On Saturday, the Chota Conference Center at Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, hosted the fifth annual SkasdiCon, drawing over 60 Native artists, filmmakers, cosplayers and fans. The free, family‑friendly event highlighted the growing influence of Indigenous voices in film, animation, gaming and fandom.
Film screenings showcase Cherokee language revitalization
Attendees enjoyed a series of film screenings that emphasized Cherokee language preservation. Highlights included the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and the feature film How to Train Your Dragon, both dubbed in Cherokee. Four animated short films produced by Cherokee Film—”Groundhog Dance,” “Redman and Uktena,” “Birds and Animals Ballgame” and “Spearfinger”—were shown throughout the day.
“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.
Panels, cosplay and interactive gaming
Panel discussions gave participants insight into the dubbing process, language animation, Native horror storytelling and other topics of interest to the community. A cosplay competition encouraged fans to showcase their creativity, while interactive gaming stations let attendees experience popular titles through a Native lens.
Jessica Pratt, cultural tourism coordinator, described the event as “a celebration of the Indigenous creativity and talent that brings our communities together through art, cosplay and fandom.”
Community impact and future growth
SkasdiCon serves as a gathering place for Native artists and fans to connect, share resources and celebrate shared interests. Organizers noted that the event’s success reflects a broader trend of Indigenous representation in mainstream pop culture, offering new opportunities for language preservation and cultural pride.
The festival’s free admission and family‑friendly atmosphere made it accessible to a wide audience, reinforcing the importance of community‑centered events that honor heritage while embracing contemporary media.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
