NSU, City of Tahlequah, and Cherokee Nation roll out The City of Firsts campaign

From Legal and Landmarks to Language and Love, Tahlequah has many firsts to celebrate

TAHLEQUAH, Okla.--- Theres a first time for everything and the City of Tahlequah is taking that sentiment to a whole new level.

In a partnership with Cherokee Nation and Northeastern State University, Tahlequah is rolling out a new branding campaign named: Tahlequah, City of Firsts. The campaign features first time events and actions, most historical and some whimsical, that have occurred throughout Tahlequahs rich history.

The campaign was officially unveiled August 9, as city officials posted new lamppost banners throughout historic Downtown Tahlequah.

Cherokee Nations heritage is intertwined with the City and the University, so it is a mutually beneficial partnership in promoting The City of Firsts campaign in the area, said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Collectively, we understand the historic and modern vision of Tahlequah. It encompasses us all.

From the first institute of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi to the first newspaper in Indian Territory, The City of Firsts campaign highlights Tahlequahs progressive spirit and its commitment to community and economic development. Beginning with the lamppost display, a variety of firsts are now showcased downtown including:

• First Cherokee Principal Chief (Principal Chief John Ross)
• First Commitment To Womens Education - (Cherokee Female Seminary)
• First Written Native American Language - (Sequoyahs Syllabary)
• First Newspaper in Indian Territory - (Cherokee Advocate)
• First Legal System - (Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum)
• First Prison in Indian Territory - (Cherokee National Prison)
• First National Landmark - (Cherokee National Capitol)
• First Date
• First Class on Campus
• First Homecoming Queen
• First Football Game

In conjunction with the campaign, the partnership group has also launched a Facebook page named: Tahlequah City of Firsts. The developers encourage its fans to share their first memories of Tahlequah with the online community.

The City of Firsts campaign is dedicated to the citizens of Tahlequah with the hope that they will embrace the designation as a source of pride while creating a sense of unity with the residential, tribal, educational and civic groups.

Im excited about the new promotional campaign and about the collaborative effort with the tribe and university that gave rise to the project, said Ken Purdy, Mayor of Tahlequah. The City of Firsts campaign will help inform our citys visitors as well as remind our current residents that Tahlequah is a place with a significant history. And, as a growing city, we strive to continue to make the community a place where memorable firsts happen every day.

Located in northeastern Oklahomas Green Country, Tahlequah is a flourishing community of more than 16,500 residents centered in the Illinois River Valley. As the current and historic capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah is considered to be Oklahomas oldest municipality by virtue of incorporation by the 1843 Cherokee National Council, more than half a century before Oklahoma statehood.

The City of Firsts initiative captures not only our unique, shared history, but also the vital relationship among the City of Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation and Northeastern State University, said Dr. Don Betz, President of Northeastern State University. Our futures, like our pasts, are inextricably intertwined. We are collaborating to meet the challenges of the present and to create a dynamic future through our collective efforts and energies."

Today, Tahlequah is a premier civic, historic and cultural destination. Named by True West magazine as one of Americas Top 10 True Western Towns of 2010, Tahlequah showcases its rich history through strategic partnerships aligned at the tribal, civic and educational levels.

About Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign operating government of the Cherokee people. It is a federally recognized tribe of more than 290,000 Cherokee citizens, with its capital located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Employing more than 8,000 people, Cherokee Nations annual economic impact in Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1 billion. To learn more, please visit http://www.cherokee.org.

About Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University, Oklahomas oldest institution of higher learning, is a comprehensive regional university that prepares students to succeed as global citizens by providing exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs, along with the only doctorate of optometry offered in Oklahoma (one of only 20 nationwide). Three campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow bring quality higher education opportunities to eastern Oklahoma, helping communities thrive. For more information, please visit http://www.nsuok.edu.

About the City of Tahlequah

The City of Tahlequah is the oldest municipality in Oklahoma by virtue of an incorporation act by the Cherokee National Council of 1843, more than half a century before Oklahoma gained statehood. Tahlequah has the distinction of being the capital of both the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Tahlequah has a population of more than 16,500 and is located in the "Lakes Country" of Northeastern Oklahoma in Cherokee County. The city is centered in the midst of the Illinois River Valley with Lake Tenkiller and Lake Fort Gibson close by to provide unlimited recreation and beautiful scenery. For more information, please visit http://www.cityoftahlequah.com.