CNCV: Organization of the Year and Report from CCO Conference
We are proud to announce that the CNCV has been selected as the Organization of the Year!
This recognition honors the heart, dedication, and teamwork shown by YOU, our beloved CNCV community members. Together, we have all built a strong, culturally rooted, and active organization that continues to grow and uplift our Cherokee values, here at home and connecting us back to our homelands.
Highlights from our nomination include:
A strong online presence that keeps our community informed and connected
Ongoing in-person and virtual visits with our sister community, Marble City Activity Organization
Our beloved Annual Campout, featuring Cherokee presenters, cultural games like marbles and stickball, crafts, and traditional foods like nixtamalized corn, bean bread, and bison Indian tacos
Participation in the Harvesting Our Heritage heirloom seed program
Formation of a Cherokee Language Study Group with an active Google Classroom
Through every gathering, study session, shared meal, and seed planted—we continue to live the Cherokee value of Gadugi, working together for the good of our people.
Wado to each and every one of you who contributes your time, talents, and heart to this work. This award is for all of us.
Together, we all serve this community with heart and purpose, as the front line of our culture’s preservation and perpetuation. Without each of YOU, we would cease to remain the strong, flourishing nation we are.
In unity and pride,
Sabrina McKinney, Chairperson
Report: CCO Conference of Community Leaders
CNCV leaders recently traveled to the Cherokee Nation reservation to attend a leadership conference: Elena Hansen, Roxanna Horne and granddaughter Irie, Sabrina McKinney, and Sheila Zangrilli.
The Conference was full of informative culture and history, inspiring capacity and leadership building sessions, and connecting with at-large and on-reservation groups (over 650 community leaders in attendance) - all to bring back information, innovation, and inspiration to our community! Our cup was filled thanks to all these amazing people.
CNCV leaders then participated in cultural enrichment days to bring back more - art appreciation, copper jewelry making, visiting the Tribal Complex and Veterans Center (visiting a memorial brick for my grandfather - a Cherokee veteran warrior), board capacity training, basket making, corn husk doll making, storytelling, genealogy research info, traditional games, visiting museums and an old spring house, scouting crawdads and watercress, lots of eating, and participating in a stomp dance - ceremony central to us as Cherokees.
Please enjoy these additional photos of the trip!
