About the park
A place to gather, connect, discover and belong.
Our story
Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park is many things to many people. But first and foremost, it serves as a symbol of the Cherokee peoples’ sovereignty and an opportunity to demonstrate the power and pride of the Cherokee Nation and the incredible things we can accomplish when we act with boldness and intention.
From the outset, we envisioned the park as a place where guests can connect with one another, as well as with this beautiful land and gentle waters.
It is a place where Cherokee culture is rooted in every aspect of our operations, from the way we design gathering spaces to our thoughtful stewardship of the land.
Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park will evolve and thrive the same way our people and our culture have evolved and thrived: With a deep connection to our heritage, a profound sense of gratitude for the present day and a steadfast commitment to the next seven generations of our people and—crucially—to the land itself.
Cherokee Proud, from the ground up
Every aspect of Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park was designed with intention to reflect, celebrate and honor foundational tenets of Cherokee culture, as well as the Cherokee people themselves. Here, you’ll find the Cherokee reverence for nature woven into everything we do, along with an unshakable commitment to the Cherokee concept of gadugi, which, loosely translated, means “we’re better together.”
The Cherokee people have long understood the healing powers of both nature and community, and our deepest desire is to share this understanding—not merely through words, but through experience—with everyone who visits the park, no matter their background. Our goal is to make it easy for guests to spend time outdoors, and that, no matter how long they stay, they leave feeling connected to something bigger than themselves.
Looking ahead: Our commitment to the future
The Cherokee people believe strongly that the people, creatures and wild places of the future deserve the same care and respect as those of the present. That’s why we measure every action against its impact on the following seven generations. This ethos of consideration is woven into all of our decision-making, and it is this dedication to sustainability and cultural continuity that ensures the vibrancy of our people–as well as the land we steward—for generations to come.