Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma Named One Of The ‘Top Ten True Western Towns Of 2010′ By True West Magazine

TAHLEQUAH, Okla., (February, 2010) — Dispelling the notion of western towns as nothing more than Hollywood movie-lore, Cherokee Nation and its capital city of Tahlequah is a thriving cultural community that has earned the seventh spot on the list of ‘Top Ten True Western Towns of 2010′ as recognized by True West magazine.

True West editors determine winners for this annual award based on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events and promotions of historic resources.

“The Cherokee have made it their mission to preserve their culture and hand it down to future generations,” says True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “Their heritage is a proud one-and their efforts to keep it alive deserve honors.”

In January 2009, Cherokee Nation created a cultural tourism program with genuine Cherokee perspective and cultural experiences that is distinctively branded: “Osiyo, Cherokees Say Hello Like No One Else.” The foundation of the tourism program rests in its cultural, historical, natural and recreational resources of the Cherokee Nation, which includes the 14-county area located in northeastern Oklahoma that spans 7,000-square miles.

Cherokee Nation realized the significance of the many historical sites and landmarks for the cultural tours and made a commitment to the preservation of four key locations including the Cherokee National Supreme Court Building, Ross Cemetery, the Cherokee National Capitol Building and Cherokee National Jail. Each site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This recognition speaks volumes to the commitment by the Cherokee Nation to honor its heritage,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which oversees the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Department. “By working with our community partners in building a successful cultural tourism program, we are able to share our story with future generations and the public at large.”

True West magazine recognized that the Cherokee believe in a philosophy of ‘gadugi’ -working together for the benefit of all. The magazine added that there’s no better example of that than in Tahlequah, the capital city of the Cherokee Nation, and the focus of remarkable tribal efforts to preserve and teach its history.

Contributing to the success of the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program and True West magazine selection are key stakeholders including Cherokee Nation, City of Tahlequah, Tahlequah Main Street Associates, Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, Northeastern State University and a variety of downtown vendors. In addition, Cherokee Nation Entertainment has an alliance with historic sites, museums and points of interest across the Cherokee Nation including the Cherokee Heritage Center, Murrell Home and Will Rogers Museum.

The Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program features four historically authentic tours that include lunch and feature an interpretative guide on the Cherokee History Tour, Cherokee Old Settler Tour, Civil War History Tour, and Will Rogers History Tour.

The top spot in True West magazine’s ‘Top Ten True Western Towns of 2010′ went to Virginia City, Nev. For the complete list, go to http://wwwtwmag.com.

For information on the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program, call (877) 779-6977 or visit http://www.cherokeetourismok.com.

About True West Magazine
True West magazine is in its 57th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit twmag.com or call 888-687-1881.

About Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Department
The Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Department is managed by Cherokee Nation Entertainment and was created in 2007 to promote the story of the Cherokee people. Efforts by the Cherokee Nation include developing guided community and educational tours, creating tourism partnerships and programs throughout northeastern Oklahoma, and launching a new Cherokee tourism-specific web site. For more information, please visit http://www.cherokeetourismok.com.

About Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. Cherokee Nation Entertainment owns and operates the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, five Cherokee Casinos, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, three hotels, two golf courses and many other retail operations in northeastern Oklahoma. For more information, please visit http://www.cherokeestarrewards.com.

About Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign operating government of the Cherokee people. It is a federally recognized tribe of more than 280,000 Cherokee citizens, with its capitol located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Employing more than 6,500 people, Cherokee Nation’s annual economic impact in Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1 billion dollars. To learn more, please visit http://www.cherokee.org.

February 17, 2010   Posted in: United States Central