Ouachita Cherokee Fall Gathering of the Clans

SUBMITTED BY LYN DILBECK –

The Ouachita Cherokee of Cherokee Nation West would like to extend an invitation to all, to join them at their fall “Gathering of the Clans.” All members in good standing and the public are welcome to attend. Admission is free. Saturday Oct. 4th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Polk County Fair Grounds commercial building in Mena, Ark.

Among the activities will be a Warrior Society will open the day at 10:00 a.m. with prayer and entry.

At 11:00 a.m. Tommy Young from the Arkansas Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center will be joining the festivities. Tommy will do a presentation of “Birds of Prey.” This is a great experience for children young and old. Come take advantage of this rare opportunity and help the center as well.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., local artist Gilda Meyers will be sharing her knowledge of hand-crafted pottery from gathering your clay from the land, to firing your pot. Gilda will take you on a journey through the whole process to finished pot.

Vera Baker, woman of the Wolf Clan has donated a beautiful quilt. Take a chance to win the quilt; it will be given away at the end of the show.  Several artisans will be with there, giving you a chance to view their work and pick up a unique piece of their art.

Come spend the day, meet old friends, and make new ones. If you are a member who has not yet found your clan, please come, bring your family tree and they will be glad to help you. Clan Mothers will be available to visit and share your clan history. The Ouachita Cherokees look forward to visiting with everyone once again before Winter covers the land with her blanket of snow. Traditionally, Cherokee people would gather several times a year to visit, share stories, and learn.

For more information contact Lyn at 479-243-0713 or call the tribal office at 479-437-3700.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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