Traditional Native Games

Marbles

About the Event

An enjoyable team game that is played using marbles the size of billiard balls, on a field approximately 100 feet long, with five holes, placed 10 to 12 yards apart, forming an L-shape. All are welcome to join in a favorite game or watch in fun and fellowship.

The first events are qualifiers for the Traditional Native Games Championship. After the championship, Cherokee National Holiday will feature its own traditional games tournaments! All games are open to the public, with free admission for competitors and spectators.

 

Important Dates

Categories & Awards

  • Top three placers at each location receive a t-shirt and an invitation to compete in the Traditional Native Games Championship (only one (1) shirt per sport per qualifier)
  • Top three placers at the championship will receive a cash award:
    • 1st Place: $1,200
    • 2nd Place: $800
    • 3rd Place: $600

Divisions

  • Adult Division: Ages 15 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 14 & Under

Eligibility & Rules

  • A mercy rule will be implemented for the semi-finals and finals only
  • Russian billiards balls are preferred
  • Regular billiards or oversized cue balls are allowed
  • Carom, stone or steely marbles will not be permitted

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

Saturday 
– Saturday
March 21 
– August 29
Multiple Locations

Schedule of Events

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

Saturday
April 18
10:00 AM

Saline Courthouse Museum

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

Saturday
May 2
10:00 AM

Sallisaw Middle School

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

Saturday
May 16
10:00 AM

Washington County Cherokee Association

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

Saturday
June 6
10:00 AM

Cherokee Nation Archery Range

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Marbles Qualifier

Saturday
July 18
10:00 AM

Rogers State University

Aug

29

Community Games Championship

Marbles Championship

Saturday
August 29
10:00 AM

One Fire Field