Thousands Come To Tahlequah For 70th Annual Cherokee National Holiday

Thousands of people are in Tahlequah this weekend to celebrate the Cherokee National Holiday.

This year is the 70th holiday, which commemorates the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Nation Constitution.

People told News On 6 that they were excited to see their neighbors and support their culture.

"The Cherokee Nation Holiday is just to remember our ancestors,” said Chelsea Christie.

This year’s celebration included a parade, fun run and shopping.

But the Cherokee Nation Holiday is also a chance to learn about and practice Cherokee traditions.

"It's pretty cool to see everybody that's in our culture and everything and just have fun," said Sy Acuna, a member of the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee leaders gave speeches and Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. gave his State of the Nation address.

Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said the best part was seeing everyone come together for the day.

"I think today is togetherness, more than anything,” said Warner. “And then forging that legacy, we can't do it, one person. It has to be really a team effort."

People of all ages traveled from across the U.S. to honor their heritage.

"You're going to see all kinds of people, and they don't just live in Oklahoma, they don't just live in northeast Oklahoma, there are people from Oregon, California, Texas,” said Warner. “I can name almost every single state in the Union, they come back home for this homecoming today."

People said events like this help keep native traditions alive.

"If you don't keep it alive, then it's not going to be around, it will die out,” said Brenda Sixkiller, who watched her Cherokee son march in the parade. “Lot of it now, the younger generation don't even know, let alone their language."

The weekend of celebrations will wrap up Sunday.

Visitors will get the chance to go to a car show, play in a golf tournament and see fireworks.