"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Seeks Competitors

TAHLEQUAH, OK — Traditional games are important to Cherokee culture and the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah is a great place to learn about and take part in some activities that have been passed down from generation to generation of Cherokees.

“There are several traditional games that are played out over the holiday weekend,” said Lou Slagle, Director. “Some of the games have been a part of the Cherokee heritage for years. Others, like horseshoes, are relatively new, but just as fun and competitive. Even if you don’t take part in the competition, I encourage everyone to come and watch these events unfold. It’s a lot of fun.”

Marbles

A Marble Tournament will begin on Monday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cherokee Heritage Center Marble Fields. The tournament will be played out on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.

Teams must consist of three players. Each team may have one substitute. Entry fee is $5 dollars per player. The drawing for the tournament will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cherokee Heritage Center, all entry fees must be paid at this time.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

The finals will be played on Saturday, August 30, at 9 a.m., at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

For more information about the marbles tournament contact Mike O’Field phone: 918-458-5980, Gloria Sly, phone: 918-453-5154 or Daniel Faddis phone: 918-453-5224.

Stickball

A social Stickball Game will be held on Friday, August 29, at 5 and 6 p.m. on the Markoma Stickball Field. There will be two games, a youth game will be held first for ages 13-17, and an adult game will follow for ages 18 and up.

A competitive Cherokee Stickball Game will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 7 and 9 p.m., on the football field of Sequoyah Schools in Tahlequah. The youth game for ages 13-17 will take place first with an adult game for ages 18 and up directly following.

For more information about the stickball games contact Sharon Dry, phone: 918-453-5483 or Shane Dominick, phone: 918-316-0330.

Corn Stalk Shoot

A Corn Stalk Shoot will be held on Saturday, August 30, west of the Cherokee Nation Complex. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.

The competition will consist of five divisions. Each division will have a one hour time limit due to the heat.

Participants must bring their own traditional bow and arrows. Compound bows are not allowed.

For more information about the cornstalk shoot competition or entry fees, contact Web or Deb Grayson, phone: 918-822-2260.

Blowgun Competition

A Blowgun Competition will be held on Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m., at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Participants must bring their own blowgun and three darts. No entry fee is required.

For more information about the blowgun event, please call 918-207-2353.

Traditional Games Playoffs

The Traditional Indian Games Playoffs will be held on Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m., west of the Cherokee Nation Complex.

In the weeks leading up to the Cherokee National Holiday, regional competitions were played in various communities throughout the tribe’s jurisdictional area. Participants had the opportunity to compete against one another in Cherokee marbles, horseshoes, blowgun, corn stalk shoot, stickball and hatchet throwing. The winners of these games are encouraged to represent their communities and participate in the playoff games.

For more information about the traditional Indian games community playoffs, contact Lou Slagle, phone: 918-453-1689.

Horseshoe Pitch Tournament

A Horseshoe Pitch Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 1 p.m., west of the Cherokee Nation Complex.

The tournament will consist of two categories, a men’s division and women’s division. There is a $5 dollar entry fee per player that must be paid at the time of the tournament.

The Cherokee Nation will provide horseshoes, but participants can bring their own if they choose to do so. Prizes will be awarded to first through third place.

For more information about the horse shoe pitch tournament, contact Jody Reese, phone: 918-822-2428.

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

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."

“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.