Cherokee National Holiday Magazine 2014

6 2 N D

A N N U A L

CHEROKEE N AT ION AL

H O L ID AY

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2014 • TAHLEQUAH, OK

HOMES. HEALTH. HOPE.

OSIYO The Cherokee National Holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839. Celebrating Cherokee heritage and culture, the annual event attracts more than 100,000 Cherokees and visitors from around the world.

This year’s theme is “Homes. Health. Hope.” along with the permanent holiday theme of “A Cherokee Homecoming.”

We invite you to celebrate and enjoy the Cherokee National Holiday with your extended family of Cherokee Nation citizens and friends.

State of the Nation Agenda

2

Principal Chief’s Welcome

3

Deputy Principal Chief’s Welcome

4

Tribal Council

5

Tribal Council Speaker’s Welcome

6

Supreme Court Justices

7

Executive Leadership

7

Chief Justice’s Welcome

8

Homes

9

Health

11

Hope

13

175th Anniversary 15 Event Schedule

16

Statesmanship Awards

17

Medal of Patriotism Awards

19

Community Leadership Awards

21

National Treasure Awards

25

Miss Cherokee, Jr. Miss Cherokee, Little Ambassadors

27

Youth Choir, Youth Council, Remember the Removal Riders

28

Cherokee Nation regulations: Visitors shall not sell, dispense or consume any form of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages. The use of any commercial tobacco products is strictly forbidden on Cherokee Nation property and during all Cherokee National Holiday events. All visitors agree that entry into the events constitutes consent for the Cherokee Nation to use any film, photographs, video or reproduction of the person’s image or voice for any purpose without payment to the individual.

Cherokee National Holiday Magazine Staff Managing Editor: Sharon Price; Contributing Writers & Editors: Sidney Allen, Cody Bartmess, Meagan Brown, Amanda Clinton, Todd Crow, LeeAnn Dreadfulwater, Ben Elder, Craig Henry, Julie Hubbard, Ron Joyce, Molly Jarvis, Jessica Land, Jason McCarty, Talia Myres, Harrison Parks, Linda Secrist, Samantha Slater, Joshua Smith, Tyler Thomas; Content Managers: Lindsay Earls, Ron Joyce, Anna Knight, Talia Myres, Lou Slagle, Donna Tinnin; Art Director: Stephanie Pinkston; Graphic Design: Dan Mink, Crystal Walters; Contributing Photographers: Greg Mashburn, Brandon Scott.

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STATE OF THE NATION AGENDA Saturday, August 30, 2014 11:30 a.m.

WELCOME Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden BLESSING Crosslin Fields Smith POSTING OF COLORS Cherokee Nation Color Guard PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Cherokee Nation Immersion School “THE STAR–SPANGLED BANNER” Cherokee National Youth Choir directed by Mary Kay Henderson MOMENT OF SILENCE Honoring original Cherokee enrollees, heroes who have served and are serving our country, and those who walked the Trail of Tears 175 years ago “TSALAGI - WE ARE MANY” Becky Hobbs and Cherokee National Youth Choir INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES AND SPECIAL GUESTS Chief of Staff Chuck Hoskin

Cherokee National Capitol Square

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKERS • Speaker of the Council Tina Glory-Jordan •

Deputy Speaker of the Council Janelle Fullbright

• Treasurer Lacey Horn •

Master of Ceremonies – Chief of Staff Chuck Hoskin

Marshal Shannon Buhl

• Attorney General Todd Hembree •

Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr.

INTRODUCTION OF PRINCIPAL CHIEF Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS Principal Chief Bill John Baker “AMAZING GRACE” Choogie Kingfisher, Becky Hobbs and Cherokee National Youth Choir CLOSING PRAYER Sampson Leach RETIREMENT OF COLORS Cherokee Nation Color Guard

62ND ANNUAL CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY PARADE MARSHAL JOE THORNTON Joe Thornton is a Cherokee elder born near Stilwell, Okla., in 1916. Thornton excelled in archery for more than a decade. His career features individual and team world championships and three individual world records.

Cherokee citizen and parade marshal Joe Thornton helped restore archery as an Olympic sport.

Thornton joined the U.S. Army in 1934 where he spent three years at Fort Sill as a field radio operator.

He rejoined the military in 1943 to serve during

World War II in the Signal Corps and received a Presidential Unit Citation Award for his service.

In 1962, the Council of American Indians honored Thornton as a Distinguished American Indian.

He has served as president of the Oklahoma State Archery Association and on the board of governors for the National Archery Association.

Thornton helped restore archery’s place in the Olympics. It had not been included since 1920.

At the age of 55, he and his wife qualified for the 1972 Olympic trials. Thornton was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.

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BILL JOHN BAKER Principal Chief OSIYO, Welcome to the 62nd annual Cherokee National Holiday. First Lady Sherry Baker and I offer you a warm welcome to Tahlequah, the capital city of Cherokee Nation.

Along with Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, my administration operates with a simple goal: making the lives of Cherokee citizens better today, tomorrow and for the next seven generations. We are doing this by focusing on the things that matter most to our families and our communities: Homes. Health. Hope.

This year’s homecoming is exceptional as we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the end of the Trail of Tears. When we were marched from our homelands to Indian Territory, our ancestors never relinquished the fortitude to continue another day’s travel. Our ancestors never gave up, and each of us carries that same strength. It is in our blood.

Today, Cherokee Nation is stronger than at any time in our history.

As we build our communities, we have made new investments in home construction. Cherokee Nation has built, repaired or replaced 1,273 homes for Cherokee citizens in the past three years. A permanent home is the foundation for success in our families.

Our $100 million investment in health care means we are building new health centers and expanding others to better serve our people. Every Cherokee citizen deserves access to world-class health care, and we are making sure they receive it.

We invested an additional $1 million in education scholarships for our young people attending college and job training programs. Our new car tag compact was signed this year, and now every Cherokee Nation citizen in Oklahoma can purchase a Cherokee tribal tag.

We have created jobs across the 14 counties and reached all-time highs in production and revenues at Cherokee Nation Businesses. Our impact on Oklahoma’s economy is more than $1.3 billion annually, and we have a talented workforce of more than 9,500 people. I’m particularly proud to say we are employing more Cherokees than at any time in history.

I hope each of you enjoy your homecoming as we honor our Cherokee culture, heritage and values. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless Cherokee Nation.

WADO,

BILL JOHN BAKER Principal Chief

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S. JOE CRITTENDEN Deputy Principal Chief

OSIYO, On behalf of Cherokee Nation, welcome to our 62nd annual Cherokee National Holiday celebration. It is a festive and celebratory time in Tahlequah, and we hope you experience the best of Cherokee Nation this Labor Day weekend.

Every year, Cherokee Nation offers its citizens and visitors a wide array of entertainment and cultural and athletic events to see and experience. The Cherokee National Holiday has something of interest for all walks of life, from traditional foods and music to competitive marbles, softball and stickball tournaments, and the celebrated intertribal powwow.

I encourage history enthusiasts to explore our local museums and the Cherokee Heritage Center. They all highlight aspects of Cherokee life, from our removal to Indian Territory 175 years ago to our traditions and culture today.

The Cherokee National Holiday, which was held first in 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution, has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 100,000 visitors from across the world.

We have had many great successes at Cherokee Nation since we last gathered in 2013. We are eager to share the progress we have made for Cherokee citizens in health care, home ownership and a renewed sense of hope.

I hope you and your family enjoy our heritage, history and hospitality during Cherokee National Holiday.

WADO,

S. JOE CRITTENDEN Deputy Principal Chief

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CHEROKEE NATION TRIBAL COUNCIL

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DISTRICT 1 Tina Glory-Jordan Speaker of the Council

DISTRICT 2 Joe Byrd

DISTRICT 3 David Walkingstick

DISTRICT 4 Don Garvin

DISTRICT 5 David W. Thornton Sr.

DISTRICT 6 Janelle Lattimore Fullbright

DISTRICT 7 Frankie Hargis

DISTRICT 8 Jodie Fishinghawk

DISTRICT 9 Curtis G. Snell

DISTRICT 10 Harley Buzzard

DISTRICT 11 Victoria Mitchell Vazquez

DISTRICT 12 Dwight (Dick) Lay

DISTRICT 13 Cara Cowan Watts

DISTRICT 14 Lee Keener Jr.

DISTRICT 15 Janees Taylor

AT LARGE Jack Baker

AT LARGE Julia Coates

TINA GLORY-JORDAN Speaker of the Council

OSIYO, Welcome to the 62nd annual Cherokee National Holiday and Tahlequah, Okla. Here, you’ll find a wealth of kind hearts, determined minds and resilient spirits. I look forward to joining you in great fellowship with family and friends.

As we come together this year, we celebrate the accomplishments of our Nation and the bright future ahead.

Our theme, Homes. Health. Hope., is a true testament to the progress we have made over the past year and will build on in the coming year.

It’s an honor to serve the Cherokee people as the speaker of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. In that role, I put the needs of our people at the forefront of all decisions we make as the governing and lawmaking branch of our government.

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council strives to protect our inherent tribal sovereignty, ease the burdens of Cherokee people, and give us all hope and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

As one of the largest employers in northeast Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation makes a sizable annual economic impact. Creating and retaining quality jobs in our local communities ensures Cherokee Nation remains strong.

That is why it is so important to grow the number of quality jobs in our home communities.

The Cherokee National Holiday is a celebration of our heritage and a time for families and friends to come together as one. This is a joyful time for Cherokee Nation, and I’m pleased that you’re here to celebrate with us.

WADO,

TINA GLOR Y-JORDAN Speaker of the Council

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CHEROKEE NATION SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

CHIEF JUSTICE Darrell Dowty

JUSTICE John C. Garrett

JUSTICE Angela Jones

JUSTICE Troy Wayne Poteete

JUSTICE Jim Wilcoxen

CHEROKEE NATION EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

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PRINCIPAL CHIEF Bill John Baker

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CHIEF S. Joe Crittenden

SECRETARY OF STATE Chuck Hoskin Jr.

ATTORNEY GENERAL Todd Hembree

TREASURER Lacey Horn

MARSHAL Shannon Buhl

CHIEF OF STAFF Chuck Hoskin Sr.

DARRELL DOWT Y Chief Justice

OSIYO, The Cherokee Nation judicial branch welcomes you to the Cherokee National Holiday. Cherokee Nation is governed by three separate and distinct branches of constitutional government, which includes the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

The judicial branch includes the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, which primarily hears appeals from our District Courts and Cherokee Nation’s boards and commissions. The Supreme Court consists of five justices who must be Cherokee, licensed attorneys, nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Tribal Council.

The justices serve staggered 10-year terms.

The District Courts serve our citizens by providing a forum and having general jurisdiction over disputes arising under the laws and Constitution of the Nation. District Court judges are selected in the same manner as the justices and serve four-year terms.

The judicial branch is located in the Cherokee National Capitol building in downtown Tahlequah. The Capitol originally was constructed in 1867 and is undergoing restoration to return the building to its former glory as the historic symbol of our Nation’s government.

On behalf of the Cherokee Nation judicial branch, we invite you to visit the Capitol and have a great time at our National Holiday.

WADO,

DARRELL DOWTY Chief Justice

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HOMES

“We have a responsibility to provide our people with programs that will make their lives better. A permanent home is the foundation for success in our families and our communities.”

– PRINCIPAL CHIEF BILL JOHN BAKER

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2014 HOMES HIGHLIGHTS* •

In the last three years, nearly 1,300 Cherokee families received new homes built, repaired or made handicapped accessible through Cherokee Nation and the Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation.

•

More than 2,500 citizens receive assistance for affordable homeowner’s insurance each year through Cherokee Nation.

•

1,671 Cherokee families have received help

•

505 tribal households received clean, safe water or

•

Cherokee Nation’s New Construction Home Ownership program processed 485 applications in 2014. The program has received applications from 1,913 citizens, 494 of which have their own land for construction.

•

125 Mortgage Assistance Program grants were

•

For every home built by Cherokee Nation in 2014, more than 30 jobs were created.

from Cherokee Nation’s rental assistance programs this year. septic systems through Cherokee Nation.

awarded to Cherokee citizens, allowing them to purchase new homes for their families.

*Unless otherwise noted, statistics cover the current fiscal year, which is October 1, 2013, to the publication date of July 31, 2014.

After fire destroyed his Adair County home last fall, Cherokee citizen BB Livers received a replacement home through Cherokee Nation’s Housing Rehabilitation program. Livers, along with Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Tribal Councilor Frankie Hargis and Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, stands in front of his new home in Mulberry Hollow, near Stilwell.

TRIBE PROVIDING MORE HOMES FOR CITIZENS THAN EVER BEFORE

MORE CHEROKEE CITIZENS NOW HAVE A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Cherokee citizen Fannie Mae Parris Duffield again is living on her family’s 10 acres in Cherokee County, thanks to Cherokee Nation’s New Construction Home Ownership program.

“I have been able to provide a safe and secure home for my son. That is the most important thing,” said Mandy Adair, who received a new home through the Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation’s New Construction Home Ownership Program.

“Words can’t express what it means to me to be in a new home on the same land where I lived so many years ago,” said Parris Duffield.

Thanks to Cherokee Nation, tribal citizen Fannie Mae Parris Duffield once again is able to call her family’s land in Cherokee County home.

In the last three years, Cherokee Nation and the Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation have provided nearly 1,300 Cherokee families with new homes built, repaired or made handicapped accessible.

TRIBAL COUNCIL APPROVES ADDITIONAL $2.9 MILLION FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS To help more Cherokee citizens with housing needs, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council increased the tribe’s operating budget by $2.9 million.

This substantial increase in funding allows for $1.7 million to be added to the tribe’s housing rehabilitation program and $1.2 million for replacement homes.

Cherokee Nation started taking applications for safe, energy efficient and affordable homes in 2012.

Cherokee citizen Mandy Adair is appreciative of her new home that she can one day hand down to her son.

“I wanted to be able to provide him a place that would always be home to him, a house where he can establish roots and something I can one day hand down to him. Because of Cherokee Nation, I can do just that,” Adair said.

“Our goal is to make the lives of Cherokees better, and one essential way we can do that is to make home ownership more accessible,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

CHEROKEE NATION HOME REHAB PROGRAM GOING STRONG Thanks to Cherokee Nation, Glenda McClanahan is able to provide a safe home for her daughter and three grandchildren.

“The emphasis on homes, health and hope has made a lasting impact on me personally,” said McClanahan. “I grew up as a Cherokee Nation at-large citizen living out of state, and when I moved home to Oklahoma, the tribe was there for me and my family through thick and thin…and that means the world to me.”

Cherokee citizen Glenda McClanahan said, “We have directly benefitted from the housing rehab program. It means I am able to provide a good, safe home for my daughter and three grandkids. It’s the foundation for our family.”

For every home built by Cherokee Nation in 2014, more than 30 construction jobs were created.

Cherokee Nation’s Housing Rehabilitation program is helping more Cherokees with home repairs and replacement homes than ever before in the tribe’s history. The program assists Cherokee families by providing an array of resources, ranging from weatherization needs and wheelchair ramps to emergency repairs and full replacement homes.

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HEALTH

2014 HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS* • 130,201 patients were served through Cherokee

Nation Health Services, totaling 900,468 ambulatory patient visits.

•

Cherokee Nation Health Services was nominated by the Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Physicians for the Edward R. Loveland Memorial Award for distinguished contribution to health.

•

1,617, 789 pharmacy prescriptions were filled

by Cherokee Nation Pharmacy Services.

• 104,973 people received nutritious and well-

balanced food packages through Cherokee Nation’s

Food Distribution program.

• 9,738 diabetic patients received services through

Cherokee Nation’s diabetes program.

“I’m proud we are making a significant investment in health care that will positively impact the lives of our people for generations. I pledge to continue finding ways to make the Cherokee people healthier and stronger for many years to come.”

– PRINCIPAL CHIEF BILL JOHN BAKER

• 7,075 patients received dietary and nutritional counseling.

• 537 babies were born at Cherokee Nation’s W.W.

Hastings Hospital. *Unless otherwise noted, statistics cover the current fiscal year, which is October 1, 2013, to the publication date of July 31, 2014.

CHEROKEE NATION PROVIDING QUALITY CARE TO CITIZENS Operating the largest tribal health care system in the United States, Cherokee Nation has supported 900,468 patient visits so far this year.

“It is the only place I feel 100 percent taken care of,” Cherokee citizen Preston Keith said of the tribe’s Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee. “That’s why I use Cherokee Nation Health Services.”

Cherokee citizen Preston Keith of Edmond said he could go anywhere for health care but chooses Cherokee Nation Health Services. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the care I receive at Cherokee Nation’s Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee. I always see my doctor on time, and the entire staff are nice and very helpful.

I wish every medical center was run the same way.”

Cherokee Nation Health Services consists of eight health centers throughout its 14-county jurisdiction and W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah.

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CHEROKEE NATION IMPROVING CITIZENS’ ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

STUDY TO IMPROVE NUTRITION FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Cherokee Nation, through its $100 million health care expansion, is offering better access to services for citizens.

Cherokee Nation is working to prevent unhealthy weight gain for expectant mothers through its Just Right study.

“Expanding the Cherokee Nation health care system benefits our people across the board,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

“We can treat our citizens in a faster and more professional manner, and, just as importantly, we are creating good-paying jobs inside the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction,” said Baker.

Cherokee citizen Chelsea Scott of Tulsa was able to get top-quality care through Cherokee Nation Health Services. “I am so thankful my Nation was there for me when I needed it the most.”

In Sept. 2012, construction was completed on the Cherokee Nation Unadiwisdi Health Center, a 92,000-sq.-ft. facility in Vinita. It is the second largest health center operated by Cherokee Nation.

“I went for a regular checkup, and my new physician discovered a hereditary heart defect that all my previous doctors had completely missed,” said Cherokee citizen Chelsea Scott.

“With their help, I am on the road to recovery.”

The expansion project includes new facilities or expansions in Ochelata, Jay, Sallisaw and Stilwell.

CHEROKEE NATION LEADING THE WAY IN HEALTH CARE AMONG TRIBES Cherokee Nation Health Services received the 2013 Edward R. Loveland Memorial Award, a national award from the American College of Physicians.

“The service and expertise at W.W. Hastings has been second to none,” said Cherokee citizen Rick Helton. “They not only gave me quality treatment, they helped me learn more about my condition.”

Cherokee citizen Rick Helton of Vinita says he is thankful for the quality of care provided by Cherokee Nation Health Services. “The health care professionals at Cherokee Nation make me feel like I have a real partner in this fight, and that I am not just battling my health problems all alone.”

The Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Physicians nominated Cherokee Nation Health Services for being a leader in the health care field within the state of Oklahoma and among tribes nationally.

Obesity is a major health problem in the U.S., particularly among Native Americans, and is linked to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Left to right: Expectant moms Sierra Seabolt of Fort Gibson and Kayla Adair of Tahlequah learn to make whole wheat bread from study coordinator Jaime Clark.

Women who participate in the study are offered healthy cooking and exercise classes. Each expectant mother must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and plan to deliver the baby at W.W. Hastings Hospital.

The findings of the study, conducted in partnership with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, will be available in 2015.

CHEROKEE NATION PROVIDING TOOLS NEEDED TO FIGHT DIABETES Cherokee Nation is helping citizens fight diabetes through its Lifestyle Balance program.

The 16-week program assists citizens diagnosed with prediabetes by providing education and tools needed to help prevent the disease.

“I’ve lost close friends from diabetes, so when I was diagnosed, it was a huge blow,” said Tommy Sands.

“Utilizing the quality care and educational classes of the Cherokee Nation Diabetes Program at W.W. Hastings, I was able to make real lifestyle and habit changes.”

“I reduced my soda intake, added more fresh vegetables to my diet and started being more active,” said Sands. “I’ve lost more than 20 pounds, feel better and am so thankful for the Cherokee Nation health program. Not only has it changed my life, it has saved my life.” Sands.

Participants lost more than 650 pounds total during the program.

This year alone, Cherokee Nation has provided services to more than 9,500 diabetic patients.

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HOPE

2014 HOPE HIGHLIGHTS* • 6,303 Cherokees, more than at any time in

history, are employed by Cherokee Nation and its businesses. 1,183 more Cherokees are employed

today than in 2011.

•

Last year, Cherokee Nation Businesses earned record-breaking revenues of $782 million. So far this year, revenues have increased 4.3 percent over the same time period last year.

• The Nation’s non-entertainment businesses have

seen an 8.3 percent increase in new business

compared to the same time period last year, securing $243 million in commercial and

government contracts.

“Creating a renewed sense of hope for Cherokee Nation citizens is vital to our success. Increasing and improving access to education, career training, health care and housing programs will instill that hope. Hope for a better today, hope for a better future and hope for our children to live, prosper and raise their families and be proud of our heritage.”

– PRINCIPAL CHIEF BILL JOHN BAKER

•

Cherokee Nation provided $11,145,542 in scholarships to Cherokee students.

•

Cherokee Nation distributed more than $3.4 million, a record amount, to 93 schools located within the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction.

•

46,315 photo ID citizenship cards have been

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More than 6,500 Cherokee entrepreneurs and businesses received loans or technical assistance and training from the Cherokee Nation Small Business Assistance Center.

distributed to Cherokee citizens since the new cards became available in September 2012.

• 5,085 tribal citizens participated in Cherokee

Nation Career Service programs.

• 4,079 Cherokee households received utility

payment assistance through the Low Income Home

Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

• 1,302 Cherokee elders received utility payment

assistance through the Elders in Need program. *Unless otherwise noted, statistics cover the current fiscal year, which is October 1, 2013, to the publication date of July 31, 2014.

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Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker visits with 3-year-old Luke at the grand opening of the Stilwell Child Development Center in January 2014. The 19,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will serve a capacity of 98 children. The center, built to replace the former facility, created 10 new jobs and added about 50 additional day care slots.

CAR TAGS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OKLAHOMA AT-LARGE CITIZENS Cherokee Nation citizens throughout Oklahoma now can display their pride with a Cherokee Nation vehicle tag, thanks to a new compact signed between the tribe and the state of Oklahoma.

The revenue from motor vehicle tags benefits roads, schools and law enforcement within Cherokee Nation ’s jurisdictional area, as well as other community projects.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden display a Cherokee Nation vehicle tag. Cherokee Nation became the first tribe to expand its motor vehicle tags statewide under a compact with the state of Oklahoma, allowing all Cherokee citizens in the state to replace their state vehicle tags with Cherokee Nation tags.

“This is a dream come true for thousands of Cherokees,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “Plus, we were able to create 13 new jobs in our tag office locations, and the compact will create a sustainable money flow that will benefit all people, Cherokee and non-Cherokee alike.”

In fiscal year 2013, more than $5 million was allocated to schools, road projects and law enforcement within the Nation’s 14 counties from Cherokee Nation motor vehicle tax revenues.

“I’m planning to get one,” said Cherokee citizen Frank Muskrat of Oklahoma City. “I know quite a few in our area have been asking for this…because having a Cherokee Nation car tag is a source of pride about being Cherokee.”

CHEROKEE NATION PROVIDING MORE JOBS, BETTER WAGES Cherokee Nation is providing more jobs and better pay than ever before, thanks to an executive order signed by Principal Chief Bill John Baker that will raise the tribe’s minimum wage to $9.50/hour.

“This wage increase will help more Cherokees put food on the table and rest easier about how to make ends meet,” Baker said.

“The summer I spent interning at Cherokee Nation has been invaluable,” said Cherokee citizen Ashlee Fox. “I am now more equipped to face the challenges of college and the workforce.“

By offering job seekers, students and employees career-planning tools, internships and educational opportunities, Cherokee Nation also is helping its citizens build the skills they need to land better jobs than ever before.

CHEROKEE NATION PROVIDING ESSENTIAL RESOURCES TO CHEROKEE-OWNED BUSINESSES Cherokee Nation’s Small Business Assistance Center has provided more than $1.6 million in loans to Cherokee-owned businesses this year.

Danielle and Mike Coursey, owners of Backwoods Foods Manufacturing, received assistance from Cherokee Nation’s Small Business Assistance Center to expand their food packaging lines and grow their employee base. In 2014, the SBAC provided assistance and training to more than 6,500 aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Cherokee Nation helped us in a big way,” said Mike Coursey, owner of Backwoods Foods Manufacturing. “I am so appreciative of what the tribe does to help its citizens.”

The SBAC provides access to capital for new businesses and expansion projects. The SBAC also offers a training program, as well as a Retail Business Incubator, to help ensure the resources needed by businesses are readily available.

CHEROKEE NATION PROVIDING CLEAN, SAFE WATER FOR COMMUNITIES Citizens within the tribe’s jurisdiction are benefiting from services provided by Cherokee Nation.

In 2014, 505 tribal households received safe water or new septic systems from Cherokee Nation Community Services.

Cherokee Nation citizen John Phillips lives on 10 acres of his family’s original Cherokee allotment.

In Nowata, Cherokee Nation donated $50,000 to replace deteriorating steel water pipes. The former waterline, installed in the 1950s, frequently experienced low water pressure or water outages from massive water leaks, frustrating and potentially harming local residents.

“It means so much to us to have good water,” said Cherokee citizen John Phillips. “Cherokee Nation replacing this is such a blessing, and I am so thankful.”

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175 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATING 175 YEARS SINCE THE TRAIL OF TEARS

CHEROKEE NATION HONORS LIVES LOST

REFLECTING ON THE ACT OF UNION

In May, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker honored the estimated 4,000 lives lost along the Trail of Tears with a Cherokee Rose planting ceremony. There were seven rose bushes planted to recognize the seven clans.

The Act of Union created a unified political body for two groups of Cherokees: the “Old Settlers,” who relocated west prior to forced removal, and their fellow Cherokees, who were forcibly sent across the Trail of Tears, a 2,200-mile trek from their original homelands in the Southeast.

Their perseverance and bravery were honored in July at Cherokee National Capitol Square.

Officials reflected on the May 23, 1836, ratification of the Treaty of New Echota.

The treaty gave the Cherokee people two years to move west from their native homelands in the Southeast to Indian Territory.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks at an event recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Act of Union.

It was 175 years ago that the final group of Cherokees ended the journey across the Trail of Tears. The last detachment arrived on March 24, 1839, in Indian Territory near present-day Tahlequah.

The first detachments of Cherokees were forcibly removed from their homeland in the Southeast beginning in 1838.

As part of the day’s events, Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism unveiled a new electronic database inside the John Ross Museum. It showcases the history of those buried in the Ross Cemetery, which is located directly east of the museum.

“Today, we are a thriving sovereign government with a living culture because our ancestors were strong enough and had the vision to ensure Cherokee Nation would survive,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker memorialized the conclusion of the forced removal with a proclamation declaring March 24 as “Cherokee Nation Remembrance Day.” “We will remember and honor the sacrifices made by our ancestors,” said Baker.

“Collectively, they never gave up and never relinquished the fortitude to continue another day’s travel, one step at a time, on the trail to modernday Oklahoma.”

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The remembrance event was held at the Cherokee Heritage Center, where museum officials displayed, for the first time in public, a petition by Principal Chief John Ross asking the U.S. government not to move forward with the forced removal of his people.

March 24 has been declared Remembrance Day in Cherokee Nation, in honor of the conclusion of the Trail of Tears.

Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden and Principal Chief Bill John Baker plant a Cherokee Rose at Ross Cemetery.

The historic Ross Cemetery is where many past Cherokee leaders are buried, including Principal Chief John Ross and his family. It is also the final resting place for many who survived the Trail of Tears.

In honor of this historic act, Cherokee Nation officials planted a dogwood tree at Capitol Square. The dogwood holds cultural significance to Cherokees. The tree can be found dotting the landscape of the Cherokees’ ancestral homelands, across the Trail of Tears and into the modern homelands throughout northeast Oklahoma.

2014 CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY EVENT SCHEDULE START TIME

LOCATION

AUGUST 9, SATURDAY Little Cherokee Ambassadors

The Place Where They Play

4pm

AUGUST 16, SATURDAY Jr. Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition

6:30pm

Armory

AUGUST 21, THURSDAY “NANYEHI” Musical

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

7:30pm

AUGUST 22, FRIDAY Softball Fast Pitch & Co-ed Tournament

6pm

“NANYEHI” Musical

7:30pm

Sequoyah Schools Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

AUGUST 23, SATURDAY Softball Fast Pitch & Co-ed Tournament

9am

Stickball Tournament

10am

Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition

6pm

“NANYEHI” Musical

7:30pm

Sequoyah Schools Sequoyah Schools Cornerstone Church Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

AUGUST 24, SUNDAY Softball Fast Pitch & Co-ed Tournament

AUGUST 28, THURSDAY Golf Tournament Check-In Golf Tournament Tee Off

Sponsored by Stage Stores Sponsored by Stage Stores

“Playground of the Native Son” Movie Screening

AUGUST 29, FRIDAY Golf Tournament Tee Off

Sponsored by Stage Stores

9am

Sequoyah Schools

8am

Cherokee Springs Golf Course Cherokee Springs Golf Course

7pm

Dream Theatre

8am

Cherokee Springs Golf Course

7:30am

Arts & Crafts

9am - 5pm

Cherokee Heritage Center

Quilt Show

9am - 4pm

Cherokee Gift Shop Art Show

10am - 4pm

Sequoyah Schools Cherokee Nation Gift Shop

Art Show

1pm - 8pm

Arts & Crafts

2pm - 10pm

“Playground of the Native Son” Movie Screening

2pm

Arts & Crafts

5pm

Intertribal Powwow

5pm

Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament

5pm

Stickball Social Game

5:30pm

Armory West of Complex Dream Theatre Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds Male Seminary Recreation Center Male Seminary Recreation Center

START TIME

LOCATION

Arts & Crafts

9am - 3:30pm

Blowgun Contest

9am - 5pm

Cherokee Capitol Square Cherokee Heritage Center

Arts & Crafts

9am

Marble Tournament

9am

Softball Slow Pitch Tournament

9am

Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament

9am

Arts & Crafts

9am - 10pm

Quilt Show

9am - 4pm

Cherokee Cultural & Traditional Activities

9am & 1pm

Cherokee National Holiday Parade

9:30am

Downtown Tahlequah

Horseshoe Pitching Competition

9:30am

West of Complex

Art Show

10am - 6pm

Cherokee Gift Shop Art Show

10am - 4pm

CN Complex Open House

10am - 4pm

Health Fair

10am - 2pm

Veterans Open House

10am - 3pm

Cherokee Plants and Practices

11am -1pm

State of the Nation Address

11:30am

Children’s Fun Days

12pm - 10pm

Elders’ Fun Day

12pm - 5pm

AUGUST 30, SATURDAY cont.

Cherokee Heritage Center Cherokee Heritage Center Sequoyah Schools Male Seminary Recreation Center

West of Complex Cherokee Nation Gift Shop

1pm

1pm - 6:30pm

Arts & Crafts

2pm

Cherokee National Youth Choir

2pm

Intertribal Powwow

2pm

Nancy Ward Reception

2pm - 5pm

“Playground of the Native Son” Movie Screening

2pm

Gospel Singing

4pm

Veterans Reception

4-6pm

Stickball Men’s Exhibition Game

7pm

Talking Leaves Job Corps West of Complex Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds Armory Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds Cherokee Nation Complex Dream Theatre West of Complex New Veterans’ Center Sequoyah Schools

Rodeo Grounds Rodeo 8pm

AUGUST 31, SUNDAY Arts & Crafts

9am - 5pm

Arts & Crafts

9am - 5pm 9am 10am - 5pm

6pm

West of Complex

Cherokee Gift Shop Art Show

10am - 4pm

6pm

Sequoyah Schools

Sunday Morning Worship

10am - 12pm

Softball Slow Pitch Tournament

West of Complex New Veterans’ Center Cherokee Nation

Complex Cherokee Capitol Square

Traditional Indian Food Cook Off

Art Show

Gospel Singing

Armory

Cherokee Nation Gift Shop Cherokee Nation Complex

Fiddlers Contest

West of Complex

6pm - 10pm

Green Space

West of Complex Bingo 1pm

Softball Slow Pitch Tournament Bingo 6pm West of Complex Children’s Fun Days

West of Complex Sequoyah Schools

Cherokee Heritage Center West of Complex Sequoyah Schools Armory Cherokee Nation Gift Shop Sequoyah Schools Cherokee Casino Tahlequah

Car Show/Cruise Rodeo Grounds Rodeo 8pm

12pm - 5pm

AUGUST 30, SATURDAY

Children’s Fun Days

1pm - 6pm

West of Complex

Free Feed

1pm - 4pm

Sequoyah Schools

Traditional Indian Games Playoff

1 pm

Quilt Show

1pm - 4pm

Pumpkin Hollow Band

6pm - 10pm

Fireworks Show

Dusk

West of Complex Bingo 1pm

Jason Christie Children’s Fishing Day

7:30am - 11am

Cornstalk Shoot Competition

7:30am

5K Holiday Run

7:30am

Golf Tournament

Sponsored by Stage Stores

8am

East of Complex West of Complex East of Complex Cherokee Springs Golf Course

West of Complex Sequoyah Schools Cherokee Casino Tahlequah Cherokee Casino Tahlequah

Times and locations of events may change. Please call 918-453-5536 or visit cherokee.org/aboutthenation/nationalholiday for the latest event times and locations. Cherokee Nation is a smoke-free environment, including all Cherokee National Holiday events.

16

STATE OF THE NATION AWARDEES 2014

Cherokee National Statesmanship Award

17

KEITH HARPER Keith Harper was nominated by President Barack Obama as the United States Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council and was sworn into office on June 5, 2014. Harper is the first member of a federally recognized tribe to serve at the U.S. Ambassador level.

Harper previously served as principal advisor and chair of the Native American Domestic Policy Committee and as a member of the Presidential Transition Team in the Energy & Environment Cluster.

Harper’s legal career has focused on litigation and Native American affairs, representing tribes and individuals. He served as class counsel in the landmark Indian trust funds lawsuit, Cobell v. Salazar, a case that settled for an aggregate $3.4 billion.

Harper is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Root-Tilden-Snow Fellowship, the Skadden Fellowship, the Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Fellowship and the University of Arizona Indigenous Peoples Law Program Senior Fellowship.

STACY LEEDS Stacy Leeds has served as dean and professor of law at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Ark., since 2011. Leeds presently serves as chairperson of the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission.

Holding law degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Tulsa, Leeds also is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Tennessee.

In 2013, Leeds was recognized with the American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence Award for her work in promoting a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession.

From 2011 to 2013, Leeds served a two-year term on the National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform for the U.S. Department of the Interior, which reviewed and made recommendations for reform of the United States’ management of nearly $4 billion in Native American trust funds and assets.

Leeds is a former justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and the only Native American law school dean in the United States.

DARYL LEGG Daryl Legg, a native of Sallisaw, Okla., has served as director of vocational programs for Cherokee Nation Career Services since 2009.

A graduate of Northeastern State University, Legg pioneered Coming Home, a program designed to improve the outcomes and reduce cases of repeat offenses among former prisoners.

The program, serving citizens of federally recognized tribes, helps remove barriers ex-offenders face upon release. Since the program’s inception, 53 of the 55 participants have remained out of the prison system, with the majority maintaining steady jobs.

On June 30, 2014, the White House honored Legg with its Champions of Change award, an honor granted to ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities. In the category for which Legg was honored, more than 900 nominations were received.

MELVINA SHOTPOUCH Melvina Shotpouch, a native of Jay, Okla., is a graduate of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

For 27 years, Shotpouch has worked for the Delaware County Assessor’s office. She also serves on the board of directors for the Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center. Shotpouch previously served four years as a councilwoman for the City of Jay. Her father, the late Mike Shotpouch, started the annual Shotpouch Hog Fry, now in its 61st year. She has faithfully carried on this tradition and teaches traditional Cherokee cooking to area schools and community organizations. Dedicated to preserving Cherokee culture, Shotpouch frequently shares knowledge of food, herbs and stories.

Shotpouch served 12 years as a Cherokee councilwoman and five years with the Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation.

18

STATE OF THE NATION AWARDEES 2014

Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism Award

19

JOSEPH (JOE) FOURKILLER Joseph Fourkiller, a native of Stilwell, Okla., enlisted in the United States Navy on April 1, 1943. He served until being honorably discharged in January 1946.

Fourkiller provided support and equipment to islands across the South Pacific while serving aboard the U.S.S. Altamaha aircraft carrier. The ship successfully evaded submarine attacks and withstood a typhoon near the Philippines.

For his service, Fourkiller received numerous awards, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation-Foreign.

After his discharge from the Navy, Fourkiller worked for Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kan., for six years and went on to work for Oklahoma Communications and TDS for 34 years. Fourkiller retired in 1998 and returned to Stilwell, where he resides today with his wife, Betty.

COOIE MEIGS JR. Cooie Meigs Jr., a native of Park Hill, Okla., enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943, following three semesters at Northeastern State University.

During World War II, Meigs, while serving as a rifleman for Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, was wounded twice by Japanese grenade fragments.

Though injured, Meigs remained at his post, returning fire. By his aggressive spirit and courageous actions, he killed and wounded an unrecorded number of hostile troops. His devotion to duty throughout the incident was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For his extraordinary service, Private First Class Cooie Meigs Jr. received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.

KENNETH MORRIS Kenneth Morris, a native of Adair County, served with the United States Army’s 300th Army Combat Engineers, Company A, from 1943 to 1945.

As lead driver in a convoy, Morris, nicknamed “Cowboy” by fellow soldiers, was responsible for the safety and transport of men, equipment and supplies for the 300th.

During his service in World War II, Morris survived five major European campaigns, including the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

After his service, Morris served on the Adair County Draft Board during the Vietnam Era. Morris also worked as a rancher, a butcher and the proprietor of Morris Brothers Locker Plant and Grocery.

For his years of service, Morris was awarded the EAME Theater ribbon, Silver Service Star, World War II victory ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

Now semi-retired, Morris resides in Watts, Okla., with his wife, Gerri.

ROBERT WHISENHUNT Robert Whisenhunt, a native of Oologah, Okla., was drafted into the military in August 1941 and shipped out of Boston in 1944, eventually landing in Normandy on June 7, the day after D-Day. Whisenhunt’s unit moved on toward the Rhine River and the Battle of the Bulge. During intense fighting, Whisenhunt was hit by shrapnel and sustained too many injuries to continue fighting.

After spending seven months in several Army hospitals, Whisenhunt was discharged from Camp Chaffee, Ark., in July 1945.

Whisenhunt moved first to Southern California, then on to Sacramento, where he worked for the state repairing business machines. He retired from state employment after 27 years.

Whisenhunt currently lives in Carmichael, Calif., a suburb of Sacramento.

20

STATE OF THE NATION AWARDEES 2014

Cherokee National Community Leadership Award - Individual

21 9

TOM BRANDOM Tom Brandom, a resident of Liberty, Mo., has worked in county government, found success in the business world and has been active in the American Indian community.

Brandom spent 23 years working at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City and five years at General Motors. Brandom also owned a computer software company and taught classes at William Jewell College in Liberty.

For 16 years, Brandom worked for county government, including 12 years as an elected official. For eight of those years, Brandom served as the presiding commissioner of Clay County, Mo. Brandom also has served as a board member on the Mid-America Regional Council, the Missouri Association of Counties and the Bi-State Commission for the Renovation of Kansas City’s Union Station.

Brandom is a fixture in the American Indian Community in Kansas City where he helped organize the first Cherokee history class and was a founding member of the Cherokee Community of Kansas City, currently serving on its board.

J.R. SELLERS J.R. Sellers, a native of Welling, Okla., served five years in the United States Army Reserve where he attained the rank of sergeant and received an honorable discharge.

An exceptional college athlete, Sellers played on numerous championship teams and was inducted to the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 for baseball, basketball and fast-pitch softball.

For 35 years, Sellers has owned and operated J.R.’s Country Auction and has been a major contributor in helping with community benefits.

Sellers currently serves as president of the Tri-Community (W.E.B.) Association, an organization that connects the Cherokee communities of Welling, Eldon and Briggs. He has donated land for the construction of a community building for the organization, which will be used for instruction, senior nutrition, recreation, Cherokee language and culture.

Sellers currently lives in Eldon, Okla.

CARL ALLEN SHUFELDT Carl Allen Shufeldt, a native of Lenapah, Okla., currently serves as vice president of Native American Fellowship Inc., a charitable organization based in South Coffeyville.

Through his work with NAFI, Shufeldt has assisted local Cherokees with applying for various Cherokee Nation programs. The organization also operates a food pantry for families in crisis and brings cultural presentations to the community.

Shufeldt has served his community through organizations like the Grange, helping with numerous community service projects such as food and clothing drives and other volunteer work.

Shufeldt also has donated rock to Nowata County to build up roads in order to help residents living in rural areas. He currently serves as the membership director of the Oklahoma State Grange and has recruited more than 700 members.

OLLIE STARR Ollie Christina Starr, a native of Mayes County, is a member of the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club, Oklahoma’s oldest chartered club and an organization focused on serving the Native American community.

After raising her family in the Rogers County town of Talala, Starr moved to Florida where she became a landlord in a declining area. She took on the task of bringing the community together to reclaim the neighborhood. Starr was honored by the city of Fort Lauderdale, the State of Florida and several national organizations for her community leadership.

After 10 years, Starr returned to Oklahoma to once again be near her family and the Cherokee community.

Through her work with the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club, Starr helps to organize several events each year to raise money for school scholarships. The club also funds community enrichment projects and donates time and supplies to organizations that need assistance.

22

STATE OF THE NATION AWARDEES 2014

Cherokee National Community Leadership Award - Organization

23 7

CHEROKEE SOCIET Y OF THE GREATER BAY AREA The Cherokee Society of the Greater Bay Area, located in northern California, is a nonprofit community of Cherokee citizens dedicated to preserving, educating and sustaining Cherokee traditions, language, history and culture.

The society offers hands-on traditional Cherokee arts and crafts, language courses, and historical education outreach programs to those interested in learning more about Cherokee culture. Recently, the organization sponsored a traditional Cherokee beading class and workshop led by Cherokee National Treasure Martha Berry and hopes to expand its class offerings in the upcoming year.

Although separated from Cherokee Nation by thousands of miles, the CSGBA, through its dedication to the preservation of Cherokee heritage, strives to keeps its members informed and involved with the larger Cherokee community.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION OF CHEWEY The Neighborhood Association of Chewey is a nonprofit organization in Adair County striving to strengthen its community through programs focused on sustaining Cherokee heritage, culture and values.

In the past year and a half, the association has worked to rejuvenate its community by offering a variety of activities and learning opportunities. The association offers Cherokee language classes and gospel singings in addition to youth activities ranging from basket weaving and blowguns to marbles, beadwork and leatherwork.

The association recently completed a renovation on its community building, which includes a youth room, an event space, a gym with seven showers, as well as the installation of commercial kitchen equipment to accommodate a senior nutritional program, which is slated to be in operation soon.

THE ASSOCIATION OF THE DESCENDANTS OF NANCY WARD, BELOVED WOMAN OF THE CHEROKEE The Association of the Descendants of Nancy Ward, Beloved Woman of the Cherokee, promotes and assists research into the descendants of Nancy Ward.

The association is dedicated to scholarly research into Cherokee history and genealogy and preservation of historical records and locations of interest to Cherokees.

Members of the association include direct lineal descendants of Nancy Ward, their spouses and their parents. Others have joined as associate members. There are currently more than 200 members across the United States.

The association meets twice a year and publishes a newsletter about organization activities and historical events. For more than five years, the association has supported the efforts to bring the musical “Nanyehi – Beloved Woman of the Cherokee” to the stage.

TRI-COMMUNIT Y (W.E.B.) ASSOCIATION The Tri-Community (W.E.B.) Association consists of members from the Cherokee communities of Welling, Eldon and Briggs.

The association’s mission is to serve the three communities through a variety of services. To address the educational, cultural, social and technical needs of these communities, the Tri-Community (W.E.B.) Association promotes unification and a passion to serve Cherokees.

The funds raised by the association have directly assisted citizens in Welling, Eldon and Briggs through school trips, health care, funeral expenses, hospital transportation and home restoration from fire damage.

Construction of the community building for the Tri-Community (W.E.B.) Association is in progress, with a foundation, walls, trusses and a septic system already in place. With the assistance of dedicated volunteers, restoration of the Tri-Community softball field was completed this summer.

24

STATE OF THE NATION AWARDEES 2014

Cherokee National Treasure Award

25 7

DAVID COMINGDEER David Comingdeer, a native of Adair County, is a skilled stickball stick artisan and has been crafting the sticks for 22 years.

The ball sticks Comingdeer crafts are made by hand, from the careful selection of each hickory log to the use of the drawknife and fire to shape and bend each stick. He takes great care to perpetuate the art in the ways of his ancestors.

Comingdeer’s family has lived in both Adair and Cherokee counties since their arrival in Indian Territory. He currently resides in the community of Spade Mountain where he cultivates a pine plantation.

Comingdeer is of the Paint Clan and is a member of the Echota Ground where he holds the seat of head chief. He and his children have an active ceremonial life and spend much of their time traveling to ceremonial stomp dances across eastern Oklahoma.

CLESTA MANLEY Clesta J. Manley is a lifelong resident of Cherokee Nation, born on her father’s allotment land on the banks of Grand River.

For 30 years, Manley has shared Cherokee culture and art with the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club where she encourages members to learn more about history and culture.

Growing up among the beauty of the hills, streams and wildflowers nurtured her creative spirit. She started drawing at the age of 9 and continues to paint in a variety of media.

Manley has participated in exhibitions throughout the state and won numerous awards, as well as a grant for a month to paint in Italy provided by the University of Tulsa Art Department. She has participated in juried shows at Philbrook Art Museum, Gilcrease Art Museum, Walton Art Center and the Cherokee National Homecoming.

EDDIE MORRISON Eddie Morrison, a native of Tahlequah, Okla., is a contemporary sculptor who has worked in wood and stone for 38 years.

Morrison is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. Morrison often uses red cedar in his works for the variations in color provided by the wood. Another favored material is Kansas limestone, which he collects himself. Much of this limestone contains fossils from a prehistoric sea that once covered much of North America. These fossils are often visible in the rough portions of Morrison’s stone sculptures.

Morrison’s works are featured at the Department of Interior Building in Washington, D.C., on the Chisholm Trail monument at the Kansas-Oklahoma border, as well as in permanent collections throughout the country.

JOHN ROSS JR. John Ross Jr., a native of Greasy, Okla., is a translation specialist for Education Services of Cherokee Nation.

Ross previously worked as a research analyst and grant writer for Community Services of Cherokee Nation and served eight years as chief and four years as treasurer for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.

Ross is bilingual and speaks Cherokee as his primary language.

Ross serves as chairman of the Ethnobotany Publications board, which focuses on Cherokee cultural-environmental issues and is dedicated to the preservation of tribal environmental knowledge. Ross also serves on the Cherokee Elders Council.

In 2013, Ross received the Perry Aunko Indigenous Language Preservation Award from the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission.

26

CHEROKEE AMBASSADORS: RESPECTFUL LEADERS Cherokee Nation’s ambassadors represent the Nation as role models in leadership and general knowledge of Cherokee government, history, language and culture. Thank you for your hard work.

MISS CHEROKEE 2013-14 Julie Thornton

The role of Miss Cherokee is to represent Cherokee Nation as a goodwill ambassador and serve as a messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of Cherokee people. As an ambassador and messenger of Cherokee people, she is a role model and exemplifies the best qualities of Cherokee youth.

JR. MISS CHEROKEE 2013-14 LaNice Belcher

The Jr. Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition promotes leadership and culture among Cherokee youth. Jr. Miss Cherokee is a young lady between the ages of 13 and 18 who best exemplifies the attributes of leadership, including personal integrity, communication skills and respectfulness.

CHEROKEE NATION LITTLE AMBASSADORS 2014-15 The Cherokee Nation Little Ambassadors Leadership Competition inspires Cherokee youth to achieve their dreams and gives them a better sense of how to represent their community. A male and female ambassador is chosen from ages 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12.

Each winner represents the tribe and promotes the values, culture and heritage of Cherokee people.

(L to R): 2013-14 Jr. Miss Cherokee LaNice Belcher with 2014-15 Little Cherokee Ambassadors Lauryn McCoy, Ashlin Sutton, Chase Lowrey, Keri Jones and JJ Dodge stand with current Miss Cherokee Julie Thornton.

27

CHEROKEE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR

CHEROKEE NATION TRIBAL YOUTH COUNCIL

The Cherokee National Youth Choir was founded in 2000 as a way to keep Cherokee youth interested in and involved with Cherokee language and culture.

The choir is made up of about 50 Cherokee students between grades 6 and 12 from northeast Oklahoma communities.

Choir members also act as ambassadors, serving as a symbol to the world that Cherokee language and culture continue to thrive in modern society.

2012-2014 Tribal Youth Council members (L to R) Front row: Megan Baker, Claudia Baker, Mikal Yahola, Meagan Morrow. Second row: Elizabeth Burns, Nathalie Tomasik, Meekah Roy, Brandon Doyle, Lakin Keener. Back row: William Chaser, Eric Budder, Noah Collins, Jonathon Pilcher, Keaton Sheets, Jordan Galvan and Marissa Williams.

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council is an elected body of Cherokee citizens ages 15-22. Its purpose is to develop future tribal leaders. Members act as a voice and as role models for Cherokee youth, while promoting the mental and physical well-being of Cherokee youth, developing peer programs and participating in community service projects.

Front row (L to R): Madison Whitekiller, Lauren Melton, Tabitha Fishinghawk, Katelyn Morton, Diamond Rock; second row (L to R): Chloe Martinez, Brandilyn O’Field, Emilee Chavez, Skylar Glass, Madison Hanvey, Taylor Fishinghawk, Bailey Justice, Cierra Fields (no longer in choir), Jaycee Jackson, Dalyn Patterson; third row (L to R): Lacie Melton, Austin Jones, Brandon Doyle, Maykayla Herendez, Natalie Gibson, Roxanna Seay, Mariah O’Field; fourth row (L to R): Kaleigh Christie, Jessalyn McCarter, Alayna Harkreader, Caidlen Dunham, Madison Shoemaker, Garret Million, Marissa Williams, Gracie Sellers (no longer in choir), Zakry Fine, Morgan Mouse; not pictured: Seif Drywater, Molly Bearpaw and Sean Sikora.

The Tribal Youth Council maintains membership in the National Congress of American Indians and United National Indian Tribal Youth and is funded by the Cherokee Nation.

2014 REMEMBER THE REMOVAL RIDE In commemorating 175 years since the forced relocation of Cherokees to Indian Territory, 13 Cherokee Nation students, along with their coordinator and riders from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, traveled the 950-mile northern route of the Trail of Tears on bicycle. These Remember the Removal riders visited landmarks significant to the history of the Trail of Tears, including Blythe Ferry in Tennessee, which was the last piece of Cherokee homeland the ancestors stood on before beginning the trek to Indian Territory. All riders were awarded medals and welcomed home by Cherokee leaders, family members and friends.

2014 Remember the Removal riders from left to right: Jacob Chavez, Keeley Godwin, Tye Carnes, Cassie Moore, Elizabeth Burns, Katrina Sneed, Jamekah Rios, Charli Barnoskie, Joseph Erb, Chance Rudolph, Pat Watkins, Adriana Collins, Madison Taylor, Russell Bigmeat, Noah Collins, Zane Scullawl, Jordan McLaren, Ty Boyd, Kelsey Owle and Richard Sneed.

28

CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY COORDINATORS The Cherokee National Holiday steering committee sincerely thanks all the volunteers who worked to make the 2014 Cherokee National Holiday a success.

Special thanks to Mayor Jason Nichols and the city of Tahlequah employees.

ART SHOW • Marie Smith

ARTS & CRAFTS • Becky Adair • Jolinda Ballou • Rhonda Cochran • Tom Mooney • Lou Slagle

LITTLE CHEROKEE AMBASSADORS • Mandy Scott

ELDERS’ FUN DAY • Crystal Thomas

MISS CHEROKEE LEADERSHIP COMPETITION • Lisa Trice Turtle

CORNSTALK SHOOT COMPETITION • Pete Vann

NANCY WARD RECEPTION • Ruth Faulkner

FIREWORKS SHOW • Jessica Graham

QUILT SHOW • Mary Peters • Pamela Wedding

FREE FEED • Shirley Ross

BLOWGUN CONTEST • Choogie Kingfisher

SOFTBALL FAST PITCH & CO-ED TOURNAMENT • Crystal Bogle • Sherwin Johnson

GOLF TOURNAMENT • Tyler Crouch

CAR SHOW • Jessica Graham • Robin Replogle

GOSPEL SINGING • Kingfisher Family

CHEROKEE CULTURAL & TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES • Donna Tinnin

CHEROKEE GIFT SHOP ART SHOW • Linda Taylor CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY PARADE • Debra Lack

CHEROKEE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR • Mary Kay Henderson • Kathy Sierra

CN COMPLEX OPEN HOUSE • Annette Stinnett

SOFTBALL SLOW PITCH TOURNAMENT • Crystal Bogle • Sherwin Johnson

HEALTH FAIR • Barbara Neal

HOLIDAY DIRECTOR • Lou Slagle HOLIDAY RUN • Hillary Fry

CHEROKEE NATIONAL TREASURES RECOGNITION • Bill Andoe

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS • Taryn Calico

HORSESHOE PITCHING COMPETITION • Jody Slover INTERTRIBAL POWWOW • Teresa Chuculate

JASON CHRISTIE CHILDREN’S FISHING DAY • Ryan Callison JR. MISS CHEROKEE LEADERSHIP COMPETITION • Reba Bruner

CHEROKEE NATION SALUTES HOLIDAY DIRECTOR LOU SLAGLE For more than a decade, Cherokee citizen Lou Slagle has helped bring thousands of visitors to Tahlequah each year to take part in one of the largest events in Oklahoma.

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MARBLE TOURNAMENT • Phil King

FIDDLERS CONTEST • Jerry Bigfeather

BINGO • Debby Lawrence • Tanya Johnson

CHILDREN’S FUN DAYS • Angela Connelly

COED VOLLEYBALL • Denise Honawa

After serving 14 years as director of the Cherokee National Holiday, Slagle is retiring from his post.

STICKBALL TOURNAMENT • Marcus Thompson

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP • Kingfisher Family

THREE-ON-THREE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT • Kim Arneecher • Susan Lewis

TRADITIONAL INDIAN FOOD COOK OFF • Pam Bakke TRADITIONAL INDIAN GAMES PLAYOFF • Lou Slagle VETERANS RECEPTION • Jennifer Kirby

Under his direction, the event has seen tremendous growth and has expanded to include more traditional and non-traditional games, a traditional food cook-off, an art show and interactive traditional craft demonstrations.

Thank you, Lou, for your creativity, inspiration and dedication to making the Cherokee National Holiday a bigger and better Cherokee homecoming.

One of the “Best Places to Experience Native American Culture” - CNN, April 23, 2014

Welcome to Cherokee Nation

Experience the award-winning hospitality and true meaning of “Osiyo” at these attractions throughout the Cherokee Nation.

1.

14 Flags Museum

2.

Baptist Mission

3.

Cabin Creek Battlefield

4.

Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs

5.

Cherokee Casino Ft. Gibson

6.

Cherokee Casino Ramona

7.

Cherokee Casino Roland

8.

Cherokee Casino Sallisaw

9.

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah

COPAN WELCH

LENAPAH

MIAMI

DEWEY DELAWARE

BARTLESVILLE

BLUEJACKET

NOWATA

FAIRLAND

34 33

OCHELATA

BERNICE GROVE

6 RAMONA

BIG CABIN

10. Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs 11. Cherokee Heritage Center

14. Cherokee Nation Gift Shop Tahlequah 15. Cherokee Nation Welcome Center Cherokee Turnpike (Kansas)

3 LANGLEY

ADAIR COLLINSVILLE

12. Cherokee Hills Byway 13. Cherokee Nation Gallery & Gift Shop

AFTON

VINITA

20

32 OWASSO

JAY

OOLAGAH

CLAREMORE

SPAVINAW

10

PRYOR

SALINA

31 COLCORD

TULSA

16 13 22 INOLA

LOCUST GROVE

CHOUTEAU

22. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa 23. John Ross Museum

TAHLEQUAH

OKAY

11

FORT GIBSON

5

WESTVILLE

18

HULBERT

21

4

2

17 3019

18. Cherokee National Prison Museum

21. Fort Gibson Historic Site

15

28

17. Cherokee National Capitol

20. Dog Iron Ranch–Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch

KANSAS

OAKS

16. Cherokee Nation Welcome Center Tulsa

19. Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum

25

27

9

14 26

23 24

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

STILWELL

TENKILLER BELL

MUSKOGEE BRAGGS

24. Murrell Home

GORE

12

25. Oaks Indian Mission 26. Restaurant of the Cherokees

WARNER

28. Seminary Hall at NSU 29. Sequoyah’s Cabin 30. Spider Gallery 31. Talbot Library and Museum 32. Will Rogers Memorial Museum 33. Eastern Trails Museum 34. Courthouse and War Memorial Osiyo is the traditional Cherokee greeting. Come say “hello” and plan your visit today: VisitCherokeeNation.com • (877) 779-6977

29

1

27. Saline Courthouse Historic Site

SALLISAW

8

PORUM

Map not to scale

MULDROW

7

One of the “Best Places to Experience Native American Culture” - CNN, April 23, 2014

John Ross Museum 22366 S. 530 Rd., Park Hill

Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum 122 E. Keetoowah St.,Tahlequah

Cherokee National Prison Museum 124 E. Choctaw St.,Tahlequah

Celebrate the holiday With Free admission Celebrate the 62nd Annual Cherokee National Holiday with a visit to any Cherokee Nation museum where you will receive FREE admission August 29 through 31, 10 am to 4 pm.

osiyo is the traditional Cherokee greeting. Come say “hello” and plan your visit today: VisitCherokeenation.com • (877) 779-6977