TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation will host several events in the month of August, including traditional games demonstrations, a stickball tournament, and three meetings for at-large citizens.
August 1
Sam Hider Health Center will be holding a blood drive at 859 E. Melton Drive in Jay. This event is open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, contact Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit obi.org. Donors will receive a T-shirt and choice of one of the following tickets: admit two to Safari Joe’s, admit one to Science Museum Oklahoma, or admit one to Frontier City.
Oklahoma USDA Rural Development Director Kenneth Corn and Oklahoma USDA Farm Service Agency Director Steve Kouplen will be hosting an in-person meeting for citizens of federally recognized tribes who are agricultural producers interested in Rural Development and drought assistance programs, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Chota Center at Cherokee Casino Tahlequah.
August 5
Traditional games demonstration. Every Friday this summer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., see and take part in a variety of traditional Cherokee games with museum staff in the Cherokee Capitol Square at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. These demonstrations are free and are taught by Cherokee National Treasures Danny McCarter and Noel Grayson. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
August 6
Rabies vaccine clinic: 8 a.m. to noon at the Mayes County Fairgrounds, 220 NE 1st Street in Pryor. Vaccines are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please keep pets on a leash and cats secured in carriers. Please contact Lisa West at 918-453-5134 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about this free event.
August 8
Oklahoma election deadline: Today until 5 p.m. is the last chance to request an absentee ballot for the upcoming Oklahoma runoff primary election and special election(s). For questions about tribal, state or federal elections, please visit www.cherokeevote.com.
August 10
Construction recruitment job fair: Cherokee Nation Career Services is hosting an event to promote involvement and partnership in upcoming construction projects. All trades and general laborers are invited to attend to learn about the 48 pending construction projects that Cherokee Nation is involved in. This event is open to Cherokee, Native and non-Native workers and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Will Rogers Race Track, 20900 S. 42 Road, in Claremore. For more information, contact Channing Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
August 12
Traditional games demonstration. Every Friday this summer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., see and take part in a variety of traditional Cherokee games with museum staff in the Cherokee Capitol Square at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. These demonstrations are free and are taught by Cherokee National Treasures Danny McCarter and Noel Grayson. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
The Cherokee Homecoming Art Show kicks off at Cherokee Springs Plaza in Tahlequah. The Homecoming Art Show, featuring all-Cherokee art and artists, is a showcase of traditional and contemporary Cherokee art in celebration of our shared heritage and culture. Running through September 10, this art show is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. All artwork can also be seen and purchased online at visitcherokeenation.com/homecoming-art-show.
August 13
Second Saturday Artist Showcase at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah with Cherokee National Treasure Lisa Rutherford, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by to see this celebrated Cherokee artist demonstrate how to make traditional feather capes. This unique cultural demonstration is free and open to the public, and Rutherford will have various items available for purchase. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
At-Large meeting for Cherokee citizens living in Oklahoma City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd. Be sure to join us for this exciting meeting with cultural presentations and demonstrations, along with a visit from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, at-large Council members Julia Coates and Johnny Kidwell, and Miss Cherokee Chelbie Turtle. Cherokee Nation Registration, Education Services, Language Department, Fish & Wildlife, Talking Leaves Job Corps, Indian Child Welfare and Cherokee Vote will also be on hand. A meal will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. For questions regarding the event, please call 918-207-4963.
August 17
Stories on the Square at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion in Tahlequah, with Cherokee National Treasure Robert Lewis, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Watch as traditional stories are brought to life. This family-friendly event is free, open to the public, and will be followed by a fun craft lesson for the kids. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
Construction recruitment job fair: Cherokee Nation Career Services is hosting an event to promote involvement and partnership in upcoming construction projects. All trades and general laborers are invited to attend to learn about the 48 pending construction projects that Cherokee Nation is involved in. This event is open to Cherokee, Native and non-Native workers and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roland Casino, 109 Cherokee Blvd., Roland. For more information, contact Channing Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
August 18
Early voting begins today for the upcoming Oklahoma runoff primary election and special election(s). Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow. Poll hours shift on Saturday, August 20, to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For general questions regarding elections, visit the newly updated www.cherokeevote.com.
August 19
Traditional games demonstration. Every Friday this summer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., see and take part in a variety of traditional Cherokee games with museum staff in the Cherokee Capitol Square at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. These demonstrations are free and are taught by Cherokee National Treasures Danny McCarter and Noel Grayson. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
August 20
At-Large meeting for Cherokee citizens living in Oregon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at River Road Park Shelter, 3045 River Road N, in Salem, Oregon. Be sure to join us for this exciting meeting with cultural presentations and demonstrations, along with a visit from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, at-large Council members Julia Coates and Johnny Kidwell, and Miss Cherokee Chelbie Turtle. Cherokee Nation Registration, Education Services and Cherokee Vote will also be on hand. A meal will be provided. This is an outdoor event and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. For questions regarding the event, please call 918-207-4963.
August 21
At-Large meeting for Cherokee citizens living in Washington state from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Renton Memorial Stadium, 405 Logan Ave N, in Renton, Washington. Be sure to join us for this exciting meeting with cultural presentations and demonstrations, along with a visit from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, at-large Council members Julia Coates and Johnny Kidwell, and Miss Cherokee Chelbie Turtle. Cherokee Nation Registration, Education Services and Cherokee Vote will also be on hand. A meal will be provided. Stadium seating on-site, so lawn chairs are optional. For questions regarding the event, please call 918-207-4963.
August 23
Election Day: Voting begins today for Oklahoma runoff primary election and special election(s). Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
August 24
Construction recruitment job fair: Cherokee Nation Career Services is hosting an event to promote involvement and partnership in upcoming construction projects. All trades and general laborers are invited to attend to learn about the 48 pending construction projects that Cherokee Nation is involved in. This event is open to Cherokee, Native and non-Native workers and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Siloam Casino, 2416 US-412, in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma. For more information, contact Channing Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
August 26
Traditional games demonstration. Every Friday this summer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., see and take part in a variety of traditional Cherokee games with museum staff in the Cherokee Capitol Square at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. These demonstrations are free and are taught by Cherokee National Treasures Danny McCarter and Noel Grayson. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
The Little Cherokee Ambassador Competition is set for 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship, 718 Pendleton St., in Tahlequah. For more information on the Little Cherokee Ambassadors Competition, call Kristen Thomas at 918-207-4974.
The Cherokee National Holiday Softball Fast Pitch & Co-Ed Tournament kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation Softball Complex in Tahlequah. This tournament runs through Sunday. Entry deadline is August 26 at 5 p.m. Head over to thecherokeeholiday.com/sporting-events/ to view entry fees, game rules, and to download a registration packet. For more information, contact Crystal Bogle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Myra Harvey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are still monitoring the latest COVID-19 conditions, so please check thecherokeeholiday.com for the latest updates.
August 27
In-person and virtual Lake Vian Trail Run. An in-person 1K Fun Run begins at 7 a.m. and an in-person 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. at Armstrong Park, located one mile north of Vian on Highway 82. The race is free to members of the Cherokee Nation Public Health Wings Program, but is also open to non-members for a fee. For more information, contact Isaac Barnoskie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Steven Hatcher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Cherokee National Holiday 12 vs. 12 Co-Ed Stickball Tournament takes place at 10 a.m. at Sequoyah High School Football Field. Only 12 teams allowed with a 15-person roster (10 men and 5 women). Deadline to enter is August 5. For more information or to enter the tournament, contact Tonya Wapskineh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are still monitoring the latest COVID-19 conditions, so please check thecherokeeholiday.com for the latest updates.
The Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition and the Junior Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition will be held at 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship, 718 Pendleton St., in Tahlequah. For more information on the Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition, call Lisa Trice-Turtle at 918-207-4991. For more information on the Junior Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition, call Reba Bruner at 918-453-5397.
August 31
Construction recruitment job fair: Cherokee Nation Career Services is hosting an event to promote involvement and partnership in upcoming construction projects. All trades and general laborers are invited to attend to learn about the 48 pending construction projects that Cherokee Nation is involved in. This event is open to Cherokee, Native and non-Native workers and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hard Rock Casino, 777 West Cherokee St., in Catoosa, Oklahoma. For more information, contact Channing Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ongoing
The “Dennis Sixkiller: Speaking Life into Language” exhibit is running now through September 24 at the Saline Courthouse Museum in Rose. This exhibit looks at the life and career of Dennis Sixkiller, first-language Cherokee speaker and host of “Cherokee Voices, Cherokee Sounds,” the long-running radio broadcast focused on Cherokee people and Cherokee language. Also, the exhibit explores Dennis’ work as a Cherokee language translator and teacher, his ministry, and his love of the traditional Cherokee game of marbles. Admission to the museum is free and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
The “It Takes a Nation: Sequoyah Schools and the Roots of Excellence” exhibit is running now through November 5 at the John Ross Museum in Park Hill. This exhibit examines the story of Sequoyah Schools, which opened in March 1872 to care for Cherokee children orphaned after the American Civil War. Admission to the museum is free and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.
The “Sovereignty on Trial: The Tragedy at Goingsnake” exhibit is running now through April 8, 2023, at the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah. This exhibit looks at what has been called the Goingsnake Massacre on its 150th anniversary. On April 15, 1872, Cherokee Nation citizen Ezekiel Proctor was on trial in a Cherokee Nation court for the murder of Cherokee Nation citizen Mary “Polly” Hildebrand when a U.S. Marshal’s posse sent to arrest Proctor interrupted the trial. Admission to the museum is free and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, go to www.visitcherokeenation.com.