Miss Cherokee

Leadership Competition

About the Event

Miss Cherokee serves as a goodwill ambassador and messenger promoting the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee Nation. She is a role model and is expected to display the best qualities of a young Cherokee woman during her reign. Miss Cherokee attends various events throughout the Cherokee Nation including community meetings, parades and school functions promoting her message. At times she may also attend state and national events. Miss Cherokee, as well as the first and second runners-up, receive a college scholarship.

Important Dates

For more information, see the registration packet.

Categories & Awards

Divisions

Eligibility & Rules

All participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Miss Cherokee must be between 18—22 years of age before the date of the competition.
  • Must be a Cherokee Nation citizen and reside within the Cherokee reservation.
  • Must be a high school graduate or have attained a GED.
  • Must not have been married or ever cohabitated.
  • Must not have been pregnant or given birth.
  • Must not have previously served as Miss Cherokee.

Environmentally Friendly Reservation

Supporting Our Commitment

Osiyo, as good stewards of our Earth, the Cherokee Nation is committed to creating a more environmentally friendly reservation. In 2024, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner signed an Executive Order to limit the use of single-use plastics, and we took the first steps toward implementing this initiative.

Now, in its third year, we are continuing to build on this commitment by further reducing plastic waste at the Cherokee National Holiday. This year, the use of plastic and Styrofoam containers remains prohibited as part of your vendor contract. This specifically includes food serving containers, utensils, cups, and beverages sold in plastic bottles.

We appreciate the progress made and ask for your continued support in using alternative, eco-friendly packaging such as biodegradable containers, paper products, and reusable materials. By working together, we can strengthen our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our events and promote a more sustainable approach to food and beverage service. We thank you for your cooperation and for being part of this important initiative. We look forward to another successful and environmentally responsible Cherokee National Holiday.

Event Details

Event details coming soon. Follow us on social or check back later for updates.

Wado to everyone who came out to celebrate this year’s event. We’ll see you next year!

Registration Open

Available now through July 1, 2026
 at 6:00 PM

Watch Now

Miss & Jr. Miss Cherokee

Leadership Competition

Join in the celebration of Cherokee National Holiday. Watch this year’s events live or check out recordings from the past.

Continue the celebration all year by rewatching livestreamed events from past Cherokee National Holidays.

Cherokee Ambassadors

Annual Award Winners