The Cherokee National Youth Choir was established in 2000 as a means to engage Cherokee youth in the preservation and appreciation of Cherokee language and culture. The choir performs traditional and contemporary songs in the Cherokee language.
The choir is made up of young Cherokees, grades 6 through 12, from Cherokee Reservation communities. The students compete in rigorous auditions every year for a place in the choir. The group is a significant symbol to the world at large, demonstrating that the Cherokee language and culture continue to thrive in modern society. Choir members serve as ambassadors, uniting to showcase the strength of the Cherokee Nation and its culture.
Interest in the Cherokee language has been rekindled among many young Cherokees through the success of the youth choir. Several area schools now use the choir’s albums as a learning tool, and other schools are interested in developing a curriculum to teach Cherokee language and music.
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.
