Will Chavez

1 month ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

ROSEVILLE, Calif. – Sabrina McKinney enjoys cultivating and growing Cherokee heirloom seeds she has received from the Cherokee Nation Seed Bank. For “a few years” now she has been growing corn, beans, pumpkins, squash and tobacco using the heirloom seeds to have food to eat and to have seeds to share with members of the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley community group. “I’ve always loved gardening. My family, they were farmers from way back, like everybody’s families.

1 month ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

SALLISAW – After some construction delays, a grand opening ceremony was held for the Sallisaw Veterans Home on Feb. 21. The home is part of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to ensuring Oklahoma veterans receive the highest standard of care in “a comfortable and supportive environment.” The facility is providing skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and specialized programs to enhance the well-being of its residents.

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

TAHLEQUAH – Black History Month in February is celebrated by the Cherokee Nation as this year marks the 159th year of Cherokee Freedmen citizenship in the CN. Historical records show slaves accompanied their Cherokee owners on the Trail of Tears and helped rebuild the CN after the forced removals.

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

TULSA – Cherokee Nation leaders hosted an event at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa on Feb. 11 to celebrate Black History Month with citizens in north Tulsa. Descendants of Freedmen of Five Tribes Association President Marilyn Vann, members of the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization and other Cherokee Freedmen descendants joined Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and other CN leaders to celebrate Black History Month, fellowship and share a meal.

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

BRAGGS – The little-known Civil War Battle of Greenleaf Prairie took place on June 16, 1863, near present-day Braggs and extended to the nearby Arkansas River near what is now Muskogee. It was the “final action in an unsuccessful attempt by Confederate Colonel Stand Watie (Cherokee) and his Cherokee regiment to disrupt Union supply lines to Fort Gibson.”Union or United States infantry and cavalry, commanded by Col. Stephen H. Wattles, quickly caught up with Watie’s forces and defeated them. Col.