Trail of Tears memorial service at New Echota

A service commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Cherokee Trail of Tears is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at New Echota Cherokee Capital State Historic Site, Highway 225 North, in Calhoun, Ga.

The service will pay tribute to citizens of the three sovereign Cherokee Nations and their ancestors: Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (Principal Chief Bill John Baker); United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma (Chief George Wickliffe); and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, North Carolina (Principal Chief Michell Hicks).

Speakers and performers will include Jack Baker, president of the National Trail of Tears Association; Tommy Wildcat, storyteller and award-winning flute player; Sammy Still, storyteller and traditional craftsman; the All Nations Warrior Society Honor Guard and Medicine Ridge Singers; Cherokee Rose and Silena, a mother/daughter singing duo; and Jeff Bishop, president of the Georgia Trail of Tears Association.

The service will take place rain or shine. Related activities are free, although regular admission applies for the museum/site tour.

For more information, contact the Friends of New Echota at 06-537-0067 or friendsofnewechota@gmail.com.

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