a team of people that work together, that have been out listening to the communities,” Warner said.

The festival includes several shows and activities, and around 200 food and arts and crafts vendors.

At the Cherokee National Research Center, you’ll find the Annual Homecoming Art Show featuring work from Cherokee artists from all over the country.

Ninety floats will parade downtown streets on Saturday morning ahead of the Chief's State of the Nation Address and the Inter-tribal Powwows.

Newly crowned Miss Cherokee Lauryn Fields will be making her first public appearance.

"This is a lifelong dream that I've had and to finally have it come to fruition is everything,” Fields said. "I think to me it means that it's a time to celebrate Cherokees, time for them to learn more about our language, culture and history."

The holiday festivities go through Sunday. Many events are free and open to the public.

Home – Cherokee National Holiday (thecherokeeholiday.com)