Tribal membership in the Cherokee Nation, as well as the Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, is determined by a person's ancestor(s) being listed on the Dawes Commission Rolls from 1899 to 1906. At the turn of the 20th century, citizenship was established by Dawes Commission enrollment as a prelude to Oklahoma statehood. Each year at the holiday, the Cherokee Nation honors those tribal elders.

A reception for original enrollees and their families will be hosted by the registration department from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, in the Tribal Council Chambers. Original enrollees will be greeted by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith and Deputy Chief Hastings Shade, with whom they may have their photos taken for their family album. In addition, they will receive a gift and certificates. The oldest enrollee in attendance and the enrollee traveling the greatest distance to the holiday will receive plaques from Chief Smith.

For more information, contact Lela Ummerteskee, tribal registrar, at (918) 456-0671, Ext. 2315.