Cherokee Nation celebrates Cherokee culture and environmental awareness at Watercress Fest | News [Video]

MAYES COUNTY, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation celebrated Cherokee culture and environmental awareness at the first Watercress Fest on Saturday.

The festival was held at the historic Saline Courthouse Museum in Rose. The grounds of the museum holds the aquatic plant watercress.

The festival included cultural experiences such as traditional games, art demonstrations, a pop-up market, Native food trucks and live music.

The Cherokee Nation says the festival was created to increase environmental awareness and to educate the public on issues affecting Cherokee citizens.

“The protection of our natural resources is vital to the preservation of our Cherokee lifeways,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a press release. “This event is an opportunity for us to come together in appreciation for what the Earth has given us and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that these resources continue to thrive for the next seven generations.”

The festival included …