Cherokee Nation Businesses recently opened its newest casino resort, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah. The venue showcases Cherokee history and culture throughout, with artwork and design elements focusing on the legendary Cherokee 18th century warrior-turned-peacemaker Nancy Ward, also known as Nanyehi in Cherokee, and her cousin and fellow Cherokee leader Dragging Canoe, or Tsiyu. The facility also honors the Cherokee statesman and linguist Sequoyah.
The casino features mannequins of Nanyehi and Tsiyu in period-e clothing and artwork by 53 Cherokee artists including Cherokee National Treasures Bill Glass Jr., Bill Rabbit, David Scott, Demos Glass, Eddie Morrison, Jane
Osti, Martha Berry, Noel Grayson, Perry VanBuskirk, Richard Shade, Roger Cain, Thelma Forrest and Tommy Wildcat. Historical Cherokee artifacts, on loan from the Cherokee Heritage Center and displayed at the Chota Center entrance, rotating every April.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said, “The art, history and heritage of the Cherokee Nation is beautifully exhibited at our newest entertainment facility. Patrons can wander the entire facility and experience different aspects of Cherokee culture. We’ve amassed and displayed the works and crafts of master Cherokee artisans and that collection rivals most art museums in the country.”
Cherokee Nation Businesses Director of Cultural Art and Design Gina Olaya noted, “Through the involvement of such a vast amount of artists, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah provides a great view of the depth of talent we have within the Cherokee Nation. The entire location exemplifies our tribe’s unique and beautiful culture and offers visitors the opportunity to learn and enjoy our history, language and heritage.”
Venue names like the White Wolf Steakhouse and Ancient Oak Tavern continue the historical theme. The Chota Conference Center is named after the historic Overhill town, the Cherokee Nation capital from the late 1740s to 1788, believed to be Ward’s birthplace.
Cherokee Nation Businesses’ cultural art department staff and art committees select each piece of art displayed at every CNB property. They play a critical role in selecting culturally appropriate designs, materials, textures, colors, names and themes to accurately represent Cherokee culture, language and customs.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the wholly owned gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation, operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa; nine Cherokee Casinos, including a horseracing track; three hotels; three golf courses; and other retail venues.
