CHEROKEE, NC – Divided by their forced removal in 1838, a tragedy known as the Trail of Tears, members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation will reunite to commemorate and celebrate the Cherokee Nation at Red Clay State Park in Cleveland, Tennessee April 16-18, 2009.

“While many miles may separate us from our Cherokee people in Oklahoma, we are still a united Nation and we will be recognizing and celebrating this relationship at this event,” said Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. “As a people and as U.S. citizens, we have an obligation to educate our children and our people about our ancestry and history. This event will assist us in moving the Cherokee people forward while remembering the trials and lessons learned from our past.”

The three-day event begins Thursday, April 16 with a symposium of Native American scholars discussing the historical significance of the Trail of Tears and its impact on Cherokee society. Thursday will also feature cultural demonstrations and performances. The second day begins in Cherokee with the symbolic Eternal Flame Run in which tribal members will run from Cherokee, N.C. to Red Clay State Park. The Chiefs of each tribe will carry torches to lead the runners into the park to commemorate of the return of the Eternal Flame to the historic Red Clay Council Grounds.

Following the run, leaders of the Eastern Band and the Cherokee Nation will meet at a Joint Council to discuss and pass resolutions to symbolize the reunification of the Cherokee Nation. The Red Clay Reunion concludes with a cultural celebration on Saturday, April 17 and includes Cherokee traditional dances, music, storytelling, a stickball game and arts and crafts demonstrations. The entire event is free and open to the public.

“We can never forget the emotional, historic and tragic events that resulted in the Cherokee Nation coming together on these grounds more than 170 years ago,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “The Cherokee government survives because our leaders exhibited great clarity, power and passion while seeking resolution to the conflict brought about by the state of Georgia and the United States. Their courage and wisdom are the reason we have the enduring legacy of the Cherokee people, which is to face adversity, survive, adapt, prosper and excel.”

The historically significant Council Grounds at Red Clay was the seat of Cherokee government from 1832 through1837. It was at Red Clay that Chief John Ross learned the Cherokee were to be forced off their ancestral land and driven west in what would later be called the Trail of Tears. From this site a delegation was sent to Washington in an attempt to dispel the false treaty, and from where fire from the last great council flame would be preserved for future generations who settled in the west.

Cherokee, N.C., presents some of the most significant and culturally authentic events in the United States, rich in elaborate Native American ceremony, regalia, native song and dance, traditional arts and crafts, legends and historic traditions. Cultural attractions include the 60th anniversary of the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” performed at the open-air Mountainside Theater, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Cherokee, N.C., was named 2006 Travel Attraction of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. For more information about Cherokee, visit www.cherokee-nc.com or call (800) 438-1601.

Copyright 2009 Cherokee Tribal Travel & Promotion. All rights reserved. From http://www.cherokee-nc.com.
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