Cherokee Nation program offering field trips for students

Ancient Cherokee Days is held Oct. 5-6, and Cherokee Heritage Festival runs Nov. 2-3. Both events feature similar curriculum for school-age children and are presented inside Diligwa, Cherokee Heritage Center’s authentic re-creation of Cherokee life in the early 1700s.

“While we understand that public education is in a budget crisis, we can’t lose sight of the importance of programs like these,” said Dr. Charles Gourd, executive director for the Cherokee Heritage Center. “We offer this experience at a low cost in hopes that students are able to get out of the classroom and experience Cherokee history and culture firsthand. It is the best way to ensure that they develop a thorough understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of the Cherokee people.”

Admission for each event is $5 per student and accompanying adults are only $2. Teachers and bus drivers are free. Admission includes entrance to the Cherokee National Museum, the Trail of Tears exhibit and Adams Corner Rural Village.

The outdoor cultural classes feature interactive curriculum and games based on Cherokee lifestyle in the early 18th century, including craft demonstrations in pottery making, basket weaving, food grinding, weapons or tool making, and language.

Additional stations feature Cherokee games such as chunkey, marbles, stickball, blowguns, language activities and more. Face painting is offered at $1 per design and represents Cherokee tattoos from the early 1700s.

Groups are encouraged to make their visit a daylong event. Picnic tables are available for guests bringing lunches, and there is ample parking for school buses and private vehicles. The Murrell Home, one-half mile south, has additional picnic and playground areas.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information or to register for the events, please contact Tonia Weavel at 918-456-6007 or tonia-weavel@cherokee.org.