Annual Meeting and Chief’s Picnic

On Sunday, April 23rd, the Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach hosted our Annual Meeting and Chief’s Picnic at Rush Ranch in Suisan City. This was a record-breaking year, with over 880 attendees and over 330 guests registered for their Cherokee Nation ID cards. Many thanks to our volunteers from Cherokees of Northern Central Valley and neighboring Cherokee Society of the Greater Bay Area who assisted throughout the day to serve our community in the spirit of gadugi (coming together as one and working to help one another).

The day was filled with love and laughter, guests visiting with old friends, and meeting new Cherokee citizens for the first time. We all enjoyed the many events of the day, including meeting and listening to Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Delegate to the US House of Representatives Kim Teehee, Tribal Councilors Julia Coates and Johnny Jack Kidwell, storytelling by Robert Lewis, flute music by Tommy Wildcat, as well as participating in crafts by Pam Bakke, honoring elders Franc Blackbird and Mark Harrison, shopping for merchandise, and savoring great BBQ! At the end of the day, we all felt loved and happy, with our bellies full, hearts overflowing with love, and proud to be Cherokee. We hope to see everyone again next year!