Cherokee National Treasure Darrell Littledeer brings ribbon skirt and shirt workshops to Adair County communities

By Staff Reports

Cherokee National Treasure Darrell Littledeer teaches a student. (Photo by Troy Littledeer | @kituwahpunk)

Cherokee National Treasure Darrell Littledeer has spent the past several weeks teaching sewing workshops across the community, guiding participants through the techniques and cultural traditions behind traditional Cherokee ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts.

Students in the workshops have learned sewing fundamentals alongside the history and meaning carried by the garments themselves. Littledeer said he hopes participants will pass what they have learned to their children, extending the preservation of Cherokee heritage into the next generation.

Students learn how to make ribbon shirts and ribbon skirts from Cherokee National Treasure Darrell Littledeer. (Photo by Troy Littledeer | @kituwahpunk)

A group of women from his classes will showcase and sell their work today at a special event in the Chota Room at Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is welcome to view and purchase the handmade items.

Littledeer’s next class is scheduled for Monday, July 28, at Lyons Switch Community in Adair County, beginning at 5:30 p.m.