The Official Cherokee Nation News
Anadisgoi
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Anadisgoi
The Official Cherokee Nation News
Anadisgoi
SUMMER / FALL 2018
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"We stand as one" by Bryan Waytula.
3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF 4 NEWS • More games, more excitement, more fun: New entertainment facility opens next year • More than a decade of support: Tribe donates to eight Boys & Girls Clubs • Cherokees return to New Echota • Structure of significance: newly constructed pavilion opens in Tahlequah
11 PEOPLE • Living Cherokee: Cherokee Nation citizens represent tribe around the world • Most unlikely winner: 90 years later, Andy Payne’s victory still marvels
Editor Executive Editor Managing Editor Designer Contributing Staff
Amanda Clinton Travis Noland Tyler Thomas Stephanie Remer Josh Newton Taralee Montgomery Julie Hubbard Jason McCarty LeeAnn Dreadfulwater Jennifer Jones
27 FEATURES
• Cherokee Storytellers: Brad Wagnon continues storytelling tradition through children’s books
• Titan of industry, promoter of Native art, culture: Bud Adams' passion for Native art and culture
• Honoring our ancestors: CNB Executive VP Chuck Garrett reflects on Remember the Removal Bike Ride experience
• Informing, advocating through the written letter: Cherokee Phoenix celebrates 190-year anniversary
19 CULTURE
• Second chance: Deputy Marshal continues to serve in post-military life • Traditional dress, iconic symbol: Cherokee tear dress • Unfinished business: Coleman Proctor sets sights on the gold buckle
• Unique, beautiful, Native: Cherokee Art Market on display at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in October • Necessary life skill to favorite pastime: Gigging offers connection to ancestors • A story of Cherokee removal: Exhibit tells story through tribe’s perspective • Tradition continues through competition: Ancient game of Cherokee marbles still played by many today
41 HOME • Traditional grape dumplings: Recipe for a favorite Cherokee dessert with a modern twist
ON THE COVER:
Cherokee Nation citizen Coleman Proctor at the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Kirt Steinke. Whitney Dittman Leanna Reeder Alicia Buffer Darcy Jackson Karen Shade Sarah Harrell
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Contact Anadisgoi magazine by email at anadisgoi@cn-bus.com. Anadisgoi (ah-nah-dee-sko-EE): Cherokee for "what people are saying."
Anadisgoi Magazine is printed on recycled paper. The Official Cherokee Nation News
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ᎤᎬᏫᏳᎯ ᏂᏓᏳᏅᏅ ᎧᏃᎮᏍᎩ OSIYO. As Cherokees, we know all about fighting against the odds. It is engrained in our DNA, and in this copy of our award-winning quarterly magazine, Anadisgoi, you will read intriguing stories of our citizens working hard and tapping into the renowned persevering Cherokee spirit. Nothing epitomizes that more than our annual Remember the Removal ride, a 950-mile bike ride from New Echota, Georgia, to Tahlequah. Every summer a handful of Cherokee youth, along with select mentor riders, make the trek along the original Trail of Tears. Unequivocally, it’s a life-changing experience. This year, Cherokee Nation Businesses Executive Vice President Chuck Garrett joined the riders for a portion of the ride, including the grueling Cumberland Gap Mountain in Tennessee. Our Cherokee Nation marshals typically lead the RTR team from beginning to end. I have immense respect for the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and our team of officers. They make our lives safer within our jurisdiction, both for Cherokees and non-Natives alike. Deputy Marshal Erik Fuson, like many of his brethren, defended our values
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and rights in the military. He earned a Purple Heart while deployed in Afghanistan. We are proud that Erik and others like him are serving the Cherokee Nation. They are highly trained and skilled men and women. Hours of training are something Coleman Proctor knows, too. His call is the rodeo arena. It’s a family affair and a way of life for the Proctor family, and Coleman is one of the most talented cowboys in America. He also just happens to be a proud Cherokee. This year, he is pursuing a world championship in team roping at the National Finals Rodeo. He grew up on the back of a horse, and the competitive spirit that drives this young man is immense. Resilience and fortitude define our people and these stories, which are uniquely Cherokee, make me proud to come from the same fire. Wado,
Bill John Baker
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief
ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
NEWS
Rendering of the new 92,000-square-foot Cherokee Casino Tahlequah.
More entertainment, dining and convention options are
coming to Tahlequah as the tribe continues construction on the new Cherokee Casino Tahlequah located at the Cherokee Springs Plaza. “We believe in making sound investments that have a lasting impact on the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee people,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “This new property will be a regional attraction for tourism and economic development, and is a complement to the work happening at Cherokee Springs Plaza and all over the Tahlequah area.” The 92,000-square-foot entertainment destination will feature 525 electronic games, a 144-seat restaurant, a
grab-and-go cafe, a live music venue, a full-service bar and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages. The property also includes 33,000 square feet of convention and meeting space that will accommodate up to 1,000 people. “We’ve taken one of the largest tracts in Tahlequah’s main corridor and are using it to grow the economy and create jobs,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We’ve attracted new restaurants and businesses and are now bringing first-class entertainment options to Cherokee Springs Plaza. We know this casino and economic development endeavor will have a lasting impact on the Cherokee Nation and the entire region.”
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NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ Cherokee Casino Tahlequah currently employs 174 people. Nearly 220 will be employed at the expanded property, which should create a new market for meetings, conventions, banquets and other gatherings, bringing new people and investment to Cherokee County. Construction on the new casino and convention center is expected to be complete by summer 2019. The current Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, located near Sequoyah Schools, will be donated to the Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Immersion School other language programs. Cherokee Nation broke ground on Cherokee Springs Plaza in 2014. The 154-acre retail, dining and entertainment development is next to Cherokee Springs Golf Course, the tribe’s 18-hole golf course. The plaza has since become home to a new auto dealership, the area’s first Taco Bueno, a Buffalo Wild Wings and a second Sonic Drive-In location. The fourth restaurant to debut at Cherokee Springs Plaza is Newk’s Eatery. Designed for the way people want to eat today, Newk’s Eatery serves made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and handcrafted pizzas for lunch and dinner. The 4,000-square-foot Tahlequah location is expected to open in late 2018.
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Fuel up on fun at new Roland travel plaza Cherokee Travel Plaza & Gaming Parlor has everything you
need and is conveniently located just off Interstate 40, within walking distance of Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland. The one-stop shop was recently upgraded to offer a private gaming parlor with 65 electronic games just inside the plaza. The venue features 12 multi-gas pumps and six diesel pumps, a CAT scale, a Subway restaurant, a hot food bar, an ATM and more. The 13,000-square-foot expansion is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ᎧᏃᎮᏓ NEWS
Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr., Tribal Councilors Mike Shambaugh and Harley Buzzard, and Cherokee National Treasure Tommy Wildcat presented a $15,175.99 check to Boys & Girls Club of Delaware County officials and program participants.
The Cherokee Nation continued its more than decade
long support of the Boys & Girls Club programs of northeastern Oklahoma in June with donations totaling $195,000. Since 2008, the tribe has contributed more than $2.4 million to help Boys & Girls Club programs in Adair, Cherokee, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Rogers, Sequoyah and Washington counties. Donation amounts are based on the number of Native American students in each program. In total, the eight area programs serve more than 11,000 students, with nearly 60 percent being Native American. “The Boys & Girls Club organizations of northeast Oklahoma are an invaluable resource to the Cherokee Nation because of their immeasurable benefit to our youth,” Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. The clubs develop character and leadership skills among both Cherokee and non-Cherokee students alike by providing activities for children after school and in the summer.
“The lessons learned by our youth at these Boys & Girls Club organizations will have a lasting impact on our tribe, because these programs are helping develop our future leaders,” Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd said. The Boys & Girls Club of Delaware County received $15,174 in 2018. The program oversees multiple units, with more than 71 percent of the 769 Boys & Girls Club participants being Native American. Unit Director and Program Coordinator Kimberly Dry said the tribe’s support helps sustain important programs. “Our diabetes prevention program is one of our strongest programs, and this donation helps buy our healthy snacks for the program,” Dry said. In addition to supporting the club’s diabetes prevention program, the donation also helps fund summer field trips and after-school program activities. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America serves more than 4 million youth in the United States and on military bases across the world.
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NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
One hundred and eighty years after thousands of Cherokees
“We’ve been fortunate to work with a team in the past and currently that takes seriously the significance of this site not were displaced from their homelands and forced along the just as Cherokee history, but as local, state and United States Trail of Tears, a July homecoming ceremony brought together history,” said David Gomez, site manager at the New Echota around 300 Cherokees from across the country at historic Cherokee Capital State Historic Site. “The story of New New Echota, known as the last capital of the Cherokee Echota has consequences that Nation before removal. impact the Cherokee people July’s homecoming of today, and the significance featured Cherokee Nation here is revealing of the past of Principal Chief Bill John our country.” Baker, Eastern Band of During the homecoming Cherokee Indians Principal event, State Rep. John Chief Richard Sneed, Meadows presented a United Keetoowah Band of resolution passed by Cherokee Indians Principal the Georgia House Chief Joe Bunch and of Representatives Muscogee (Creek) Nation acknowledging the historic Principal Chief James R. events of New Echota and Floyd, along with leaders urging the public to visit the from the state of Georgia. site and study its history. “New Echota is one of the New Echota is under the most important and revered care of Georgia State Parks sites in our history as a tribal and Historic Sites. The site nation,” Chief Baker said. features a reconstruction of “One hundred and eighty a former Cherokee Council years ago our ancestors began United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Joe Bunch, Eastern Band House, Supreme Courthouse the forced removal from of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill and Cherokee Phoenix our first capital to Indian John Baker and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd at New Echota. printing office, among other Territory. It was the darkest buildings. The Worcester chapter not just in Cherokee House, which was constructed in 1828 by the Rev. Samuel A. Nation’s history, but American history. Today, we as Cherokee Worcester, is the only original building to survive at people are blessed to return to New Echota, participate in this New Echota. homecoming event and complete the circle. By doing so, we honor and remember all the Cherokees who came before us.” For more information, visit www.GaStateParks.org/NewEchota. The Friends of New Echota State Historic Site organized the homecoming event with support from a number of state officials and volunteer organizations.
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9-15-18 9-16-18 10-20-18 10-21-18 11-17-18 11-18-18
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 12 - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 12 - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 12 - 4 p.m.
San Marcos Pearland Los Angeles San Diego Tucson Peoria
TX TX CA CA AZ AZ
Dick's Classic Garage Museum Pearland VFW Post 7109 Autry Museum of the American West Admiral Baker Park, Gazebo #2 Tucson Botanical Gardens Ira A Murphy Elementary School
120 Stagecoach Trail 4202 W. Walnut St. 4700 Western Heritage Way 2400 Admiral Baker Rd. 2150 N. Alvernon Way 7231 W. North Lane
9-15-18
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Bartlesville
OK
9-22-18
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Vinita
OK
10-13-18
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Washington
D.C.
Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Plantetarium, Pavilion 13
10-16-18 10-20-18 11-10-18 11-13-18 11-17-18
6 - 8 p.m. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 6 - 8 p.m. 1 - 3 p.m.
Okay Clearwater Anaheim Tailholt Wichita
OK FL CA OK KS
3701 E. 75th St. N 2750 Park Trail Lane 800 S. Lemon St. 26229 E. 813 Rd. 650 N. Seneca St.
11-20-18 12-4-18 12-9-18
6 - 8 p.m. 6 - 8 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Warner Sallisaw San Diego
OK OK CA
Okay Area Senior Citizen Center Moccasin Lake Nature Park Native American United Methodist Church Tailholt Community Org., Inc. Mid-American All- Indian Center, Buffalo Room Connors State College Flute Springs Senior Center San Diego Vet Center
12-11-18
6 - 8 p.m.
Sallisaw
OK
Tsa La Gi Senior Center
406 E. Ruth St. #530
1-8-19
6 - 8 p.m.
Bunch
OK
Greasy Community Center
467505 E. 932 Rd.
1-22-19
6 - 8 p.m.
Westville
OK
Mid-County Community Organization
75371 Hwy. 59
3 -10-19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Phoenix
AZ
Native Health Center, Bldg. C
4041 N Central Ave.
3-11-19
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Benson
AZ
Benson Senior Center
705 W. Union St.
Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival at Bartlesville Community Center Cherokee Day at Eastern Trail Museum
300 SE Adams Blvd. 215 W. Illinois 5200 Glover Rd. NW
700 College Rd. 96056 S. 4610 Rd. 2790 Truxton Rd. #130
For additional information or updates to schedule, follow Cherokee Nation Community & Cultural Outreach on Facebook. The Official Cherokee Nation News
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NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Watch this story on Osiyo.tv
The Cherokee Nation debuted its new Cherokee National
leading to intertribal skirmishes. To help keep peace among so many new tribal territories, the Cherokee Nation hosted Peace Pavilion in downtown Tahlequah earlier this summer. tribes from across the region to convene in Tahlequah, Indian The pavilion’s design closely resembles the large log Territory, in the name of structure that hosted peace. Cherokee Nation the International Indian Principal Chief John Ross Council of 1843, a hoped the meeting would gathering of about 20 tribal be a way for all tribes to nations. At the time, it was unite and support one called “the most important another as allies rather than Indian council ever held on adversaries as they faced the American continent.” common issues with the The original structure was United States government. built after Cherokees were So on June 5, 1843, forcibly removed to Indian the International Indian Territory, and the grounds Council convened. The later became home to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Joe Bunch, Cherokee Nation “Five Civilized Tribes,” Cherokee Nation Capitol Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, and Eastern originally from the Square. Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed exchange gifts at the dedication of the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion. Southeast, were joined By the early 1840s, many with tribes with roots tribes had been relocated far and wide, including the Osage, Potawatomi, Wichita, from several areas of North America and forced to become Seneca, Peoria and many others. The tribes were even joined neighbors in Indian Territory and the southern Plains,
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ᎧᏃᎮᏓ NEWS by General Zachary Taylor, who would go on to become plate and mercury vapor to develop an image. Stanley later president of the United States. turned the photograph into a painting, which is now in the “Chief John Ross saw the need for tribal governments to collection of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. come together and stand united A replica is displayed at the on issues that would ensure the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa. survival of Native people,” said “We are thankful that this Cherokee Nation Principal Chief project gave us the opportunity Bill John Baker. “We hope this to shed light on a key moment pavilion will serve as a reminder in our history and look forward of that sacred event and of the to the many peaceful gatherings power we yield when we unify that will take place here for years our Native voice.” to come,” said Travis Owens, Large tribal delegations, director of cultural tourism for Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks at the dedication of including men and women, met CNB. the new Cherokee National Peace Pavilion in downtown Tahlequah. over a series of days, gaining The new pavilion is 4,600 national attention. While many square feet and can accommodate grievances and much conflict remained between the tribes, around 1,000 people. In addition to the opening of the an estimated 10,000 attendees were present to further the pavilion, Cherokee Nation is commemorating the peace endeavor for peace. gathering’s anniversary by hosting an exhibit focused on the The meeting was captured by artist John Mix Stanley in details surrounding the meeting at the Cherokee National a daguerreotype, which utilizes an iodine-sensitized silvered Supreme Court Museum through November 2019.
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Lukasz Szwaj/Shutterstock donatas1205/Shutterstock
PEOPLE ᏴᏫ
Cherokee Nation citizens Vinson Anderson, Jeff Trussler represent tribe and nation around the world By: Josh Newton
Many Cherokee Nation citizens around the world pursue
unique careers, fascinating hobbies and amazing adventures. With every issue of Anadisgoi, readers will get to know some of these Cherokees and the stories of how they’re shaping the lives of others around the globe. In this issue, read how Cherokee Nation citizens Vinson Anderson and Jeff Trussler are representing the Cherokee Nation as they work on behalf of the United States around the world. Check out their unique stories and advice to young Cherokees aspiring for their own unique careers.
Vinson Anderson As a young boy growing up with modest means in Colorado, Vinson Anderson never imagined he would one
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day be a foreign service officer, meeting United States and foreign presidents and living in places like Sudan, Iraq, Congo, Niger and Senegal. Now a U.S. diplomat, Anderson has been assigned to some of the world’s most dangerous places. He has worked in more than 30 countries and maintained the highest security clearances since he began serving in the U.S. Navy Presidential Honor Guard at 18 years old. His family has been alongside him the entire time. Anderson’s three daughters were raised in Congo, Niger and Senegal, and his son was born in Senegal. “I interact with hundreds of foreigners, and it is my express duty to represent the United States of America and our citizens to foreign governments,” Anderson said. “I realize that I am likely the only Native American that any of my foreign interlocutors will ever meet. At 6-foot-4 and with
ᏴᏫ PEOPLE blue eyes, I am clearly not in Africa. In the summer what they think of when of 2019, he, his wife, they imagine meeting Danielle, and their four a Native American. I children will be posted at a use these opportunities U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia. and discussions that “As I learned about my ensue to educate them own Cherokee ancestors about the rich diversity and the hardships they within Native American endured in Indian communities and dispel Territory, I feel like I have biases and myths, which inherited some of their are prevalent outside of grit and determination to the United States about succeed in any situation,” Cherokee Nation citizen Vinson Anderson visiting a game park in Gabarone, Botswana in 2011, Native Americans.” Anderson said. “My while he was living in Kinshasa, Congo. Anderson now lives main advice for younger in Washington, D.C., and leads an office that researches Cherokees would be to reach for lofty goals, even if they seem and prepares reports on political and security development completely out of reach.”
with a number of tours in the U.S. and countries across the globe. In 2015, he was promoted to rear admiral and became the first commander of the new Undersea Warfighting When Rear Adm. Jeff Trussler joined the Navy’s nuclear Development Center. propulsion training program, the young Cherokee Nation Trussler commanded the ballistic missile submarine USS citizen from Miami, Oklahoma, didn’t know he’d one day be Maryland and Task Force commanding submarine 69 for the U.S. Sixth Fleet and undersea-warfare in Naples, Italy, and is now operations for the United stationed at the Pentagon. States. For a time, he was in As a child, Trussler knew charge of all submarine little of his Cherokee roots, and undersea warfare but about 10 years ago he operations from the Arctic turned to research to learn to Antarctic, around both more about his Cherokee Europe and Africa from ancestors. the eastern Atlantic to the “I have studied the western portion of the periods before and after Indian Ocean. removal and enjoy telling “The best thing about Cherokee Nation citizen and Rear Adm. Jeff Trussler briefs and escorts former Secretary of the the story of the conflict my career in the Navy is U.S. Navy Ray Mabus to an ice camp during a biannual submarine ice exercise 200 miles north and characters surrounding of Deadhorse, Alaska. meeting so many people that period when I from different places in the United States and around the sometimes get asked to speak at local events during Native world,” Trussler said. “Don’t be intimidated by the unknown. American heritage month held by the Navy,” he said. No career or educational choice is forever.” Trussler’s military career as a submariner spans 33 years,
Jeff Trusler
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PEOPLE ᏴᏫ
Scene at C.C. Pyle’s International Trans-Continental Footrace in 1928. Photo courtesy of the El Reno Carnegie Library.
Watch Andy's story on Osiyo.tv
90 years later, Andy Payne’s victory in the International Trans-Continental Footrace still captivates By: Tyler Thomas
Considered by many as the biggest sporting event of its
time, the International Transcontinental Footrace of 1928 was a race across the United States and would eventually yield one of the most unlikely winners ever. Conceived by legendary promotor and America’s first sports agent, C.C. Pyle, the race was created to promote travel along “America’s Main Street,” the newly constructed Route 66 highway. Route 66 stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles and was one of the first paved roads in the U.S. Interstate Highway system. Two hundred and seventy-five runners from around the world entered the 3,423-mile race, including a 20-year-old Cherokee farm boy from Foyil, Oklahoma. Andy Payne was born Nov. 16, 1907, the same day Oklahoma was granted statehood. As a young boy, Andy ran the countryside and dirt roads, and in high school, he became a track star. While looking for work in California, Andy saw an advertisement for the race and returned home to seek his parents’ support to enter the race. With some support from
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local businesses, Andy’s father took out a loan to pay for the remaining portion of his entry fee, shoes and trainer costs for the run. With various record-holders and marathon runners participating, Andy was never considered a serious contender when the race began. The race began at the now closed Ascot Speedway in Los Angeles. It would follow Route 66 all the way to Chicago and then along other highways until reaching Madison Square Garden in New York City. After grueling days through the California and Arizona mountains and desert, only 100 runners remained when reaching Flagstaff, Arizona. Andy was near the front, but a case of tonsillitis slowed his pace. However, Andy recovered and made up considerable time in the adverse weather conditions of the Texas panhandle. As runners reached the Oklahoma state line on Easter Sunday, Oklahoma’s newest favorite son was leading the pack. For 12 days, runners traveled across the state, with many businesses and schools closing in order to watch Andy achieve the unthinkable. Due to the huge crowds, Payne
ᏴᏫ PEOPLE temporarily lost his lead but regained it as runners arrived in Claremore, the largest town in his home county. Oklahoma’s original favorite son and fellow Cherokee Nation citizen Will Rogers greeted Payne when he arrived in Claremore. “Andy Payne, the foot racer, has just come home, and Claremore has given him a big welcome. I had to rush home to protect my own interest. I am about to lose my favorite-son standing,” Rogers jokingly said in his June 19, 1928, Daily Telegram. As runners continued to drop out, Payne stayed in the lead or near the front for the rest of the “Bunion Derby,” the press’s nickname for the race because of its effect on runners. On May 18 at Wellsville, New York, the 76th of the 84 control stations on the race route, Payne stated, “Setting
Cherokee Nation citizen Andy Payne of Foyil, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of Territorial Capital Sports Museum.
my own pace and running my own race and not a bit worried.” After 573 hours, four minutes and 34 seconds of running over an 84-day period, Payne entered Madison Square Garden in first place and took home the $25,000 first-place prize. He beat his closest competitor by more than 15 hours. Only 55 of the original 275 participants finished the race. Payne used his prize money to pay off the mortgage on the family farm and bought a car to visit Vivian, whom he married a year later. After doing the unthinkable, Payne never ran in a competitive race again. He would earn a law degree from Oklahoma City University and go on to serve as the clerk of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma until he retired. Payne passed away in December 1977 at the age of 70 years old.
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PEOPLE ᏴᏫ
Cherokee author Brad Wagnon continues tradition of storytelling through children’s books By: Josh Newton
Since Sequoyah put quill to paper and created the Cherokee
are still relevant, and in fact are needed in today’s society,” syllabary, Cherokees have taken the tradition of oral said Wagnon, who is now working for Cherokee Nation storytelling and put it into writing. Brad Community & Cultural Outreach. Wagnon, a Cherokee Nation citizen and “I’ve always been inspired by our oral tribal employee, is utilizing the tradition traditions, and I think the stories all as he passes along traditional Cherokee have lessons that can be learned. If tales through his children’s books. we took these stories and lived by Wagnon grew up in the small the lessons they teach, I believe we community of Gideon north of wouldn’t have a lot of the problems we Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He graduated have today as a society.” from Northeastern State University in “How the World Was Made: A 2001 after studying criminal justice and Cherokee Story” is a children’s book Native American studies. Later, Wagnon retelling of the Cherokee creation returned to NSU to study the Cherokee story, while the newest, “The Land of language while earning his teaching the Great Turtles,” is a retelling of a certificate. For 10 years, he taught Cherokee origin story passed along to Cherokee Nation citizen and author of "The Land of the Cherokee language, history and culture Wagnon by Cherokee spiritual leader Great Turtles" Brad Wagnon. at Tahlequah High School. and elder Benny Smith. For years, his wife, Tanya, encouraged him to write a “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from many great book, but it wasn’t until 2015 when Wagnon and his friend teachers along the way,” Wagnon said. “Some are still here Alex Stephenson, a book illustrator and a Cherokee Nation helping me along, and some have passed on but are still Behavioral Health licensed professional counselor, teamed up providing me with guidance through the stories and lessons to produce “How the World Was Made: A Cherokee they taught me. I’m very grateful for them, and I’m proud to Story.” In early 2018, their second book, “The be able to share our stories with the world.” Land of the Great Both books by Wagnon and Stephenson are available at Turtles,” was released. the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, “These books give and at the Cherokee Heritage Center Gift Shop in Park me the opportunity to Hill, Oklahoma. They can also be purchased online at www. show a large audience CherokeeGiftShop.com. that our Cherokee history and culture, For more information on Wagnon’s books, visit www.facebook. through our stories, com/landofthegreatturtles.
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ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ CULTURE
The Official Cherokee Nation News
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Honoring our ancestors CNB Executive VP Chuck Garrett joins RTR riders for portion of the commemorative ride By: Jason McCarty
Cherokee Nation Businesses
Executive Vice President Chuck Garrett joined the 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists on the first week of the 950-mile journey tracing the Trail of Tears. Starting in Georgia and riding through Tennessee with the cyclists, he joined the riders for almost 500 miles of the 950-mile trek. He rode through four different states and climbed 17,527 feet as the team crossed the Cumberland Gap. He sat down with Anadisgoi magazine staff to share his experience and what he learned about his tribe and the ride that commemorates their journey to a new home.
What compelled you to participate in the Remember the Removal bike ride this summer? I’m really fascinated by the history of the Cherokee people. The opportunity to learn more about our ancestors’ experiences on the Trail of Tears was my goal, but I was also eager to have
the unique experience of getting to know the young people, build relationships with some of them and have an opportunity to contribute some mentoring along the way. I learned as much from these young people as they did from me. They are tough, they are smart, and they are persistent. I think these are qualities that will serve the Cherokee Nation well in the future.
What was your previous bikeriding experience? It is a hobby and social form of exercise that I really love. When I lived in California, prior to moving back to Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation Businesses, the cycling culture is much more prevalent. It’s something my wife, Wendy, and I enjoy doing together, and it can be very meditative. I was very eager to embrace biking again in Tulsa, and typically, we try to log about 150 miles per week or more. I think cycling is ready for a huge surge in popularity in Oklahoma. All
The 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists at Cumberland Gap in Tennessee.
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the Cherokee young adults we have introduced to the sport in the last several years through their Remember the Removal training only reinforce that. In the future, I’d like to organize a CNB cycling team so that we can have a presence of Cherokee Nation riders at cycling events.
What impact did the journey have on you and your connection to your ancestors? Together we stood at New Echota, where the treaty to give away our homelands was signed. We walked the grounds of Red Clay, Tennessee, where Cherokee councils had met, rejecting the terms of that very treaty. We knelt in Charleston, Tennessee, where thousands of Cherokees were imprisoned, awaiting the long and deadly trip west. And we floated across the Tennessee River at Blythe Ferry, where thousands of Cherokees left the original Cherokee Nation for the very last time. These are shared experiences that have built everlasting bonds.
Dave Allen Photography/Shutterstock
PEOPLE ᏴᏫ
ᏴᏫ PEOPLE
The 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists stand on a Trail of Tears route map at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park at Blythe Ferry in Tennessee.
What have you learned about yourself and the RTR team? This ride personifies the experience of pain and self-doubt, but this team rallied around each other and pushed forward. That is something to be proud of not just today, but for a lifetime. Working as a team and seeing firsthand all the historical sites we visited, like the Vann House, Blue Hole Spring at Red Clay, Shellsford Cemetery and Rattlesnake Springs, it became clear to me that this Remember the Removal experience is a lot less about the bike, and a lot more about our Cherokee people, our history and a shared experience. Did you learn anything about your family or piece of history that was especially significant? I am cousins to seven of the 2018 RTR riders. This journey was a powerful connector, just as it is a powerful reminder of our shared heritage. Together, we reviewed our genealogy, and the same names populate our family trees, so we literally have hundreds of years of
shared history. To me, the deeper meaning of this experience inspires a simple but profound idea. It’s a reminder that we are all family, all Cherokees. I am so grateful to have had this extraordinary opportunity, and I look forward to returning and participating in it again.
How does RTR connect to Cherokee Nation’s health care mission? I think it is a reminder of just how important wellness and physical health, including exercise and proper diet, are for the Cherokee Nation. Under Chief Baker and Deputy Chief Crittenden, we have put a renewed emphasis on physical and mental health care for our tribal citizens, and that is a good thing. We have made it a priority by investing in new health care clinics and expanding health care services for the Cherokee people. It’s critical that we keep highlighting the importance of exercise and wellness in our daily lives.
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"Bird Effigy" by Troy Jackson.
Native art from around the country on display at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in October By: Whitney Dittman
Too often, Native American art is viewed through a
homogeneous lens. While themes of culture, religion, history and tradition are common in tribal art, each artist provides a unique perspective, distinctive to his or her own tribal identity. These perspectives and more will be on display at the annual Cherokee Art Market at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in October.
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As one of the largest Native American art shows in Oklahoma, the juried show features work from more than 150 elite Native American artists, representing more than 50 tribes across the United States. “As a juried market, we ensure that guests are exposed to the highest quality of authentic Native American art,” said Deborah Fritts, interpretive project manager for Cherokee Nation Businesses. “They also have the opportunity to meet
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Tatiana Marcinkowski/Shutterstock
the artists and learn the inspiration behind pieces that interest them. That experience typically provides a deeper connection to not only an individual piece, but to an artist as well, and that’s how collectors develop.” Artists compete for $75,000 in overall prize money awarded across 22 categories. Categories include beadwork, pottery, painting, basketry, sculptures and textiles. Many Cherokee artists at the Cherokee Art Market have earned special recognition from Cherokee Nation distinguishing them as Cherokee National Treasures. As a master of their craft, they vow to share their knowledge and expertise with others as a means of preserving and promoting the art form for future generations. “I’ve had the pleasure of participating in every Cherokee Art Market since its inception in 2005, and it is something my daughter and I look forward to each year,” said Cherokee National Treasure Martha Berry. “I don’t just make pretty things. I make things with meaning, and the Cherokee Art Market allows me to share my work, along with the meaning behind it, with a very wide audience. That is important
as a Cherokee National Treasure, as I know I carry the responsibility of representing the Cherokee people and advancing perpetuation of our beadwork revival.” Cherokee Art Market also features cultural demonstrations in jewelry, hand and loom weaving, katsina dolls and pottery. Demonstrations are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The 13th Annual Cherokee Art Market is Oct. 13-14 in the Sequoyah Convention Center at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. An opening reception will be held in the Sky Room on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. to welcome the Cherokee Art Market artists and guests. The public is welcome to attend the awards reception for $25 per person, and tickets are available for purchase at the door. To preview many of the artists who will appear at the Cherokee Art Market, including Martha Berry’s beadwork, visit youtube.com/OsiyoTV and click on the playlist “Cherokee National Treasures.”
Gorgets on display at the Cherokee Art Market created by Toneh Chuleewah.
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Necessary life skill to favorite pastime Tradition of gigging offers connection to Cherokee ancestors By Taralee Montgomery
In the early days, gigging was a necessary skill for Cherokees.
Using tools crafted for the hunt, Cherokees would skillfully use their forked tools to stab fish from inside of a canoe or by standing in the water, making gigging a reliable way to feed their families. Today, the art of gigging is alive and well in the Cherokee Nation and is being passed down from generation to generation. The activity has evolved, however, from a necessary life skill to a popular pastime. “From walking the creek with my gig pole in hand to sharing the pastime with my grandsons, gigging has always been special to me,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden. “It gives us a connection to our ancestors, but also an opportunity to stress the importance of refining your skill to our younger generations. That is a lesson that translates to all facets of life.” The National Green Country Giggers Association was founded in 1972 and is dedicated to promoting the Cherokee tradition. It consists of five board members who organize competitions, pass on their knowledge and maybe even tell a few veteran secrets to young Cherokees who are interested in the art of gigging for fish.
The association hosts an annual tournament every April at Lake Eucha in Delaware County. There is no shortage of competitors as 70 to 80 boats line the bank for the 9 p.m. takeoff. It is flat-bottom boats as far as the eye can see. A big part of the annual tournament is bragging rights, but for NGCGA board member Clifton Hughes, the best part is the community of spectators and giggers that gather over the weekend for fellowship and food. “On Saturday night we gather up everything we’ve gigged and hold a big fish fry that’s open to everyone,” Hughes said. “We’ll feed anyone who wants to eat. It’s a great time to get out and visit with everyone.” Cherokee Nation citizen Steve Wilson and his brother Greg Wilson are members of the National Green Country Giggers Association and considered two of the more skilled giggers.
For another look at this story about the National Green Country Giggers Association, check out Season 2, episode 5 of “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People.”
Watch this story on Osiyo.tv
Boats line the banks at Lake Eucha for the National Green Country Giggers Association annual tournament in April.
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The Official Cherokee Nation News
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A museum visitor reads panels from the "A Story of Cherokee Removal" exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian exhibit tells removal story through tribe’s perspective By: Whitney Dittman
“Sir, our hearts are very heavy. The darkness of night is before us. We have no hope unless you will help us. We do not ask you to let us go free from being your prisoners, unless it should please yourself. But we ask that you will not send us down the river at this time of year. If you do, we shall die, our wives will die and our children will die. Sir, our hearts are heavy, very heavy…” Cherokee leaders from the Aquohee Camps to General Winfield Scott, Fort Cass, June 17, 1838
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The forced removal of Indian nations on the infamous Trail
of Tears has long been shared, but never through a perspective so personal to the Cherokee people. The compelling narrative is now being showcased in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., throughout the end of the year. “A Story of Cherokee Removal” addresses the devastating costs of greed and oppression and demonstrates how the tribe persevered, adapted and learned to thrive.
Featured within the exhibit are quotes from witnesses of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, historical timelines and a Trail of Tears route map. It also shares a segment of Cherokee Nation’s Emmy Award-winning show, “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People,” which showcases young Cherokees retracing the 950mile route on the Remember the Removal Bike Ride.
“A Story of Cherokee Removal” is on display in the Sealaska Gallery of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian through December 2018.
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Ancient game of Cherokee marbles still played by many today By: Taralee Montgomery
For generations, Cherokees have made countless memories
turns. Traditionally, the marbles were fashioned from stone playing a game of great skill and strategy. Today, the game into rounded balls. Today, you’ll see anything from stone of Cherokee marbles, or digadayosdi, is still played at a high marbles to billiard balls on the marble field. level and the competition remains just as spirited. Cherokee marbles is a game of strategy and skill, but the “Something people might not realize is that game of object is simple - to be the first team to complete each of the marbles is unique to Cherokees. No one knows how long marble spaces. the game has existed, but around here it still continues,” “There is a lot to the game of marbles, 36 steps actually, Cherokee National Treasure and marble player Dennis several of the rules you just have to learn as you go,” Sixkiller Sixkiller said. said. “When I am teaching In three or four person someone to play I always tell teams, on a five-hole marble them to focus on judging the field, some of the most distance between marbles seasoned of marble players and how to throw your spend their weekends passing marble. Then after that it’s all on their knowledge to new strategy.” marble enthusiasts. Throughout the game, “In 1973, an older each player uses only one gentleman from my town marble and the rules are firm taught me about marbles about keeping track of both and once I learned, I was the game and the marbles at hooked,” Sixkiller said. “I still all times. Cherokee Nation employees (L to R) Jared Davis and D.J. Hamby play the traditional play as often as I can and I “The rules can be strict game of marbles at the tribe's Employee Appreciation Day in June. spend a lot of time teaching if you’re playing in a people about the game.” tournament,” Sixkiller said. As each player takes their place behind the second hole on “As the game moves on, your teammates are all trying to help the field, teams are chosen by chance marbles rolls and the each other and knock the other team’s marbles away from the game typically moves fast with strict rules about moves and goal. Competition can be stiff, but it’s all for fun.
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Success in business fueled Cherokee Nation citizen K.S. "Bud" Adams' passion for sports and Native art and culture By: Tyler Thomas
Born in Bartlesville in the 1920s, Kenneth Stanley “Bud”
Adams’ roots ran deep in both his Cherokee heritage and the early years of the petroleum industry. Adams’ father succeeded founder Frank Phillips as president of Phillips Petroleum Company in 1939. His mother’s brother, William Wayne Keeler, served as CEO of Phillips Petroleum Company and was appointed Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation by five United States presidents before serving as the tribe’s first modern elected Principal Chief in 1971. The family’s foundation of success in business and dedication to Cherokee heritage would remain prevalent during Adams’ life and after.
Cherokee Nation citizen Bud Adams. Photo courtesy of the Tennessee Titans.
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Parlaying success in business Adams followed in the professional footsteps of his elder family members. After settling in Houston, Adams launched ADA Oil Company. The business grew into Adams Resources & Energy, and Adams parlayed the success into a diversified business empire, including the formation of the American Football League. Adams and Lamar Hunt announced the formation of the league in 1959. Adams would have a team in Houston with Hunt owning a team in Dallas and other franchises joining as the league grew. In 1970, the AFL merged with the National Football League and Adams maintained ownership of the Houston Oilers franchise, which relocated to Tennessee in 1997. In his six decades as owner, Adam’s franchise won two AFL championships and made the playoffs in the AFL and NFL a total of 21 seasons. Adams’ success in business offered him the opportunity to pursue his passion of sports as an owner, but it also allowed him to maintain his connection to his ancestry and promote its history and culture. “The Cherokee Nation has benefited from Bud Adams’ personal commitment to maintaining a strong connection to his Cherokee roots,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “He parlayed his overwhelming personal success in the energy sector to help us better preserve and promote Cherokee culture in northeast Oklahoma. We are forever thankful. Bud Adams was indeed a Titan when it came to his unwavering support of the Cherokee Heritage Center, as well as his renowned patronage of Native artists.”
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Impact at the Cherokee Heritage Center
collection features paintings by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, N.C. Wyeth and Thomas Moran and also hundreds of beadwork, clothing and other Native objects. “Artworks from the Adams gift are exhibited prominently in the museum and are among our visitors’ favorites – a testament to the far-reaching vision and great generosity of Mr. Adams in sharing his cultural heritage with future generations,” said Eiteljorg Museum president and CEO John Vanausdall. The museum displayed the special exhibit “Titan of the West: The Adams Collection of Western and Native American Art” from Nov. 12, 2016, to Feb. 5, 2017. Since the closing of the special exhibit, several of the paintings and Native pieces from the collection have been integrated in to the Eiteljorg’s permanent galleries.
In 1979, Adams, who served on the Cherokee National Historical Society’s executive committee, pledged $500,000 in memory of his mother, Blanch Keeler Adams, to the construction of Adams Corner Rural Village at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah. After the completion of the village, he also established a $350,000 endowment to maintain and improve it. “Mr. Adams’ legacy as a Cherokee National Historical Society executive committee member and donor is still very apparent today at the Cherokee Heritage Center,” said Dr. Charles Gourd, executive director of the Cherokee Heritage Center. “Thanks to his generosity, visitors from around the world are able to receive a one-of-a-kind cultural experience at the Adams Corner Rural Village.” Other Adams Corner Rural philanthropic Village represents K.S. "Bud" Adams, Dr. Duane King, Mary Louise Adams, Gary Chapman, Deputy Principal Chief Wilma contributions Cherokee life in Mankiller, at the Blanche Keeler Adams Memorial at the grand opening of Adams Corner Rural Village at the Cherokee Heritage Center in 1979. Photo courtesy of Bartlesville Area History Museum. the 1890s prior to In addition to his Oklahoma statehood. impact on promotion The village consists and preservation of seven buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, of Native culture and art, Adams also used his success in smokehouse, general store and three residences resembling business to give back to several community organizations. Cherokee homes from the time period. Organizations supported by Adams and his wife included the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee, Contributions to culture after passing St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Saint Thomas Hospital, American Red Cross, Boy Adams ensured his contributions to the preservation and Scouts of Tennessee, Girl Scouts of Tennessee promotion of Native culture and art would continue after and more. his and his wife’s passing. Adams’ wife, Nancy, passed away “I’ve done a lot of things with the in 2009 after 62 years of marriage, and Adams passed at community, but I really have not been one to the age of 90 in 2013. After his passing, the multimillionget out and be recognized publicly,” Adams dollar “Kenneth S. ‘Bud’ and Nancy Adams Collection” was humbly told The Commercial Appeal of bequeathed to the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. The Memphis in 1997.
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It’s well known that a free press was central to establishing
a democracy in the United States. What’s lesser known is that same institution was also invaluable to the preservation of sovereignty for the Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee Nation’s own Cherokee Phoenix newspaper was on the frontlines. This year marks the Cherokee Phoenix’s 190th anniversary. The first bilingual newspaper in North America, the Cherokee Phoenix was printed in both Cherokee and English. What began as the work of prominent Cherokee businessman Elias Boudinot, the Cherokee Phoenix has been a work full of passion since its beginnings. “In my presentations about the paper, I tell people the creation of the Cherokee Phoenix was part of the tribe’s effort to assimilate and to show their white neighbors or Georgians that they were advanced and ‘civilized’ and deserved to keep what remained of their lands,” said Will Chavez, assistant editor of the Cherokee Phoenix. On Feb. 21, 1828, Boudinot made history as the first edition of the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper came hot off the press. In the years to come, the paper would continue
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to grow into a nationally renowned means of Cherokee communication. “As the Phoenix’s popularity increased among the Cherokee people, Boudinot realized other tribes were also facing many of the issues the Cherokee Nation faced, like land loss,” Chavez said. After its first year, the paper went through its first name change, and for a short time it would be known as the “Cherokee Phoenix and Indian Advocate.” At this time in Cherokee history, conflict over the Indian Removal Act was beginning and the paper served as a formidable outlet for Boudinot to advocate for the Cherokee people. Boudinot eventually used the platform to push for Cherokee relocation to the West, causing tempers to run high between tribal leaders. Due to his differing opinion from the then Principal Chief John Ross, Boudinot was forced to resign his post as editor of the newspaper. Ross’ brother, Elijah Hicks, replaced Boudinot and led the paper for the next two years until it eventually closed due to lack of funding in 1834. During the turbulent times of Cherokee removal, the
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One of the original printing presses of The Cherokee Advocate is on display at the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah.
Georgia Guard moved in and destroyed all remnants of the paper and its syllabary-cast type. It wasn’t until 1844 that the paper would be revived in its current hometown of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A Cherokee Nation citizen by the name of William Porter Ross was responsible for reviving the paper and printed the first edition of the newly titled “Cherokee Advocate” that year. More than 150 years after the paper was founded and more than 25 years after the Cherokee government passed its first modern constitution, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council passed the Independent Press Act of 2000. The Cherokee Advocate had weathered years of change and was now printing news about everything from government politics to current events and profiles of people and places in the Cherokee Nation. “Since its inception, the Cherokee Phoenix has played an essential role within the Cherokee Nation,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “As we recognize this 190th anniversary, we also celebrate it as the first newspaper ever to be printed in both Cherokee and English. Undoubtedly, it
helped mold and educate generations of Cherokees, fueling our literacy, history and, even more than that, our resiliency.” In 2007, the paper would undergo its final name change to the “Cherokee Phoenix.” Today’s version of the Cherokee Phoenix looks a little different than it did in the early years, but the goal is still the same. “The Cherokee Phoenix was created to inform Cherokees of the events occurring not only within the tribe, but things occurring outside the tribe that could affect us as a tribe,” said Cherokee Phoenix Executive Editor Brandon Scott. “As the Cherokee Phoenix continues to grow and evolve by utilizing digital formats and social media, we look to hold on to our roots as a print publication as long as Cherokees want a printed version in their hands.” Now operating with a staff of 12, the paper is a monthly paper with an online portal that houses archives and stories translated in the Cherokee language. The staff also keeps up with a strong social media following and several video stories that can be found on the paper’s YouTube channel.
For more information, visit www.cherokeephoenix.org
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Cherokee Nation citizen and current Deputy Marshal Erik Fuson in Afghanistan during his service in the U.S. Army.
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It’s been nearly 10 years since Erik Fuson stood on an airfield
After high school, Fuson quickly found himself in what he in Afghanistan, helping to place two flag-draped coffins describes now as a “rut,” unsure about what he wanted to do aboard a U.S.-bound military aircraft. with his life. He wanted a sense of direction, and in 2007 It’s a moment Fuson doesn’t expect he’ll ever forget. The he enlisted in the U.S. Army, going to basic training at Fort bodies of 22-year-old Staff Sgt. Joshua Rath and 20-year-old Benning in Georgia. Spc. Keith Essary were being sent back home only hours after Like many other young men and women enlisting at an explosion inside a Kandahar Province marketplace. that time, Fuson’s decision to serve his country was largely The blast that claimed the lives influenced by the harrowing of the two soldiers also took the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He lives of an interpreter and more vividly recalls watching on TV than a dozen civilians. Fuson and as the World Trade Center’s around 50 others were injured. Twin Towers collapsed in Lower Memories of that day are still Manhattan. The United States surreal to Fuson, a Cherokee had been attacked. Nation citizen who at the time of “After that, I wanted to be the attack was serving as a U.S. on the frontlines of the war Army infantry specialist with against terror,” Fuson said. “That the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was kind of the turning point Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat in my life when I joined the Team, 1st Infantry Division out military. It’s a difficult lifestyle of Fort Hood, Texas. being away from your family, Despite his injuries, Fuson was but it’s rewarding at the same sent back to work the following time because you’re serving your week and later received a Purple country. My family was very Heart, a combat decoration supportive of me.” awarded to members of the U.S. Fuson chose to serve as an armed forces wounded or killed infantry soldier, following in the in action. footsteps of a cousin who also “Some people find out I have a served in Afghanistan. Once at Purple Heart and they say things Fort Hood, he fought hard to like, ‘You’re a hero,’ but I don’t earn his place in the company of U.S. Army infantry specialist Erik Fuson atop of a Mine-Resistant Ambush really see it like that at all. Instead, older, more experienced soldiers. Protected vehicle. I see that I was given a second “Erik was our youngest soldier chance at life,” Fuson said. “Two of our guys didn’t make it. before we went overseas. I remember him having one of the These were two of our own men – we ate together, we sweat better physical fitness tests, and he was good at combatives, together, we bled together, we laughed together – and they hand-to-hand, for such a young, light man,” retired Sgt. 1st passed from this life as American heroes and warriors.” Class Jeremie Wickman said. “He was also able to juggle a young family and success in the ranks, which is a struggle for less competent and dedicated soldiers.” Fuson heads to the frontlines It was just before Fuson’s deployment to Afghanistan when he learned he would soon become a father. Joining Fuson grew up just east of Stilwell, Oklahoma, in the small the Army had been a turning point in his life and though he Adair County community of Spade Mountain. He spent his looked forward to fatherhood, that news was also met with childhood there and graduated from Stilwell High School mixed emotions. in 2006.
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Front row (L to R): Specialist Erik Fuson, specialist David Kennedy, specialist Brian Russell. Back row (L to R): Corporal Marc Messer, Sergeant Brandon Hicks, Sergeant Eric Barr, Specialist Terry Ward, and Staff Sergeant Gabriel Garcia in Afghanistan.
flow of enemy weapons and on tracking down “high-value targets.” But most days, soldiers like Fuson drove to small villages to conduct foot patrols. They met with local residents and sometimes took part in counter-insurgency missions. On Jan. 8, 2009, Fuson was among a squad of U.S. soldiers gathering information from shopkeepers at a bazaar just outside their base. He and Sgt. Brandon Hicks were sent to The fighting spirit of a one area of the market while Sgt. Cherokee Rath and Spc. Essary went the opposite direction. In Afghanistan, Fuson and his “When the blast went off, I company landed at Kandahar was facing toward the location Air Field and stayed for about of the bomber, and I had just two months before pushing turned away from him when the out into the Maywand District. blast occurred,” Fuson said. “I was No American soldiers had been probably 40 yards or so away, and stationed there before. Erik Fuson received the Purple Heart in 2009 for his service in Afghanistan. it was like getting knocked out. It “We had a big base that had happened in a split second – one to be built from the ground up,” second I’m standing, the next I’m on the ground. It was so Fuson said. “You would think by 2007 that they would have loud.” had showers and other things like that. But we didn’t have In the aftermath of the attack, soldiers returned to base anything – there was literally nothing there.” and transported the fallen to an airfield for a ramp ceremony. Fuson and others in his company occasionally drove area Sgt. Rath and Spc. Essary were memorialized before being roads looking for improvised explosive devices and other sent back to the United States. dangers. From time to time, they focused on stopping the “Truthfully, you don’t know if you’re going to come back when you enlist, and you have it in your mind that your child may never know you,” Fuson said. “I was in Afghanistan when my daughter was born, and that was probably the toughest aspect of being deployed. Hearing her tiny little cry over the phone right when she was born was an awesome moment.”
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“When we were hit, we lost 30 percent of our platoon to either injury or death,” Wickman said. “Erik took his injuries in stride and accepted that he would not be treated immediately since there were more pressing wounds. Being one of the youngest and newest soldiers, he undauntedly set a great example for his fellow comrades. It was a pleasure serving with a man who cared for his fellow comrades.” The same day as the blast, Fuson overheard medics telling other injured soldiers they would be receiving a Purple Heart for their service to the country. At the time, those discussions were chalked up as small talk among soldiers who were finding their own ways to cope with the explosion. But weeks later during a combat outpost ceremony, Fuson and others injured by the blast received Purple Hearts. Sgt. Rath and Spc. Essary received their Purple Hearts posthumously. “The Cherokees have a long history of a great fighting spirit,” Fuson said. “Being able to serve my country and being able to represent my tribe, I think I was able to proudly continue that tradition in a very honorable way.”
Fuson said. “He’s former infantry as well, so that was kind of cool.” When the tribe needed a new deputy marshal in 2015, Fuson applied and ultimately landed his new career, rising to the top of the candidate list after a rigorous process involving written tests, physical tests, stress tests, interviews, federal paramilitary training and field training. “Veterans have always been an important part of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. I think our veterans make our communities safer because of their ability to pause in very stressful situations,” Cherokee Nation Marshal Shannon Buhl said. “With Erik, in every stretch of his hiring process, academy training, field training and now as he serves as a deputy marshal, it’s been absolutely without flaw.” Fuson patrols the Cherokee Nation most late nights and early mornings. During his travels across the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction, he often thinks back to his time in Afghanistan with soldiers like Sgt. Rath and Spc. Essary, whose names are tattooed on Fuson’s right arm as a reminder of their sacrifice. “I love the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. It’s the best job there is, and I couldn’t imagine someone with my skill sets and my experiences having a better The best job there is After his military service, Erik Fuson joined the Cherokee career,” Fuson said. Nation Marshal Service in 2015. Buhl believes Fuson, now three years Fuson returned to the states in into his job with the Marshal Service, will have a successful 2009 and later worked as a detention officer at the Cherokee career in law enforcement for years to come, thanks in part to County Detention Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for four Fuson’s honorable service in the military. years. “A lot of people say young people don’t have any direction “Working at the jail, I had a chance to see all the different or any morals, and it’s easy to get locked into that when you law enforcement entities that came in there and had a chance watch the news. Then you see a young man like Erik Fuson, to gauge them,” he said. “It always seemed like the Cherokee who puts all that argument to shame because he is doing Nation Marshal Service was top of the line, squared away the right thing, he is moral, he has strong ethics. It gives me and professional. The marshals carried themselves well, and it hope. I believe he and those men and women coming out really impacted me.” of service are the future of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Fuson also had an opportunity to train under Cherokee Service,” Buhl said. Nation Marshal Shannon Buhl. Fuson is one of about a dozen Cherokee Nation deputy “Shannon left a really strong impression on me. He was marshals who served in the military. the kind of guy I wanted to work for – just a really solid guy,”
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The Cherokee Tear Dress is the official tribal dress for
women of the Cherokee Nation by proclamation of the National Council. The word "tear" describes how pieces of the dress are prepared, as the design enables you to rip and tear the fabric. The first official tear dress was made for and worn by Virginia Stroud during her reign as "Miss Indian America" in 1969. It was made by her sister, Cherokee Nation citizen Elizabeth Higgins. “The Trail of Tears Drama” began in 1969 at the Cherokee Heritage Center and perpetuated the style of the traditional Cherokee women’s dress. Cherokee Nation citizen Wendell Cochran was tasked with designing the wardrobe for the cast, and from that point on he set the standard for the iconic dress. Cochran’s craftsmanship and contributions to traditional Cherokee clothing were recognized in 1991 when the tribe gave him the honorable distinction of Cherokee National Treasure.
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Learn more about the history of the tear dress and basic instructions on how to make your own dress at the Cherokee Tear Dress Class at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah on Nov. 17. For more information, call 918456-6007. Special thanks to Cherokee National Treasure Tonia Weavel for her contributions to this article and her steadfast dedication to the advancement of the Cherokee Tear Dress.
Gusset
Yoke
Square fabric insert placed under the sleeves
Square, flat fabric that lies at neckline
Flounce
Covers body between neck and waist
The skirt ruffle
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“My greatest achievement has been having the opportunity to help teach this craft and see it become more visible and prevalent at tribal events throughout time,” Cochran said. “It has enhanced our unique tribal identity and provided us with a distinctive look that is recognized and respected. This progression was not a conscious goal but has become my most profound achievement.” Today, the dress is worn by tribal representatives such as Miss Cherokee and the Cherokee National Youth Choir. The dress features many variations, allowing customized selections that reflect personal style.
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Cherokee Nation citizen Coleman Proctor sets sights on the gold buckle at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo By: Alicia Buffer
Find your target. From the very beginning, that’s what he was taught. Find your target on the steer, keep your tip down and deliver. Many children growing up in Rogers County have held a rope in their hands at some point, but not many learned to properly swing one as a young child.
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From an early age, Cherokee Nation citizen Coleman
much to be won, so I’ve always focused on I need to win Proctor had no problem finding the target. It is something “X” amount. Then that pays this, this and this and sets us up that is in his blood. for the next year. I’ve never gone into it and said I want to The four-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier win the gold buckle. So this year, I want to win the World was born at the Claremore Indian Hospital on a Friday, and Championship. When I wake up in the morning — every by that Monday the newborn was in attendance at the Clem time I approach roping — it’s with that mentality,” Coleman McSpadden Pasture Roping in Bushyhead, Oklahoma. The said. professional cowboy was born into a team roping family; it is “I think my favorite team roping story was when he won what they lived for. the George Strait,” said Stephanie Proctor, Coleman Proctor’s Thirty-three wife of two years, years later, speaking of when Proctor has her husband won established the prestigious himself as one George Strait of the best team Team Roping roping headers Classic title in the world. in 2010. “We The athlete’s got a check for Professional $79,865. I still Rodeo Cowboy remember exactly Association to this day. We career earnings wanted to go are nearing the eat steak and $1 million mark, celebrate, and and he has made we weren’t sure four trips to we had enough Cherokee Nation citizen Coleman Proctor heads a steer during the team roping portion of the 2017 Wrangler National Las Vegas for room on our Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Kirt Steinke. the Wrangler credit card to National Finals buy dinner, but Rodeo. The cowboy has set his sights to make the finals again we had this huge check in our hands. We still laugh in 2018. But this time, he wants to bring home the gold. about that.” “I want to win a gold buckle. I don’t think I’ve ever just Laughter and good memories are a necessity for the pair. said it like that,” Coleman said. The rodeo road is a long, hard one with a wife and new Proctor and his partner, Billy Jack Saebens, broke the arena baby girl, Stella, back home in Pryor. The cowboy takes as record with an impressive 3.7-second run earlier this year in many chances as he can to fly home and relies heavily on the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The win netted the cell phones and FaceTime to keep in close contact with his pair $46,030 to split for the rodeo, which propelled them family. near the top of the PRCA World Standings for 2018. When he’s home, Coleman makes time to compete in the “When you make the National Finals, it’s just a huge Indian rodeos alongside his wife and enjoys the time spent financial opportunity. The first year I went to Vegas, I won together. They always bring little Stella along. $75,000. The next year, I broke $100,000. It was amazing. “I love the people, the heritage and that you can do it as I had never seen $100,000 in my bank account. There is so a family,” said Stephanie Proctor, also a Cherokee Nation
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ citizen. “You see all these families here: The kids are in the matter what your target is, you need to find people who are junior events, their parents compete in the open, and they going the same direction, aiming for the same prize. He’s have grandparents in the senior competition. Everyone is always looked for good role models and people to hold him camped out for the weekend. It’s always a great time.” accountable. Proctor created his own code long ago. He likes The Proctor family holds pride in their Cherokee Nation to keep in mind that someone is always watching you. And, heritage and being Native American. he says that at the end of the day, your character and your “I enjoy when someone walks up for an autograph and integrity are the most important things you have going says, ‘You’re my favorite Indian cowboy.’ To hear that over for you. Erich Rogers or Aaron Tsinigine, I feel like that’s a big This Cherokee has appreciated the ride, the competition accomplishment, like and the lessons he’s I should put that on a learned along the way resume somewhere,” but says, after the gold, Coleman said. there’s another target. Proctor says if he’s “I look at this career as having a bad day, he an investment for our sometimes will practice future down the road,” for six or seven hours. Coleman said. “I want He’s never had a drive to give my daughter to do anything other more opportunities than than rope and has I had and reinvest my enjoyed the process his winnings.” entire life. He still loves The job isn’t always the aches and pains easy, but it’s one he says of getting up early to he can’t afford to quit practice. Until he loses yet. He isn’t ready. that, he says he wants to The thrill of backing Stephanie, Stella and Coleman Proctor at the annual Ioway Legends Tour Rodeo in Perkins, Oklahoma. do this as long as he can. his horse into the box at It’s the small, everyday the Thomas and Mack effort he feels gives the largest results. Center in Las Vegas is something he’s craving once again. “If you’re chasing a dream, whether you want to be a team Proctor relishes everything about the National Finals, down roper, a golfer, even if you want to be a Frisbee golfer, you to breaking in the steers the Tuesday before the rodeo begins. can’t look for results before you enjoy the process of getting He said he’s been watching that arena on TV since he was a better. You better enjoy the everyday struggles,” Coleman toddler, and to be in it himself is something he can’t put into said. words. The culture of rodeo — the unforgettable struggles, trials “When you blow in to that arena in the grand entry, it and triumphs — it’s been his dream since he took those first feels like all the fans are right on top of you. There’s nothing few swings. better in the rodeo world.” Proctor pauses then adds, “I’ve been all over the western United States and have “But when I walk in at 2:30 in the morning, and my little met nothing but great people, and mainly that is because of girl reaches for me to give me a kiss, there’s nothing that rodeoing, our western way of life,” Coleman said. “They’re compares to that.” compassionate and helpful. To me, they represent everything that’s good about America.” To watch the Wrangler NFR broadcast live, tune into CBS Sports He’s learned that no matter where you’re going, no Network Dec. 6-15.
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Anadisgoi
The Official Cherokee Nation News
Cherokee Nation citizen Coleman Proctor competing at the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Kirt Steinke.
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Anadisgoi
The Official Cherokee Nation News
Savory & delicious By: Tyler Thomas
The Cherokee people have many staple dishes from kanuchi to wild onions and eggs to bean bread. Many of these dishes utilize either traditional crops or food easily accessible in the wild. This issue’s featured dish is no different. Grape dumplings are a go-to dessert for many Cherokees when preparing a traditional Cherokee meal. Traditionally made with wild opossum grapes, many today use concord grape juice to make this delicious, crowdfavorite dessert. This dish is the perfect finale to a traditional Cherokee meal with its rich, savory flavor. For a modern twist, try serving the traditional grape dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Grape dumplings recipe For the dumplings: 2 c. flour 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 4 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 TB shortening 1 c. grape juice For cooking: 64 oz. Concord grape juice 1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 2. Cut shortening into flour mixture. 3. Make well in center of flour mixture and pour 1 c. grape juice into center of well. 4. Slowly incorporate flour mixture into juice and form into dough ball with hands. 5. Roll dough ¼" thick on floured board or sheet pan. 6. Cut dough into strips ½" wide or roll dough in hands and break off quarter-sized bits. 7. Heat up remaining grape juice. Slowly drop dumplings a few at a time into pot of boiling grape juice and cook for 10 - 12 minutes stirring occaisionally. Serve immediately in bowls either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serves 4-6.
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