Cherokee Chat: Thanks in Cheroke

Wa do (or Wado) is the English phonetic spelling of 'thank you' in Cherokee.

Although many people still have antiquated and inaccurate images of the American Thanksgiving with pilgrims and Natives gathered around a large dinner table, I know it is a traditional time of thanks for many of our Tribal Nations.  Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday given to us by the First Nations and not pilgrims.

Rather than reflect on the genocide, slavery, theft and other atrocities actually associated with the historical events of the 1600s, my family and I set aside time for each other and give thanks for the past year as we plan for the next.

With the Cherokee Nation more than 300,000 Tribal citizens strong across the world and more than 8,000 government and business employees combined, we should have high employment, self-sufficient families and increased home ownership.

In other words, the Cherokee Nation, our partners, neighbors and families are blessed and should have much to be thankful for in 2014.

As I prepare for my much anticipated family time, I am thankful to have had the pleasure to have served you for three consecutive four-year terms on Tribal Council.

Since I took office in 2003, I have had the opportunity to serve the Tribe nationally on health research and funding, sovereignty, self-governance, water quality and water rights issues and much, much more for almost 12 years.  I will always be thankful for the chance to serve our Nation and improve the Tribe and Indian Country through my personal work.

In the coming year, I know we have much work to do as a Tribe to improve the lives of our citizens and our communities.

As Cherokee, we are taught to be prayerful and thankful throughout the year.  Prayer and thanks for humbling and bring me perspective to every situation.

My prayers for 2015 will be focused on a stronger Cherokee Nation.

WADO for giving me the opportunity to serve you!

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If you have questions, issues or concerns about the Cherokee Nation government, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or write me at P.O. Box 2922, Claremore, OK 74018.  A well written brief email will get your issue, request or concern addressed, efficiently and effectively.

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To contact the Tribe, call (918) 453-5000 or visit www.cherokee.org.

Cara Cowan Watts is an elected Tribal legislator within the Cherokee Nation for portions of Rogers and Tulsa Counties.