Cherokee History Class Comes to Old Sacramento
In late August, we were honored to help host a Cherokee History Class with Cherokee Nation. Historians Catherine Foreman Gray and David Fowler shared their incredible knowledge throughout the weekend while artist Katie Ross Penland taught us basket weaving. Please enjoy these beautiful photos from members, with many coming from Deirdre Fitzgerald (ꮹꮩ wado, Deirdre!).
The unique location in Old Sacramento next to the California State Railroad Museum just added to the experience. There’s something special about learning our history and weaving baskets while looking out at unpaved roads and horses, standing on wooden walkways.
The class went through our origin story up to Oklahoma statehood. There was rich discussion about controversial aspects of our shared history and deep engagement throughout the class. All participants received a beautiful history book. The beauty and diversity of the baskets made together were impressive as well!
We are truly grateful to Catherine, David, and Katie for coming out and sharing their knowledge and skill with us. We are grateful to Cherokee Nation for providing this incredible class, to the board for helping coordinate and pay for catering, Deirdre for sharing her photography skills, and to our incredible community for coming out to learn our important history. For all Cherokee Nation citizens, this is vital information for us all to know and continue to pass down.
— Sabrina McKinney, Chair