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 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.