What is COCA? COCA is a Cherokee Community Group serving central Oklahoma. This organization exists to provide a social, educational, and tribal network for the thousands of Cherokee Citizens living in and around the Oklahoma City area. Meetings are open to any individual with an interest in Cherokee language, history and government; both Cherokee Citizens and non-citizens alike. How long has COCA
been organized? COCA was organized in early 2008. The inaugural meeting was held on June 19th in Oklahoma City at the Will Rogers Theatre. Over 200 Cherokees and friends attended. The agenda included Cherokee story teller Robert Lewis of the Cherokee Heritage Center and a musical performance by the world renowned Cherokee National Youth Choir. Miss Indian Oklahoma assisted in the door prize drawings, and Tribal Councilors Jack Baker and Dr. Julia Coates assisted in emceeing the event. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith gave the keynote address. Representatives from the Cherokee Heritage Center, Cherokee Nation Enterprises (the gaming enterprise of the Cherokee Nation), Cherokee Nation Community Services, and the Cherokee Nation Registration Department were on hand to provide information on services resources available from the various organizations and Cherokee Nation departments. It was a great event! When and where does COCA meet? COCA holds regular meetings on the third Tuesday of even numbered months in the community room of BancFirst located at 4500 West Memorial Road in Oklahoma City (73142) just west of Mercy Hospital and south of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with a "potluck" dinner, continuing with a program concluding around 8:00 p.m. How Do I become a member? COCA is not formal organized as a 501c3. All are welcome to attend meetings and at this juncture, there are no dues. Donations to defray the expense of refreshments and meeting materials are always welcome. Can I volunteer with COCA? YES PLEASE! Please send an email to let us know how youโd like to volunteer! If you are interested in planning meetings, organizing speakers, preparing food, writing for a newsletter, or just helping to setup for our meeting .... Let us know!
