Traditional Native Games

Stickball

About the Event

Cherokees proudly demonstrate the versatility of stickball, “The Little Brother of War,” through a wide variety of events at Cherokee National Holiday. 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. Cherokee National Holiday will also feature its own traditional games tournament, exhibition and social games! All games are open to the public, with free admission for spectators.

Important Dates

Categories & Awards

Stickball Shootout Qualifiers & Championship

  • 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: $250
    • 2nd Place: $150
    • 3rd Place: $100

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

  • 1st Place: $2,000
  • 2nd Place: $1,200
  • 3rd Place: $800

Divisions

Stickball Shootout Qualifiers & Championship

  • Men’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Women’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 13 & Under

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

  • 12 vs. 12 Co-Ed
    • 20-person roster (eight men, four women)

Stickball Exhibition

  • Men’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Women’s Division: Ages 14 & Over
  • Youth Division: Ages 13 & Under

Stickball Social Game

Eligibility & Rules

  • All calls final by head referee
  • All players must sign a waiver before playing
  • No richochet points allowed
  • No swinging or throwing sticks
  • No blindside, bodyslams, horsecollars or tackling below the waist
  • No points for tapping pole, points for shots only
  • No fighting or verbal arguments

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
 – September 5
Multiple Locations

Schedule of Events

Apr

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

Saturday
April 18
11:00 AM

Saline Courthouse Museum

May

2

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

Saturday
May 2
11:00 AM

Sallisaw Middle School

May

16

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

Saturday
May 16
11:00 AM

Washington County Cherokee Association

Jun

6

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

Saturday
June 6
11:00 AM

Cherokee Nation Archery Range

Jul

18

Community Games Qualifier

Stickball Shootout Qualifier

Saturday
July 18
11:00 AM

Rogers State University

Aug

29

Tournament

Inter-Tribal Stickball Tournament

Saturday
August 29

Tentative

Coming Soon

Sep

5

Community Games Championship

Stickball Shootout Championship

Saturday
September 5
11:00 AM

Sequoyah High School Track