Tahlequah, Oklahoma — The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma played host to the annual Tri-Council meeting of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, beginning on June 18 and concluding with the general session on June 20. The annual Tri-Council meetings allowed the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma to communicate, cooperate, support, and learn from each tribe’s experience dealing with current pressing issues.
UKB Chief Joe Bunch, Secretary Joyce Hawk, and Treasurer Sonja Gourd joined representatives from the EBCI and CNO throughout the week to tour the New Durbin Feeling Immersion School/Language Center, visit the Mige Glory Veterans Housing Addition, and see the Ga-Li-Sto-De Housing Addition. These tours gave the Cherokee tribal leadership members the opportunity to showcase and discuss their own programs and initiatives and share ideas.
The annual golf tournament took place at Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Springs Golf Course on that Wednesday. There was also a “Painting with Amanda” session that was held at the CNO Tribal Council Committee Meeting Room at the WW Keehler Complex.
UKB Chief Joe Bunch, Secretary Joyce Hawk, Treasure Sonja Gourd, and council representatives Willie Christie, Charles Smoke, Peggy Girty, and Pete Kingfisher all attended the general session on June 20, where the three tribes voted to pass a resolution that would call for the preservation of Moccasin Bend.
“The Tri-Council strongly opposes any new construction on Moccasin Bend and fully supports initiatives to protect its natural, historical, and cultural resources. By protecting this historic site, we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and preserve a vital piece of our history,” said Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Hicks. “I want to thank the Tri-Council for their unified approach to this preservation effort, demonstrating our collective commitment to protecting our sacred sites.”
Moccasin Bend is a site rich in Cherokee historical and cultural significance. It is located on the Tennessee River peninsula in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Moccasin Bend is full of archaeological and historic significance and holds evidence of ancient villages and burial mounds.
“Like the scripture says ‘for as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,’” UKB Treasurer Sonja Gourd said. “Tri-council is the one week where we can join our brothers and sisters in the EBCI and CNO to come together, utilizing our individual functions to benefit the one body: our people. I believe our ancestors would be proud to see how we bond in fellowship, express our support for each other—like with the Moccasin Bend issue—and display what it means to be Ani'-Yun'wiya [principal people].”
Thursday concluded with a cultural lunch at CNO’s One Fire Field and a Tracey Lawrence concert at the Hard Rock in Catoosa.
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma will host the annual event in June 2025.
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