Cherokee Nation uses storytelling to preserve culture through Stories on the Square

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Children and families gathered in downtown Tahlequah on Wednesday morning as the Cherokee Nation continued its annual Stories on the Square program, an event designed to share Cherokee culture, history and values with the next generation.

Held at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion, the program brings traditional Cherokee stories to life through weekly storytelling sessions and hands-on activities throughout the month of June.

This week’s storyteller was Cherokee National Treasure of Storytelling Robert Lewis, who has spent more than two decades sharing traditional stories with audiences across the country.

Lewis said storytelling has long played an important role in Cherokee culture.

“Traditionally, the storyteller told the stories and taught the children about the history, where we came from, what we’re doing and what our traditional values are about,” Lewis explained.

Through stories featuring animals, lessons and humor, Lewis said children learn more than just entertainment. 

He said they learn values such as kindness, respect and community.

“For the first time of their lives, they’ve felt part of it with everyone else and when this aspect of becoming part with each other becomes our sense of humanity, being kind to one another.”

Organizers said those lessons remain remain just as important today as they were generations ago.

“Kids were having a blast and they learned some good stories and some good values—good Cherokee values that we can all carry forward,” said Donna Tinnin, the Senior Manager of Cherokee Nation Museums and Events.

Families attending the event said they appreciated the opportunity to introduce younger children to Cherokee traditions and culture through storytelling.

According to the Cherokee Nation, Stories on the Square is hosted every Wednesday in June from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion in historic downtown Tahlequah.

Following each storytelling session, children can participate in a free make-and-take craft activity. 

Upcoming storytellers include Cherokee actress and storyteller Candice Byrd-Boney on June 17, followed by traditional Cherokee storyteller Larry Shade on June 24.

All Stories on the Square events are free and open to the public.