The Cherokee Nation launched its official podcast, “Siyo, from the Rez,” with the release of the first two episodes June 16.

From Cherokee artists, musicians, leadership and more, “Siyo, from the Rez,” features Cherokee Nation citizens who are working to revitalize and preserve the Cherokee culture, while making changes in their communities across the Cherokee Nation Reservation and beyond.

The podcast is created and produced by the Cherokee Nation Communications team and takes listeners behind the scenes of different programs, projects and culture ongoing in the reservation.

“We are excited to step into the ever-evolving world of podcasting and share our Cherokee voices,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “These conversations are authentic as told by the Cherokees who live them and take the audience closer into the daily inner workings here in Cherokee Nation. Stepping into this space gives us another opportunity to tell our own stories in our own way for the world around us.”

The podcast is recorded in a podcast studio at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah on the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The first two episodes of “Siyo on the Rez” feature Cherokee National Treasure Roy Boney Jr., a celebrated Cherokee artist whose work has been featured by the Smithsonian Institution, Marvel Comics and more. The second episode features Agalisiga Mackey, a Cherokee musician, who stops by the podcast to talk about his debut album, “Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods.)” Mackey also provided music for the show’s soundtrack, which listeners can hear at the beginning and end of each episode.

Both episodes can now be streamed on all podcast platforms or found here: https://linktr. ee/thecherokeenation “Cherokees have always been known for our traditional storytelling. Getting into the podcasting realm gives us a chance to honor that same art form in a modern way,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “We’re proud that this podcast was created for Cherokees by Cherokees, but it also gives the tribe a chance for those who may not be familiar with our Cherokee culture to get a glimpse inside our world.”

Listeners can expect to hear from a wide range of guests in future episodes including artists, community leaders, directors, and Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner both make it into the podcast studio.

For updates on the podcast and behindthe- scenes content, follow the official Cherokee Nation Facebook page at facebook.com/ thecherokeenation.