"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CHC to Host the Cherokee Games

PARK HILL, Oklahoma – The Cherokee Games represent an ancient tradition played out by the Cherokees for hundreds of years. The public is invited to come out to the Cherokee Heritage Center on Saturday, June 7, for a day filled with traditional games, beginning at 10 a.m. with the Cornstalk Shoot competition. The Blowgun Shoot will follow at 11 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in each competition.

The Cornstalk Shoot dates back to a time when Cherokee hunters maintained their sharp shooting accuracy with their bows and arrows. To keep the tips of the arrows from breaking, participants would shoot through a large bank of dried cornstalks. Today the game is played in much the same way. Approximately 200 cornstalks, about three feet long, are laid down to create a target wall one foot thick. Participants shoot from a distance of 80 to 100 yards. The winner is determined by the total number of points scored for each shot.

The blowguns are made from rivercane, which is similar to bamboo. Darts for this six to eight-foot long gun are typically made of Bois d’arc wood and thistle down. Traditionally, the blowgun was used for hunting small game. Today blowguns are rarely used for hunting. Instead they are primarily reserved for demonstration and competitions. Competitors shoot at a target approximately 20 yards away. Points are determined by the dart’s proximity to the bull’s-eye.

There is no charge to compete in the games and participants are not required to be Cherokee. Participants will need to bring their own equipment in order to participate in each of the games.

The activities on June 7 mark the first of a two-part series of Cherokee Games to be played at the Cherokee Heritage Center, located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill, OK. The second part, featuring Marbles, Stickball and Chunkey, will be held on Saturday, September 27.

The entire family is invited to spend the day at the Cherokee Heritage Center and enjoy the newly remodeled museum store.

For more information on Cherokee Games, please call Tonia Weavel, phone: 918-456-6007 (ext.241) or call toll free 888-999-6007, or send e-mail to: education@cherokeeheritage.org.