Nanyehi meaning

Nancy ward family
Nancy ward husband
Nancy ward children

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TULSA, Okla. – The historical Cherokee musical “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward” is hosting a casting call to support the musical’s Oct. 11 and 12 productions at Hard Rock Live Tulsa.

“Nanyehi” is the story of Nancy Ward, a legendary woman who was first honored in the 18th century as a Cherokee war woman but then as a peacemaker during the American Revolution.

Cheyenne Gagner will return for her second year as Nanyehi, while Tommy Cummings will also return in his role as Dragging Canoe. Although the lead male and female roles are filled, there are still nearly 30 roles available for Native and non-Native actors, singers and dancers of all ages.

Open principal roles include Kingfisher, Bryant Ward and Young Nanyehi. All principal roles will be compensated.

Auditions will be held in Muskogee on July 12 from 5-8 p.m. at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, located at 401 S. 3rd St.

Auditions in Tulsa are slated for July 13 from 2-5 p.m. and July 14 from 2-5 p.m. at Theatre Tulsa, located at 5521 S. Peoria Ave.

Those auditioning for a singing role are asked to sing a cappella or

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Women in the Revolutionary War

Nanyehi was a warrior and a diplomat born in 1738. She was the daughter of Tame Doe of the Wolf Clan and the niece of Attakullakulla, the civil chief of the Cherokee. In 1755, she fought beside her husband, Kingfisher, in the battle of Taliwa. For her bravery, she was named Ghighua, or Beloved Woman, which honored women warriors or the wives and mothers of male warriors.

As a leader within the Cherokee Nation, she sat in the General Council, headed the Women's Council, and served as a negotiator when treaties were made. During 1781 negotiations that followed a series of attacks by American settlers on Cherokee towns, Nanyehi pleaded for peace as other leaders counseled for war. After they negotiated the treaty, she instructed American Colonel John Sevier to take them back to the women of his tribe for ratification, for she said, "the women must hear our words." Sevier was dumbstruck; women played no role in diplomatic affairs in his world. Nanyehi was equally appalled; how could a treaty be signed in the women of Sevier's world did not give

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The Association of the Descendants of Nancy Ward

The association was formed in 1994 and meets semi-annually. Becky has sung "Let There Be Peace" at several of the meetings, and twice at Nancy's gravesite. President David Hampton and fellow descendants have been very supportive of Becky's mission of bringing NANYEHI to the stage.

The Cherokee Nation

Established in 1839 in Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation is one of three federally recognized Cherokee Tribes. It is headquartered in Tahlequah, OK and has over 288,000 citizens. Both Becky and Nanyehi Production/Business Associate, Sammye Walton are citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

Goingsnake Heritage Group

Goingsnake was one of the original Cherokee Nation districts and named after an elderly chief who survived the Trail of Tears. This group meets once a month, and were the first people to see a showcase presentation of Nanyehi in 2009. They were also the first to hear "Tsa La Gi – We Are Many."

Trail of Tears Association

This non-profit, membership organization was formed in 1993 to promote awareness