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"Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith addresses attendees at the 2009 Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in Oklahoma City. Smith was named Ambassador of the Year by Red Earth, Inc., and the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce." TAHLEQUAH, OK — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith was honored by Red Earth, Inc., and the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 Ambassador of the Year during the 23rd annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in Oklahoma City. “I am honored to receive this award,” Smith said. “It is one accepted not only by me, but by our citizens as well.” Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger introduced Chief Smith to the more than 150 attendees at the event, and praised his commitment to creating an atmosphere to allow the Cherokee language and culture to thrive. During his remarks, Smith emphasized the need to incorporate culture and language into 21st century technology. He cited an example of a young Cherokee joining the Cherokee Nation delegation at the Red Clay Council Grounds in Tennessee and “chatting” in Cherokee with her classmates in Tahlequah via a laptop computer. Smith joins several other distinguished individuals receiving this award, including actor Kevin Costner, author N. Scott Momaday and National Geographic editor William Allen. Each year, the Red Earth Festival brings together more than 1,200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America to celebrate the richness and diversity of Native American heritage with the world. Through the years, Red Earth has become one of the most respected visual and performing arts event of its type, setting the standard for many of today’s Indian art shows held throughout the United States. Attendees are given the opportunity to sample the work of some of the nation’s most celebrated American Indian artists, including contemporary and traditional examples of beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, graphics and cultural attire.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org