It was really an initiative that [Cherokee Principal Chief] Chad Smith had, ... to keep the language and encourage young people to learn the language. And a great way to learn anything is through music.
Kathy is a fluent Cherokee speaker, ... So she makes sure that we're accurate on pronunciation and things like that.
They're role models in their communities, ... These kids, I would take 'em anywhere. They've got so much to share.
They were really a shining example, ... We had a great time.
You'll hear people season their conversation with it, ... They won't just have a whole conversation in Cherokee - though some of our elders will - but other times, people will just throw in phrases in order to be able to express themselves the way they're thinking.
They're always interested in stories, ... and we have basket-making days and cultural days where we make some of the different arts and crafts. We make baskets and we try to give those wherever we go.
[In addition to the president,] there were about 250 native leaders from all over North and South America, ... Even without the president there, it was pretty awesome.
They are kids, ... and they like to have a good time. But they take what they do very seriously.
It was a surprise, ... We knew we were going to Washington, D.C., to take part in the First Americans Festival at the opening of the National Museum for the American Indian, with the Smithsonian, but we did not know that we had been invited to sing at the White House until we were already in Washington. So that was pretty exciting.
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