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Speakers urge authentic Native American representation in Route 66 centennial
Summary
Speakers said Route 66 celebrations should feature Native-led interpretation so visitors encounter Cherokee history as lived experience, warning it would be a "tremendous disservice" if not presented authentically.
Speakers at the statement urged that Route 66 centennial programming be shaped and presented by Native people so the visitor experience reflects living Cherokee history. A presenter said, "Route 66, is definitely a story about people," and added that it would be "a tremendous disservice" not to have Native voices present their own history.
Another presenter described how travelers historically encountered Native Americans living in modern ways, saying they "couldn't distinguish them very much from themselves," a perception that the speaker said helped open visitors' eyes to Native life in the modern era. A final speaker framed Cherokee history as inseparable from U.S. history: "you can't talk about America's history unless you talk about Cherokee history."
The comments were promotional and framing-oriented; the speakers did not provide specifics about interpretive programs, partner organizations, or funding. No formal motions or votes were recorded.
