Keetoowahs plan annual parade

TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is pleased to announce its 5th Annual Keetoowah Cherokee Celebration Parade as a part of the 59th Annual Keetoowah Cherokee Celebration. “We honor our ancestors by commemorating the signing of our constitution at this special festival. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Keetoowah Cherokee Traditions -1859-2009 – Still the Sacred Fire Burns”, said Keetoowah Cherokee Chief George Wickliffe .

Keetoowah Legend says that seven wise men went on top of a mountain (near what is now the TN-NC border), and the Creator gave them the sacred fire. He told them “From this day forward, you shall be known as Kituwa” (pronounced gah due wah).

The seven men took the fire directly from Unetlanv (the Creator) to their mother town, which became known as "Kituwah." A great wise man of the Keetoowahs stated in the 1700's that if the Keetoowahs quit honoring the Creator and thanking him for all that he provides in the manner he ordered, the Creator would forget about the Keetoowahs, as well.

Today, the tribe honors the Creator by maintaining the name "Keetoowah," and keeping the sacred fire burning. Although some Keetoowah Cherokees have adopted parts of other religions, all keep the traditions alive and honor and respect the messages from the Creator and hold their name as sacred as the fire.

Several marching bands will be performing in the Keetoowah Cherokee Celebration Parade. Confirmed bands at this time include NSU, Stilwell High School , and Oktaha High School . Members of the crowd pleasing Shriner’s International will also be participating in this year’s parade.

The parade marshal will be Kenneth Corn. Kenneth Corn is an Oklahoma Senator from District 4, which includes Sequoyah and Le Flore counties. He was elected as Caucus Chair for the Senate Democrats in November, 2008. He previously served in the House from 1998-2002.

Prize money will be awarded for the best floats, and the first place winners will receive $200, second place winners will receive $150 and third place winners will receive $100.

“Tahlequah has always loved parades, and we expect good participation from the community, as well as from surrounding communities. Bring your kids and grandchildren out, there will be lots of toys, prizes and candy given away. We would like to invite your organization to be a part this special event. We invite groups with floats, walking groups, groups or individuals riding in cars or trucks, kids on bikes or wagons, and even their pets to be a part of this event, ” said parade organizer Marilyn Craig. For more information, call (918) 431-1818.

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