THE INTERIOR OF THE LARGER-THAN-LIFE “VESSEL” IN FRONT OF THE NEW ANNA MITCHELL CULTURAL & WELCOME CENTER PAYS HOMAGE TO MITCHELL’S ARTISTRY. COURTESY OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.
SkasdiCon , on Nov. 5. The event features Indigenous artists, Native pop culture, comic book and cosplay panel discussions, a screening and panel for Inage’i (an original animated series in the Cherokee language), vendor booths and a family- friendly cosplay competition. • Through the first half of November, free fall festivals at Sequoyah Cabin Museum in Sallisaw and Saline Courthouse Museum in Rose feature activities and games, make-and-take crafts for kids and photo ops amidst the beautiful fall foliage. • On Nov. 12, experience Cherokee Day at the Saline Courthouse Museum with free activities, including artist demonstrations, musical performances and make-and-take crafts for kids.
pottery, the center will host a pottery show through the end of the year. All Cherokee Nation museums and attractions in and around the Nation’s capital of Tahlequah offer free admission. For additional fees, take part in cultural classes on moccasin making, twining, pottery and more. DON’T MISS The larger-than-life “vessel” in front of the new Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, an homage to Mitchell’s pottery, is sure to become an iconic destination for photo ops on Route 66.
Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center Vinita About 2.5 hours northeast of OKC Opened this fall, the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center in Vinita showcases Cherokee art, culture and history. The center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, refreshments and a gift shop. The center is named for award-winning Cherokee National Treasure and renowned artist Anna Mitchell, who was known as a trailblazer and widely accepted as an authority on both Southeastern and Eastern Woodlands-style pottery. In recognition of Mitchell and her traditional, handmade
MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Attend the first Indigenous comic convention in Cherokee Nation,
building . Built in 1898, the Victorian-style structure is now a museum that details how the Chickasaw people fought for tribal identity and independence. Next door, visit the Chickasaw Council House to see collections of pottery, jewelry, beadwork, artifacts and artwork.
A few minutes away in Milburn, visit the Chickasaw White House , the Victorian- style home of Chickasaw Gov. Douglas H. Johnston also built in 1898. The home was the setting for many important social and political events.
Chickasaw Cultural Center & surrounding sites Sulphur & Tishomingo About 90 minutes southeast of OKC
Experience the living history and culture of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw people through awe-inspiring indoor and outdoor exhibits. Inside the center, walk through the Spirit Forest , where the sights and sounds envelop visitors, to understand the Chickasaw people’s connection to the natural world. Along the Removal Corridor , experience the atrocities and emotions of forced removal through the Indian Removal Act. Outdoors, visit The Chikasha Inchokka’ (Chickasaw house) Traditional Village to explore re-creations of a Council House, two summer houses, two winter houses, a replica mound, a corn crib and a stickball field. Continue your journey by traveling to Tishomingo, about 30 minutes south of Sulphur, to the Chickasaw Nation Capitol
Admission to the historic sites in Tishomingo and Milburn is free; booking tour reservations in advance is recommended. DON’T MISS Plan your day in Sulphur and Tishomingo around at the daily stomp dances at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A treasured tradition, the stomp dance illustrates the Chickasaw people’s spiritual and musical connection to nature through song and dance. Stomp dancers perform in traditional regalia and visitors are encouraged to participate.
THE CHICKASAW NATIONAL CAPITOL BUILDING HOUSES A MUSEUM ABOUT HOW THE CHICKASAW PEOPLE FOUGHT FOR TRIBAL IDENTITY AND INDEPENDENCE. COURTESY OF CHICKASAW COUNTRY.
60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022
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