Annual Meeting and Chief’s Picnic 2026
On Sunday, April 26th, the Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach hosted our Annual Meeting and Chief’s Picnic in Antioch. California has the second largest population of Cherokee Nation citizens outside of Oklahoma: nearly 28,000! We had a RECORD-BREAKING turnout for the Nation, with at least 1,140 attendees coming from throughout Northern California. 303 citizens registered for their Cherokee Nation photo ID cards and 50 applied as citizens.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our incredible volunteers from our community, Cherokees of Northern Central Valley, and neighboring Cherokee Society of the Greater Bay Area. These volunteers worked hard throughout the day to serve our community in the spirit of our core value ᎦᏚᎩ gadugi (coming together as one and working to help one another). They tirelessly served their community all day long. And everyone thoroughly enjoyed the traditional hog fry, frybread, and beans!
We visited with our Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, Tribal Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell, Gadugi Corps Director Shawn Crittenden, Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Bunch, Cherokee Nation department leaders, National Treasure Tommy Wildcat, Melissa Payne, Gadugi Portal, Education, and Public Health, and CCO staff. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. spoke about the tribe’s work to improve health care access, support education, preserve and grow our culture and language, and increase jobs, infrastructure, and outreach. There were so many resources and great information shared on language, culture, health care, education, and more!
Principal Chief Hoskin bestowed a new Cherokee Honored Elder award to our valued retiring board member, Eloise Talk. Many community members enjoyed collecting new books, t-shirts, hats, and other items. We gave out seed packets from our little heirloom garden, stickers, and crafts.
The day was filled with love, joy, and so much laughter. We loved visiting with family and friends, and of course making new Cherokee friends and finding new family. On this day, and every day, we are so proud to be Cherokee! Our tribe and at-large organization are thriving thanks to its wonderful citizens who focus on family, community, and service to each other.
ᏩᏙ wado (thank you) to all and we hope to see everyone again next year!
— Sabrina McKinney
