The Cherokee Nation will host the fifth annual SkasdiCon on Nov. 14 at Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah, bringing together Indigenous artists, cosplay enthusiasts and fans of Native pop culture for a day of activities and entertainment.
The free-to-children-12-and-younger event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chota Conference Center. General admission is $10, but attendees dressed in cosplay costumes can enter free.
What to expect at SkasdiCon in Tahlequah
More than 60 Indigenous artists will showcase their work during the convention, which also will include film screenings, Native pop culture panels, gaming opportunities and special guest appearances.
The cosplay competition will feature five divisions with $4,500 in awards.
- Interactive gaming and Fandom Bingo.
- Panels about Native horror stories and Cherokee-language dubbing.
- A chance for guests to create their own superhero.
- Appearances by Gene Brave Rock, the Bitterwater Scout Trooper and YoungbearArt as Raphael.
Cherokee-language films highlight event
Film screenings will feature Cherokee-language versions of the first two episodes of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and the feature film “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Four Cherokee Film animated shorts also will be shown: “Groundhog Dance,” “Redman and Uktena,” “Birds and Animals Ballgame” and “Spearfinger.”
“Through these screenings, we’re demonstrating how film can be a powerful tool for language revitalization, connecting Cherokee citizens to our language in new and engaging ways,” said Jen Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film. “Our language animation team deserves tremendous credit for their creativity, dedication and commitment to bringing the Cherokee language to life on screen. Their work advances Cherokee Film’s mission to grow Indigenous storytelling while helping ensure our language continues to thrive for generations to come.”
For more information, including a full event schedule, cosplay rules and regulations, and a list of participating artists, panelists and cosplay judges, visit SkasdiCon.com.
