Cherokee Nation Hosts Sequoyah Day on May 18

Sequoyah’s cabin has been restored by Cherokee National Heritage

Published May 14, 2019

Family-friendly event features Cherokee culture, art, activities

SALLISAW, Okla. — Enjoy a day of traditional Cherokee art, music and more, honoring legendary statesman and inventor of the Cherokee syllabary, Sequoyah.

Sequoyah Day begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum in Sallisaw.

“We are proud to once again bring this unique event to life. Sequoyah Day is a celebration of Cherokee culture at the home of the statesman who invented the Cherokee syllabary,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “This historic site in Sequoyah County, which Cherokee Nation now owns and operates, is the perfect environment to share our tribe’s heritage and hospitality with visitors of all ages.”

The family-friendly event features live performances, interactive activities and cultural demonstrations such as pottery, shell carving, basketry, painting, traditional weapons and more.

Activities include Cherokee marbles, blow guns, stickball, atlatl and rock sling throwing. Children’s activities include Sequoyah finger puppets, silhouette drawings and corn husk flowers.

The event includes multiple performances from the Cherokee National Youth Choir and Cherokee Adult Choir, as well as a special presentation about Sequoyah at 1:30 p.m.

The cabin was constructed by Sequoyah in 1829 and welcomes more than 12,000 visitors each year. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and a National Literary Landmark in 2006. The homestead includes a one-room cabin and nearly 200 acres.

Prior to reopening under Cherokee Nation management in 2017, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum received much-needed repairs and renovations.

The museum now features large displays that share the story of Sequoyah, his development of the Cherokee syllabary and the Cherokee language today. Additional displays showcase the history of the Cherokee Old Settlers, Cherokee Nation post-removal and the Cherokee Nation today. The museum also features a new retail space offering Cherokee Nation apparel, gifts and souvenirs.

The museum is located at Highway 101, 7 miles east of Highway 59 in Sallisaw. For more information about Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum, please visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.

WHAT:      Sequoyah Day

WHEN:     Saturday, May 18
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE:   Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum
Highway 101, 7 miles east of Highway 59
Sallisaw, OK

 

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