Will Chavez

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

TAHLEQUAH – This year’s “Remember the Removal” cyclists were introduced on April 14 during the regular Tribal Council meeting. Team members stood before the council and introduced themselves in Cherokee and in English, sharing their names, ages, hometowns, where they attend school, their parents and grandparents’ names and other information. They also explained they are “proud” members of the 2025 RTR team that will retrace the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears in June.

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

The grave of Trail of Tears survivor Dorcas Bushyhead Buffington now has a metal plaque from the Oklahoma Trail of Tears Association signifying she survived the Trail of Tears in 1838 and 1839. The grave of her husband Harry Buffington also received a plaque.

2 months ago | cherokeephoenix.org | Will Chavez

For the first time, the Oklahoma Trail of Tears Association marked the graves of Cherokee Freedmen who survived the Trail of Tears that occurred in 1838 and 1839.

Mar 13, 2025 | 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.

Feb 28, 2025 | 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.