baker - Cherokee Phoenix

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October 2012 • cherokeephoenix.org
184 Years of Cherokee Journalism
CHEROKEE
PHOENIX
Business
$526M budget approved plan outlines
Funding for Health Services takes up
a majority of the Cherokee Nation’s
fiscal year 2013 financial plan.
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation’s Head Start and
Health Services programs are the big winners in the tribe’s fiscal
year 2013, $526 million budget, which tops the FY 2012 budget
by $53 million when it was first approved.
Narrowly approved at the Sept. 17 Tribal Council meeting,
the budget adds $400,000 to Head Start and $9.3 million to
Health Services.
The additional $400,000 will supplement Head Start’s $9.2
million budget. The program’s total budget in FY 2012 was $7.3
million, with $293,479 coming from tribal funds.
Head Start provides pre-kindergarten education at various sites
in northeast Oklahoma to prepare preschoolers, many from lowincome families, for kindergarten.
Head Start Director Verna Thompson said that in the past it
was difficult to retain experienced staff members because she was
not able to offer competitive salaries and that only 80 percent of
the program’s needs were met.
“It’s great to see the Cherokee Nation really making Head Start
a priority once again,” she said. “This funding increase will help us
better provide for our students and help retain qualified teachers.”
Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 at centers in Belfonte,
Brushy, Inola, Kenwood, Lowrey, Stilwell, Okay, Pryor, Rocky
Mountain, Salina, Shady Grove, Tahlequah, Nowata, Webbers
Falls and Zion.
Early Head Start serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years at centers
in Tahlequah, Cherry Tree, Jay, Pryor, Stilwell, Salina and Nowata.
The added dollars to Health Services brings its FY 2013
See BUDGET, 3
Cherokee
Phoenix’s
future
It calls for paid
subscriptions and
sponsored distribution
newspaper racks.
BY WILL CHAVeZ
Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Setting the
Cherokee Phoenix on a path to financial
independence, the news organization’s
Editorial Board is implementing a
business plan to increase revenue by
switching to paid subscriptions and
sponsored distribution points.
The board approved the plan after the
Tribal Council’s Executive and Finance
Committee cut the Phoenix budget by 25
percent on Aug. 20. Tribal Councilor Tina
Glory Jordan said the cut wouldn’t affect
jobs and should “encourage” the Phoenix
to generate more income through
fundraising and advertising sales.
Tribal Councilor Chuck Hoskin
Jr. said as part of the cut the Phoenix
budget would be monitored to adjust for
fundraising and advertising revenues.
“I think we should also review the
budget in the spring to see if any
adjustments are needed to make the
plan work,” he said. “The Phoenix will
put together a budget for FY (fiscal year)
2014 next summer, and we’ll work with
the Phoenix on meeting its needs.”
After the $244,550 cut, Editorial Board
Chairman John Shurr, Vice Chairman
Jason Terrell and Executive Editor Bryan
Pollard met with Councilors Glory
Jordan, Hoskin, Jodie Fishinghawk, Dick
See PHOENIX, 5
Reapportioned districts spark lawsuits
Two groups of
councilors file the
suits to test the law’s
constitutionality.
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
Principal Chief Bill John Baker presents a Pendleton
blanket to California Rep. Mike Honda as Cherokee
Nation Treasurer Lacey Horn looks on during the
Democratic National Convention, which was held Sept.
4-6 in Charlotte, N.C. COURTESY PHOTO
Baker serves as
Democratic National
Convention delegate
Principal Chief Bill John Baker
performs Oklahoma’s roll call
during the nomination vote.
BY KEVIN SCRAPPER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Not all Democrats get to attend
the Democratic Nation Convention to nominate the
party’s presidential candidate. Even fewer get to announce
his or her state’s delegates vote during the convention’s roll
call. However, Principal Chief Bill John Baker got to do
both during this year’s DNC held Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte,
N.C.
Baker said he represented the Cherokee Nation in his
official capacity and that during the vote to re-nominate
President Barack Obama for president, he announced
Oklahoma’s vote.
“I was honored to attend the convention as principal
chief of the Cherokee Nation and on behalf of the Cherokee
Nation’s federal interests,” Baker said. “To stand on a
national stage as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation
See BAKER, 2
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Two
lawsuits have been filed in the
Cherokee Nation District Court to
determine whether Legislative Act
26-12 and its new 15-district map is
constitutional.
Tribal Councilors Buel Anglen,
Jack Baker, Julia Coates, Lee Keener
and Cara Cowan Watts filed a
lawsuit against the CN on Sept. 5
seeking judgment and relief from
the redistricting law they deem
unconstitutional.
LA 26-12 changes the number of
representative districts within the
CN jurisdiction from the current five
to 15 next year.
That lawsuit is separate from one
filed on Aug. 31 by council attorney
Dianne Barker Harrold, who seeks
a judgment determining “the legal
and constitutional aspects” of LA 2612 and to resolve “all disagreements
and potential challenges” so the 2013
elections can be conducted without
dispute.
The five councilors claim in
their lawsuit that council seats in
LA 26-12 aren’t apportioned to
afford a reasonably equal division
of CN citizens among the districts
as mandated by the constitution.
Their suit states the population
difference between District 14, at
+9.94 percent, and District 11, at
-9.12 percent, results in a difference
of 19.06 percent.
The plaintiffs also state many
citizens were omitted from the count
due to “bad addresses” and that if
This 15-district map approved by a majority of the Tribal Council in July
is the focus of two lawsuits filed in Cherokee Nation District Court. The
council’s attorney, on behalf of the council, filed one suit on Aug. 31. Five
other Tribal Councilors filed the other on Sept. 5. COURTESY PHOTO
they had been counted the range of
differing population would be 22
percent.
“The Cherokee Nation Supreme
Court has ruled…that the standard
for equal representation and equal
protection is ‘one Cherokee, one
vote,’” the suit states. “However, LA
26-12 gives some citizens 1.1 votes
and others 0.9 votes. This 19 percent
deviation from the standard is
unconstitutional.”
Tribal Councilor Chuck Hoskin
Jr., who voted for the act, said
people should understand that
when counting the population for
See MAP, 3
2
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
News • dgZEksf
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
Registration offers Cherokee Nation Tribe
citizens photo identification
awaits
BIA realty
review
results
BY JAMI CUSTER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Beginning
Oct. 1, the Cherokee Nation Registration
Department will offer CN citizens a new
card that combines the tribal citizenship
and Certificate of Degree Indian Blood
cards, as well as a photo identification.
The card features the citizen’s photo and
tribal citizenship information on one side
and the CDIB information on the other.
The plastic card is about the size of a
credit card and works as a valid form of
identification.
“They’re fantastic looking. They have
the seal and the hologram and people
have been very pleased with them,”
Registrar Linda O’Leary said. “We should
make a formal announcement and we
should be able to accommodate the entire
public by Oct. 1.”
Citizens interested in receiving the
new photo ID card should bring their
driver’s licenses and blue CN citizenship
cards to Registration located at the W.W.
Keeler Complex.
“They come into the office and we have
one side scheduled to help our regulars
– those who need registration, new
applications or duplicate cards – and the
other side of our window is set up for
our photo IDs,” O’Leary said. “We have
a separate office where the equipment is
there and readily available. When people
come to the original window, they will fill
out one form and with their identification
and we run that through the system and
then they’re called in for the photo ID.”
There are no costs for the photo ID or
original blue cards. However, if a photo
ID card is lost or stolen there is a $5
replacement fee, which will be used to
subsidize the new service.
Registration officials recommended
that citizens update the new ID cards
Though the Cherokee
Nation has a selfgovernance agreement,
it’s still subject to review
by Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
Cherokee Nation citizen Shaun Henson sits while a CN Registration employee
takes his picture for his new tribal citizenship card that includes Henson’s photo,
citizenship information and Cherokee blood quantum.
JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
every four years. They said there is no
age requirement on the photo ID, but if a
parent chooses to get one for a child then
it’s recommended to update the child’s
photo every four years, too.
“As long as they bring back the original
card with the child’s photo then we don’t
charge the $5 fee,” O’Leary said.
CN citizens will continue to receive
the original blue and CDIB cards.
However, the new card is in addition to
those to make it easier for the people to
carry and use.
“The benefits are that a lot of people,
they don’t like to carry their CDIB card
that’s laminated. It’s a little bit bigger for
their wallet. Our original blue cards are of
a weight of paper that is a little bit thinner,”
she said.
O’Leary said citizens have used the new
ID cards to vote in non-tribal elections
and board airplanes.
She said there are also plans to go mobile
with the new photo ID system, as well as
using the cards to hold information such
as addresses, contact information and
information for any tribal services used.
“There is a strip on the back looks
like a charge card. The CN hopes to
in the future go paperless with their
programs and use the card to pull up each
individual’s information,” O’Leary said.
“But we haven’t worked all that out. In the
future, if there are certain things they, the
administration, want to add or whatever
we need to put on that card to assist our
people, it is there for their benefit.”
[email protected]
918-453-5560
Cherokee Casino Ramona BAKER
from front page
expansion adds 100 jobs
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
RAMONA, Okla. – About half
of the 200 jobs needed to operate
the expanded Cherokee Casino
Ramona will be new positions and
filled by Cherokee Nation citizens,
tribal officials said during the
casino’s Sept. 17 dedication.
“We are thrilled to open this new
casino because it allows us to add
nearly 100 new jobs to the area,
as well as economic development
opportunities for Ramona, Ochelata
and Bartlesville,” Principal Chief Bill
John Baker said. “Our casinos exist
to provide jobs and opportunities
for our citizens, so I’m proud to say
that 100 percent of our new hires at
this location are Cherokee citizens.”
Because of added space and
amenities, nearly 200 employees
are needed to work in the new $18
million casino. Ramona Mayor Cyle
Miller said having 200 jobs in a small
community such as Ramona means
a lot and that the town appreciates
the tribe’s contributions for local
schools, fire departments, police
departments and infrastructure.
Baker said the new casino
could draw other businesses to
its vicinity, which would create
more jobs and opportunities
for Cherokee people. He added
that the casino’s profits would
contribute funding for the tribe’s
health care needs and allow
Cherokee Nation Businesses to
“grow its other businesses” for
the future.
“When gaming goes away, the
Cherokee Nation will be strong
and grounded in other businesses,
creating more jobs for our Cherokee
people,” he said.
After opening two years ago,
Cherokee
Casino
Ramona’s
popularity was a welcome surprise
for Cherokee Nation Entertainment
officials. So much that CNE
expanded the facility from 11,000
square feet to 31,000 square feet
because it was too small for the
large crowds that visited it.
The new casino features
the Ramona Grill, a café-style
restaurant; the Watering Hole
bar; entertainment space; and 500
electronic games.
Cherokee
Casino
Ramona
General Manager Rusty Stamps said
200 games have been added and
include new titles such as “Wheel
of Fortune,” as well as progressive
games that were not available before.
He said progressive games are
tied to other casinos throughout
the United States and earn higher
jackpot winnings. Stamps said games
are switched out about every 90 days.
The Ramona Grill is a full-service
restaurant that seats 100 guests
compared to the previous restaurant
that seated only 16.
Live entertainment will be at
the Watering Hole stage area each
weekend. Seating is available near
the stage as well as a bar area where
guests can order drinks while
enjoying country and rock ’n’ roll
bands Friday through Sunday.
Stamps said retractable sound
panels near the stage will keep the
music confined to the bar area.
Near the casino’s main entrance
sits a replica of an oil derrick,
which commemorates the area’s
link to Oklahoma’s petroleum
industry. Cherokee National
Treasure Bill Glass Jr., his son
Demos and Cherokee artist Ken
Foster created the 45-foot-tall,
12-foot-wide steel tower that
includes the Cherokee syllabary.
The six lines of Cherokee
syllabary are meant to describe a
second derrick of the same size the
men are working on that will be
placed in front of the casino later.
Reading from left to right and top
to bottom, the translation reads
“Cherokee. Rising from the ashes,
Phoenix. By itself, flying. The fire is
flaming up. I am talking. It’s here/
Hello/Win.”
During the dedication ceremony,
Baker honored the Shawnee family
that leased the land on which the
casinos sit and presented family
members with a Pendleton blanket.
According to the Washington
County Assessor’s Office, William
Shawnee owns the land that
CNE leased for the casino in
2010. According to CNB records,
Cherokee Nation Entertainment
paid Shawnee an advance of
$600,000, as well as annual lease
fees of $325,000.
CNB records also state that the
annual lease fee will increase to an
unspecified amount in 2013.
CNE’s lease runs through 2020
with additional renewal options of
10 years each, and upon expiration of
the lease, all improvements revert to
the landowners, CNB records state.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
and cast my delegate vote for President Obama on
behalf of the state of Oklahoma helped shine the
national spotlight on the Cherokee Nation.”
However, Baker did not represent the tribe alone.
CN Treasurer Lacy Horn, Secretary of State Charles
Head, Attorney General Todd Hembree and
Communications Director Amanda Clinton joined
Baker on the trip, all in their official capacities.
“In Charlotte, my top leadership and I attended
meetings with several business leaders, U.S.
senators, members of the Oklahoma House of
Representatives, as well as promising candidates for
national office who support tribal nations,” Baker
said. “We were fortunate to meet with Google, Vice
President Joe Biden, Congressman Mike Honda
and many others.”
As reported by the Cherokee Phoenix, Google
awarded the Cherokee Nation Foundation a
$50,000 grant that will allow the foundation to
launch campaigns on Google.
Baker said the grant and other opportunities
obtained were made possible by the meetings he
and his team attended.
“Our meetings with Congressman Honda and
other members of Congress were equally productive,”
he said. “Tribal nations face potential budget cuts
from the federal government every year, and as a
member of the powerful House Appropriations and
Budget Committee, Congressman Honda is a key
ally for the Cherokee Nation.”
Baker said Obama is the first president to have a
true open door policy with tribes and that openness
to listen is proof of his respect for the governmentto-government relationship between tribes and the
United States.
“As I said during the convention, President
Obama has been the best president Indian Country
has ever had,” Baker said. “There have been several
presidents try to develop a relationship with
sovereign nations, but not to the extent of the
current administration.”
Baker said he proudly supports Obama as he
has populated his staff with talented Natives in
key administrative positions that affect tribal
communities.
“He supports expanded education opportunities,
improved health care access and supported
infrastructure improvements to create economic
opportunities in Indian County,” he said. “With the
Obama administration, several key accomplishments
have been met, including the Cobell settlement, the
Indian Health care Improvement Act, the Violence
Against Woman Act and the Keepseagle settlement.
His collaboration with tribes is unprecedented and
shows that he truly values the Indian perspective
and respects our sovereignty.”
Baker added that attending the DNC meant a lot
to him and the CN. “Overall, my service as a delegate
was extremely productive for the Cherokee Nation,
and it was an experience I will cherish forever.”
CN funds covered Baker, Horn, Head and
Hembree’s travel costs, while Cherokee Nation
Businesses covered Clinton’s expenses. According
to CN Communications, the Nation paid $8,310.46,
while CNB paid $1214.64. Expenses consisted of
flight, hotel, meals and ground transportation.
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 5903
BY WILL CHAVeZ
Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Tribal officials
are still awaiting results of a review the
Bureau of Indian Affairs performed on
Cherokee Nation’s Real Estate Services
earlier this year.
Principal Chief Bill John Baker’s
administration requested the review after
Baker took office late in 2011. CN SelfGovernance Administrator Vickie Hanvey
said as of Sept. 19 the BIA had not provided
a report about the review.
Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts
questioned the review’s purpose and scope
during a May 31 Rules Committee meeting.
“Were they looking for something in
particular? Was it just a broad, ‘we think
realty is not doing their job request?’ Or was
there something going on?” Cowan Watts
said. “If we’re going to be a self-governance
tribe and we have responsibility for this,
why would we ask the BIA to come in?”
Hanvey told her that Secretary of
State Charles Head, a former regional
director of the BIA’s Eastern Oklahoma
office, requested the audit as Baker’s
administration began reviewing all CNoperated programs. She said the BIA’s
Muskogee office conducted the review
and that it was “not a normal or ongoing
process.” However, the CN can request
technical assistance or a BIA review at any
time, Hanvey said.
Cowan Watts then asked how the BIA
had authority to conduct the investigation.
Hanvey replied that the BIA could
investigate if the tribe makes a request
or “if there’s imminent jeopardy or gross
mismanagement” of a program, which
was not the case. Under self-governance,
the Nation has demonstrated the ability to
conduct business and successfully operate
programs, she added.
Hanvey said she understood that the
Baker administration wanted “a third
party” to review certain tribal programs
and that the BIA was that third party.
Real Estate Services is operated through
a compact with the BIA and has trust
responsibilities for tribal and individual
Indian lands located within the tribe’s
14-county jurisdiction.
It operates a tribal probate program
to examine and settle the probates of
deceased CN citizens who still hold title
to restricted property. It’s also responsible
for providing appraisals for all transactions
on trust, restricted and tribal lands, and
for receiving, examining, recording and
maintaining all title documents affecting
trust and restricted real property within
the 14 counties.
Tribal Councilor Joe Byrd said at the
meeting that funding for the real estate
program still comes from the Department
of Interior, which includes the BIA.
“That’s one reason that they can still
come in and look at your books. All selfgovernance does is it allows us to manage
our own funds,” he said.
Hanvey said the DOI does have oversight
of funds provided to tribes, but for a selfgovernance tribe the DOI usually relies on the
tribe’s independent audit to ensure the tribe is
upholding its self-governance agreement.
In March, the BIA’s Office of the Special
Trustee for American Indians completed
a separate evaluation of 13 CN-operated
trust programs, including probate,
agricultural leasing, non-agricultural
leasing, forestry, acquisition and disposal
and cash management.
Through self-governance agreements,
tribes can operate federally funded
programs on their own but must submit
periodic OST reviews.
“We concluded the Nation’s performance
in the administration of the secretary’s trust
responsibilities is satisfactory and there is no
indication of imminent jeopardy to any trust
resources or programs assumed by the Nation
through an annual funding agreement. Since
there were no findings identified that need to
be addressed, no formal response is required
from the Nation,” states a July 13 OST memo
to the tribe.
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918-207-3961
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
News • dgZEksf
MAP
EC picks tribe’s new
from front page
election service company
The Election
Commission chooses
Unisyn Voting Solutions
at a Sept. 19 special
meeting.
BY JAMI CUSTER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – At a Sept. 19
special meeting, the Cherokee Nation
Election Commission voted to hire
Unisyn Voting Solutions as the tribe’s new
election company for the upcoming 2013
elections.
EC Vice Chairwoman Lindsay Earls
said Unisyn Voting Solutions would
“provide all the necessary hardware and
accessories for our elections…including
voting machines, ballot boxes and the
scanners used for counting.’
“They will also provide absentee ballot
mailing services, will assist with the
Lindsay Earls, Cherokee Nation Election
Commission vice chairwoman, discusses
election companies the commission
was considering hiring during its Sept.
11 meeting to run the tribe’s 2013
elections.
JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
BUDGET
from front page
budget up to $267.5 million, which is
approximately 51 percent of the tribe’s
overall budget.
In FY 2012, Health Services had nearly
$258.2 million for approximately 47
percent of the tribe’s modified $552.6
million budget. In FY 2011, Health
Services took up nearly 55 percent of the
tribe’s expenses at more than $224 million.
The tribe operates eight health
centers and one hospital throughout its
jurisdiction. Other programs offered
include emergency medical services,
diabetes prevention, community health,
cancer services, behavioral health,
contract health and Cherokee elder care.
The 2013 budget, which takes effect
Oct. 1, remained consistent with the 2012
budget. The CN budgets conservatively,
but can add funding throughout the year
if it’s available, officials said.
Cuts to some programs were debated
before the budget was approved 9-8.
The Cherokee Phoenix newspaper and
the Cherokee Heritage Center both
experienced 25 percent reductions in their
respective budgets to pay for the Head
Start increase.
Tribal Councilor Tina Glory Jordan
said both the Phoenix and CHC were
capable of finding new funding sources
and would continue to receive large
subsidies in the budget.
training of our poll workers, will provide
a local project manager and will support
the staff and commissioners throughout
the election process,” Earls said.
As of press time, no contract had been
written or signed, but the estimated
cost from Unisyn Voting Solutions was
$274,000. This amount includes the cost
of a potential run-off election.
“Unisyn Voting Systems impressed us
with their attention to addressing the
specific needs of the Cherokee voters,” Earls
said. “At our first meeting, our consultant
requested the Cherokee Election Code
and within days developed a timeline of
services that is based on the timeline that
was prescribed by our laws. They were
quick to suggest technology that would fit
the needs of the Cherokee electorate, and
their bid most closely reflected both the
desires of the commission and the steps
required of us by our law.”
Earls said several companies were
considered for the CN elections before
Unisyn Voting Solutions was chosen,
including
Hart
Intercivic/Maxim
Consulting, True Ballot, Elections USA,
Padgett Communications and LHS
Associates/Midwest Printing.
According
to
Unisyn
Voting
Solutions’ website, the company is
based in Vista, Calif., and has a mission
to “help each jurisdiction create greater
voter and election worker confidence
for years to come.”
Automated Election Services in Rio
Rancho, N.M., ran the tribe’s elections for
more than 20 years. However, controversy
struck the 2011 CN election when the
winner of the principal chief ’s race
couldn’t be decided in the general election.
The tribe’s Supreme Court ordered a
second vote in the race and the Election
Commission brought in the Carter Center
to observe the election.
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918-453-5560
The Phoenix has announced a plan to
eliminate free subscriptions, generate
new revenue from advertising sales and
subscription fees, which have been set at
$10 per year for a 12-month subscription,
in an attempt to make up for the
newspaper’s $244,550 budget reduction.
The Phoenix’s November issue will be the
first issue printed under the new policy.
Access to online stories remains free.
Other budget highlights include $1
million for community water lines,
$195,500 for area Boys & Girls Clubs,
$200,000 for crisis intervention, $50,000
for backpack nutrition programs for
needy school children, $881,000 for the
tribe’s recreational center and $206,000 for
a vocational assistance program.
Also, more than $103 million was
approved for a Capital Projects budget
that contains $2 million to complete the
Cherokee Veterans Center in Tahlequah.
The CN will also host a tri-council
meeting in 2013 that will include the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and
United Keetoowah Band. The council
allocated $50,000 for the meeting.
Councilors voting for the budget were
Glory Jordan, Chuck Hoskin Jr., Jodie
Fishinghawk, Janelle Fullbright, Frankie
Hargis, Dick Lay, Curtis Snell, Joe Byrd
and David Walkingstick. Councilors
Cara Cowan Watts, Jack Baker, Julia
Coates, Meredith Frailey, Don Garvin,
Lee Keener, Buel Anglen and David
Thornton opposed it.
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October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
redistricting, the council had the problem
of not knowing where many Cherokees
lived in the districts. However, he said,
councilors did know where the missing
Cherokees did not live.
“The idea that you would assign them
to a district based on an address where
they do not live, I think, struck most
of us on the council as absurd,” Hoskin
said. “What we did in the legislation
is, we said, certainly those Cherokees
shouldn’t be counted (in a district) but
they shouldn’t be disenfranchised. But
for counting persons, we can’t count
them for where we know they don’t
live, so we made the judgment as the
legislative branch to count them as atlarge for redistricting purposes.”
The plaintiffs also contend the act
violates fair voting law because some
districts are not contiguous. They state
that District 7 divides District 8 and that
District 2 has a portion on the southwest
that joins only at adjoining corners. The
plaintiffs also state that several districts
divide communities and don’t follow
geographic features, such as the cities of
Skiatook and Tahlequah, which appear to
be divided into three districts.
Hoskin said redistricting sometimes
requires that division lines be drawn nonuniformly and populations must be taken
into account.
“I would encourage folks to look at
the Oklahoma state legislature map, and
you will find, although they have tried
to keep communities together, the fact of
the matter is they have to draw those lines
somewhere,” he said. “In dense population
areas, like Tulsa and Oklahoma City,
you’ll find communities carved up. The
Cherokee Nation is relatively rural in
character, but you’ll find relatively large
pockets of populations…like Tahlequah.”
The plaintiffs also allege gerrymandering,
claiming the districts favor the 10
councilors who voted for the act at the
expense of seven councilors, including the
five plaintiffs, who voted against it.
The plaintiffs state that Districts 1, 2, 3,
7 and 8 are “curiously drawn” to protect
the seats of Councilors Tina Glory Jordan,
Joe Byrd and David Walkingstick, Frankie
Hargis and Jodie Fishinghawk.
“These 5 members of the majority live in
close proximity to other incumbents and
all have districts carefully drawn to give
them individual districts,” the suit states.
“Of the seats held by members of the
3
minority, one may be eliminated and two
may force incumbents…to run against
each other before the Constitutional end
of their terms.”
Hoskin said gerrymandering claims
are common every 10 years throughout
the United States when states revise
voting districts.
“The talk of gerrymandering is the last
refuge of someone who doesn’t like a
map,” he said. “I imagine if you went to
most of the states in the United States this
year you would find some hotly contested
redistricting issues where members of
Congress were thrown into the same
district or where members of Congress no
longer reside in their district. Legislative
redistricting is a difficult process.”
Hoskin said because of the difficult
process the council spent months
developing a map. He said the plaintiffs
had a redistricting map but chose not to
participate in the process with it, so the
council was “destined to go to court” over
redistricting.
The plaintiffs also allege the law creates
a conflict within Article VI, Section 3 of
the 1999 Constitution because LA 26-12
is effective immediately and places the
residences of Keener and Cowan Watts in
the same district.
“It is impossible to assign a new district
to each sitting Council member when
two live in the same new district,” the suit
states. “When a statute creates a conflict
in the provisions of the Constitution then
the statute must fall.”
Plaintiffs also state the act is
unconstitutional because it eliminates
citizens with bad addresses, which
disproportionally
affects
minority
councilors. The lawsuit states the District
Court ruled that “citizens’ names may not
be arbitrarily stricken from the rolls in this
apportionment simply because the mail
was returned as undeliverable or as having
a ‘bad address.’”
Hoskin said not counting “bad
addresses” was based on sound reasoning.
“In my opinion, the courts are going to
deferential to the judgment of the legislature
based on a lot of court cases in a lot of
states. I think they will not second guess the
council on that judgment,” he said.
The Rules Committee at its Aug. 30
meeting authorized Barker Harrold to
file a lawsuit asking whether the council
appropriately redistricted. Hoskin said
the two cases are essentially the same
and because time is short before the next
election, the court would consolidate
them into one proceeding.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
4
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
NEWS • dgZEksf
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
STATE OF THE NATION
Principal Chief Bill John Baker delivers his first
Cherokee National Holiday address during Labor
Day weekend.
BY bill john baker
Principal Chief
Welcome to the Cherokee Nation and our
60th annual Cherokee National Holiday. This
day is a homecoming for so many of us, a time
that we gather to see old friends and make
new ones. A time to celebrate what it means
to be Cherokee and show others what our
famous Cherokee hospitality is all about. But
this holiday also serves as a vibrant and living
reminder of the historical sovereignty we
enjoyed within Indian Territory and zealously
defend today in present-day Oklahoma.
Sept. 6, 1839, is the date our government
reunified itself in Indian Territory after being
removed from our homelands and enduring
and surviving the Trail of Tears.
And I am proud to say that on this day,
Sept. 1, 2012, Cherokees across the world are
unified and stronger than ever with the belief
that we all come from one fire.
On Oct. 19, 2011, I took the oath of office
to be principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
That night I vowed to help our Nation heal
and bring us back together. The healing began
that night and it continues today. Whether you
supported my election, or if you didn’t, my
message is always the same. My hand is always
extended to you in friendship and my door
is always open. If you are Cherokee and need
the Nation’s help, we are here for you. From
Muskogee to Miami, from Gore to Grove,
from the Carolinas to California, we are all
Cherokee. We are all one people, and we all
come from one fire.
Not only is the state of our Nation strong
internally, we are a positive economic force
to all those around us. The Cherokee Nation
has more than a billion-dollar impact on
Oklahoma. That impact is generated by
employing more than 8,900 people in our
government and in our businesses as well as
the impact our citizens make when they take
those paychecks home to places like Sallisaw,
Jay and Pryor.
The focus of my administration is our
citizens. Honoring our elders, making certain
that our people have good paying jobs, quality
health care and a place to call home.
Since I took office, we have put 752 more
Cherokees to work. I’m proud to say that
between our businesses and our government,
more than 75 percent of our employees are
Cherokee. This has been an exciting week for
our Nation and our businesses. We opened
a new casino at Ramona, and I stand before
you as the first chief to say these words: 100
percent of our new hires were Cherokee.
That’s a difference felt every day in the lives of
thousands of Cherokee families, and it’s only
the beginning.
Since I took office our businesses have
captured $231 million in contracts. This
represents a 47 percent increase, almost
double the amount that has ever been done in
the past. The latest of those was just inked this
week and is a $25 million contract with the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. Other tribes and the
federal government recognize the Cherokee
Nation for our business and management
expertise and we are proud to work with our
fellow nations.
I am proud beyond measure to stand before
you today and say the Cherokee Nation is once
again building homes for our people.
Only eight days after taking office, we
secured the release of $33 million in Housing
and Urban Development funding that had
been frozen. These funds have provided vital
assistance to hundreds of Cherokee families in
desperate need of quality, affordable housing.
Every day, Cherokee Nation workers are
swinging hammers and driving nails, sweating
in the heat all summer long, to build homes
for their fellow Cherokees. Homes built for
Cherokees by Cherokees.
The Cherokee Nation Housing Authority
has been resurrected. What was once a model
program for all of Indian Country is quickly
being restored to its former glory. This is the
first time a home has been built by the Housing
Authority in nearly a decade, and last month I
had the privilege of handing seven Cherokee
families keys to new homes. The gratitude in
the faces of those families, the looks in their
eyes when they unlocked that door for the first
time, the children proudly showing off their
bedrooms, are moments I will reflect on and
treasure for the rest of my life.
We have more to do in preparing our young
people. That’s why a portion of our motor
vehicle tax revenue funds local schools within
our jurisdiction. If you have a Cherokee tag on
your car, you can feel proud that you have been
a part of providing almost $3 million to local
school districts. In addition to funding our
schools through car tag revenues, we’ve helped
send more than 7,300 Cherokees to college or
gain job skills. These Cherokees have learned
skills that will carry them through a lifetime.
Another key to the success and livelihood
of our Cherokee people is a healthy body. The
very first act I signed into law was the Health
Care Dividend Act. I fought hard for this act
for many years in the Tribal Council. While I
have signed into law many pieces of legislation,
this is the one that makes me most proud. This
act mandates an additional 5 percent of our
casino profits be allocated to Contract Health
Services. This law has literally saved Cherokee
lives.
To help bolster funding for contract health, I
kept a promise I made during the campaign. I
vowed to sell the Cherokee Nation’s corporate
plane and use the returns to help improve the
health of the Cherokee people. I’m happy to
say that while we are down one King Air, we
have 1.5 million more dollars to care for our
neediest Cherokee citizens.
But most importantly, we will always
honor our most treasured asset, our elders.
Our successes today are due to and because
of those who came before us: those who
endured situations that we cannot imagine,
those who have struggled to survive and keep
the Cherokee Nation alive, those who have
sacrificed everything so that we may enjoy
the sovereign rights of a modern Cherokee
Nation. Our elders are our link to our storied
history, and their wisdom is our future, and we
owe it to them to care for them and see that
they are provided for.
With us today are citizens of the Cherokee
Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
Indians. They are our brothers and sisters. We
share the same heritage, culture and language.
We share the same blood. Although we may
have our differences at times, we will always
be family, and I will always extend my hand in
friendship and my heart in good will because
we are all one and we all come from one fire.
Editor’s Note: This version of the State of the
Nation address has been edited for Associate
Press style and space consideration. For the full
version, go to www.cherokeephoenix.org.
Principal Chief Bill John Baker begins his State of the Nation
address on Sept. 1 at Sequoyah Schools’ The Place Where They
Play. COURTESY PHOTO
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
By establishing a new policy governing subscriptions
and distribution, the department shifts the burden
of cost from the government to the citizens, and sets
the Cherokee Phoenix on a path that decreases its
dependence on tribal government and increases its
financial independence and ownership by the people.
– Cherokee Phoenix business plan
PHOENIX
from front page
Lay and Frankie Hargis, as well as council
accountant Doug Evans to discuss moving
the Phoenix toward financial independence.
Councilors proposed suggestions for
additional revenue and urged the Editorial
Board to develop new sources of revenue to
offset the effects of the budget cut. Within
two weeks of this meeting, Pollard authored
a business plan for FY 2013 and the Editorial
Board approved it.
Shurr said the board has wanted to
take the Phoenix in a more financially
independent direction for some time.
“We do want to be financially
independent. We think that will ensure
that we can continue to provide quality
journalism to tribal members via the
Phoenix, our website and the other
mediums we broadcast on,” Shurr said.
“It’s not something we planned to do
right away, but it’s something the council
wanted us to do right away, so we put
together a plan according to their wishes.”
The plan will be implemented in
October with the intent of reaching full
implementation in December. New policies
for subscriptions, newspaper distribution
and advertising personnel are part of it.
“The department will implement a
system for paid subscriptions as a costsaving measure to help ensure the long
term financial sustainability of the
department,” the plan states.
The newspaper’s printing and mailing
costs will be shifted from the tribal
government to newspaper subscribers and
sponsored distribution points.
The October issue will be the final issue
mailed and distributed using the free
subscription and distribution lists.
“Although the department will continue
to provide an important service to
Cherokee citizens, the Editorial Board will
adopt a business model for the department
based on a balance of cost-saving and
revenue-generating measures to ensure
continued financial independence from
tribal government,” states the plan.
Fishinghawk said her constituents
depend on the Phoenix for news and want
a printed version. She said people have
suggested her constituents go to libraries
to read the newspaper’s electronic version
online. But she doesn’t see that as an option.
“My people just like reading the
newspaper. My older people, you can’t get
them to go down to the library to read off
the screen. They’re not going to,” she said.
Within a few weeks of the October issue
being mailed, a letter informing readers
of the change and seeking a $10 annual
subscription will be mailed using the free
subscription list. Subscription payments will
be accepted by mail or phone, and payment
may be made using a check or credit card.
The November issue will be the first
issue printed and mailed using the paid
subscription list.
“The establishment of paid subscriptions
will provide numerous benefits to the
department,” the plan states. “It will ensure
that the cost of printing and mailing the
newspaper is covered; it will ensure that
subscribers who receive the paper are
likely to be active consumers of content;
and it will solidify the newspaper as a sales
platform for advertisers by establishing
verifiable circulation numbers.”
Prior to FY 2013, the newspaper
was also distributed free of charge to
nearly 100 news racks throughout the
CN jurisdiction. Locations such as
health clinics, museums, casinos and
convenience stores were distribution
points where readers could get copies.
“If the department intends to see a
return on the investment made in printing
and distributing the newspaper, it will be
necessary to change this policy to a sponsored
distribution,” the plan states. “Distribution
sites that choose to host a news rack as a
courtesy to their clients will be required to
purchase bundles of newspapers from the
department. An agreement between the
sponsor and the department will take the
form of a delivery contract, and the contract
will specify the duration of the agreement
and quantities required.”
It will cost sponsors $30 per 100-paper
bundle and is assumed that sponsors will
likely be limited to CN and Cherokee
Nation Businesses locations.
The Phoenix will also adopt a new
strategy to increase advertising revenue
by retaining additional contracted
advertising representatives responsible for
research, outreach, development and sales
of new advertising contracts.
During the Principal Chief Joe Byrd
administration when the newspaper
was published quarterly as the Cherokee
Advocate, the administration established
a policy of free mailing to CN citizens who
requested it. Prior to that, the newspaper
was circulated primarily through paid
subscriptions.
“This new (Byrd) policy implied an
acknowledgement by the administration
that the printing and mailing of the
newspaper was a service to Cherokee
citizens, and as such, would be subsidized
by the tribe,” states the plan.
In 2000, the Phoenix separated from
the administration via the Independent
Press Act and became governed by an
independent board. The Editorial Board has
continued the policy of free subscriptions
to citizens under the assumption that
the newspaper’s printing and mailing, as
well as the other journalistic efforts and
products of the department, were a service
and pursuant to the Phoenix’s purposes set
forth in the IPA.
The CN Constitution and IPA assert the
right to freedom of the press and declare
the Phoenix shall be independent from any
undue influence and free of any political
interest. There is also a separate yet equally
profound measure of financial independence
that’s not established by statute.
“The purpose of this business plan is to
lay a policy foundation for a permanent
solution to an ever-increasing demand
for subscriptions, and the rising costs of
printing and mailing the newspaper,” states
the plan. “By establishing a new policy, the
department shifts the burden of cost from
the government to the citizens and sets the
Cherokee Phoenix on a path that decreases
its dependence on tribal government and
increases its financial independence and
ownership by the people.”
Hoskin said he believes the newspaper
is on the right track to self-sufficiency.
“The Phoenix is an award-winning
publication that I believe people enjoy
reading, and it provides information
people need to know. Its readership is
valuable to advertisers,” he said. “So, I
certainly believe the Phoenix’s plan to
become more self-sufficient will work.”
[email protected]
918-207-3961
5
6
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
OPINION • Zlsz
October 2012
Bryan Pollard
Executive Editor
(Cherokee)
Travis Snell
Assistant Editor
(Cherokee)
Will Chavez
Senior Reporter
(Cherokee/San Felipe Pueblo)
Jami Custer
Reporter
(Cherokee)
Tesina Jackson
Reporter
(Cherokee)
Kevin Scrapper
Intern
(Cherokee)
Dillon Turman
Reporter
(Cherokee)
Mark Dreadfulwater
Multimedia Editor
(Cherokee)
Roger Graham
Media Specialist
(Cherokee)
Nicole Hill Carter
Advertising Coordinator
(Cherokee)
Dena Tucker
Administrative Officer
(Cherokee)
Joy Rollice
Secretary
(Cherokee)
Anna Sixkiller
Linguist
(Cherokee)
Editorial Board
John Shurr
(Cherokee)
Jason Terrell
(Cherokee)
Robert Thompson III
(Cherokee)
Gerald Wofford
(Cherokee)
Clarice Doyle
(Cherokee)
Cherokee Phoenix
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
(918) 453-5269
FAX: (918) 458-6136
1-800-256-0671
www.cherokeephoenix.org
CIRCULATION
20,300 Oklahoma
35,500 World Wide
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
Standard Annual Rates: (for non-citizens)
$16 United States
$24 International
Senior citizen discount is 25 percent
Inquiries or change of address please contact customer
service at number above.
Published monthly by the Cherokee Nation with offices
at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex, Tahlequah, Okla.
Member
Mail subscriptions and changes of address to
the Cherokee Phoenix, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK
74465, phone 918-453-5269. Please include the
words “Change of Address” or “Subscription” on the
envelope.
Back Issues may be purchased for $2.50 postage
and handling. Please inquire to make sure the issues
are in stock by writing to Back Issues, Cherokee
Phoenix, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465; or calling 918-453-5269.
Copyright 2012: The entire contents of the Cherokee Phoenix are fully protected by copyright unless
otherwise noted and may be reproduced if the
copyright is noted and credit is given to the Cherokee
Phoenix, the writer and the photographer. Requests
to reprint should be directed to the editor at the
above address. Material provided through membership with Associated Press NewsFinder, identified by
(AP), may not be reproduced without permission of
the Associated Press.
Unsolicited Manuscripts and Photos: We will not
accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or
photos, nor responsibility for the publication and
return of such material. Please query by telephone or
mail before sending copy and/or photos.
Obituaries will be published at a cost of 10 cents
per word for the first 150 words and 20 cents per
word for each additional word. We do not invoice
obituaries. They must be pre-paid at the time of
submission.A photo may be placed with the obituary
for an additional $5.00 and will be returned if you
include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the
photo and your payment.
The Cherokee Phoenix also publishes an In Memoriam section at no cost to families to honor Cherokee
citizens who have recently passed away. That section
includes the name of the deceased; age; birthplace and
date of birth; place and date of death; and occupation.
Oklahoma Press
Association
Native American
Journalists Association
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
Talking Circles
Disappointed with the Election
Commission
This is in regards to your story about the Cherokee Nation
Election Commission’s hiring of Harvey Chaffin as its attorney.
Now I know nothing about the attorney hired. He may be
extremely qualified. The problem I have is the way he was hired.
The Election Commission decided it would not advertise for
the position, but only speak with attorneys they knew. I was
present at that meeting. I had both my hearing aids in. I clearly
heard them say they would only talk to attorneys they knew
concerning the job opening. So surprise, surprise they only
received one resume’, therefore they just decided to hire him.
Obviously that attorney’s position was meant for Chaffin
and only Chaffin or the commission would have advertised the
opening. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that one out.
I think the open position should have been advertised if for no
other reason than to inform possible other qualified Cherokee
attorneys of the job opening. One cannot send in a resume’
if they don’t know about the job opening. In my opinion, the
Election Commission let the Cherokee people down with the
way it handled this hiring. Again this letter is not opposing the
actual hiring of Chaffin, but more with the way he was hired. It
is also intended to inform my fellow Cherokee people how our
Election Commission plans to conduct its business. It makes
me wonder how it will ever be able to hold an election that is
fair to all candidates and to every Cherokee voter.
Patricia E. Carpenter
Hulbert, Okla.
Concerned about initiative petition
I am deeply concerned about being voted out of the Cherokee
Nation because of where I live, as I, and numerous others, live
in California or other locations out of the CN boundaries.
The latest Cherokee Phoenix included a long article regarding
the local living CN citizens only being allowed to vote with the
exception being that if you lived out of the area you would have
to return and vote.
This, in my opinion, is the first step in eliminating citizens
from the Nation’s rolls for living out of the Nation’s boundaries
and eventually those with lesser amounts of Cherokee blood.
In my opinion, those backing this proposal are strictly
motivated for future monetary reasons. This group of selfish
individuals aim is to reduce the size of the tribal numbers and
then they can control the way expenditures are made. With
fewer people voting, this group can control the resources
and vote in their favorite projects. This would include voting
income to themselves.
Most of my family members were born in Indian Territory
and I was born in Oklahoma.
I am truly happy and proud to have Cherokee blood in my
body and would hate to see myself and others dropped from
the tribe because of where we live.
Ray H Corn
Rolling Hills Estate, Calif.
Editor’s Note: The recent initiative petition that was circulated
did not involve dis-enrolling citizens from the Cherokee Nation or
mention blood quantum. It called for citizens to vote on eliminating
absentee ballots for all CN citizens except in extenuating
circumstances. According to CN Election Commission personnel,
the petition was not turned in before its 90-day deadline and is
therefore considered dead.
One of God’s plants
We were in the Stilwell, Okla., area this past July, and I heard
rumors that we cannot go out anywhere and pick wild onions
any more. I heard that it’s against the law now to do so. I believe
that is wrong. This plant is God-given unto us. For it’s there for
us to eat, God gave it. Who and why is it being taken away from
us to eat? To me it’s very relaxing to find and pick them. I haven’t
done it in a few years though. We grew up on this wild onion.
It only grows in spring as far as I know. Wild onion, eggs. I’m
sure there are other ways to cook them, too. I can understand
if it’s not replenishing the wild onions in the wild country sides
and river beds. It’s still God-given for us to eat. How can we
continue to have this God-given plant? Where I live there’s not
enough moisture on trees to shade them. From what I know,
the wild onion and wild potatoes have been round for a long
time. Our ancestors from the Trail of Tears ate them, too. Just
wondering why it’s against the law now. I know you can’t buy
them at the grocery store. I believe there are others who would
want to know. I know I do.
Donna Cruz
Amherst, Texas
Editor’s Note: Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Director Pat
Gwin said there is no law in Oklahoma or Cherokee Nation
banning the gathering of wild onions. Eat up!
Problems at Claremore Indian Hospital
On Aug. 3, I went to the Indian hospital in Claremore, Okla.
I got there at 3:30 p.m. and it took them 12 hours. I didn’t get
home until 4 a.m. the next day. But what I’m trying to say is
I think they need to change something down there, and on
top of that, they call me around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 4 and told
me to come down to get my medicine that they forgot to give
me. So I went down there around 11 a.m. and then found out
the pharmacy didn’t open until 2 p.m. I told them that I had
been there all night the night before. I just think they should
try something different. You have to set and wait, I understand,
but not 12 hours. So maybe Principal Chief Bill John Baker can
call or go down there and check out what’s going on. And the
one at Nowata just takes appointments only. That’s why I went
to Claremore.
Rhonda Haviland
So. Coffeyville, Okla.
Don’t spite your face
This letter is in regard to Legislative Act 12-103 titled “Tribal
Citizenship Requirement of Key Positions for the Cherokee
Nation” and sponsored by Tribal Councilor Dick Lay.
For our Nation to go down this road of apartheid is just another
example of our legislators, our courts and administrators
refusing to pay attention to precedent and history. Our seniors
are fed by the Keetoowahs and work in their casinos. We are
also hired in the white community. What if everyone who we
are interviewing with went down the apartheid road? This
foolish move could be a lot like biting your nose off to spite
your face.
Paul Braun
Tahlequah, Okla.
From good to great?
In 1999, Sequoyah Schools was more than $1 million in
the red, barely filled half the seats at sporting events and was
known as the “School of Last Resort” under the leadership of
Dr. Gloria Sly, Leroy Qualls and the Joe Byrd administration.
Since then Sequoyah has become known as the “School of
Choice,” and its financials, school environment and academics
have much improved, and in fact, are the envy of Indian Country.
The Bill John Baker administration has chosen to go back to
the bad old days by removing administrators who helped effect
these positive changes and replace them with Qualls, Sly and
others yet to be determined. These changes were part of a thinly
veiled political vendetta disguised as a “reorganization” and is
going on in other Cherokee Nation departments.
The educators laid off would qualify for any new jobs that
have been created. Some of these employees had worked for
Sequoyah for years before the more descriptive job titles were
adopted, and thus would fit the new job titles. None of them
have been rehired. Also, to wait until June to notify them is
unconscionable, as it gives little chance to find jobs for the
upcoming school year.
Leaving pink slips on employees’ desks while everyone is
gone and then slipping out like a thief in the night, as Sly did
under the direction of Education Services Executive Director
Neil Morton, Byrd and Chief of Staff Chuck Hoskin Sr., is
cowardly and unprofessional. It will be interesting to see who
will replace these educators who were implementing math and
science initiatives, innovative technology projects and other
academic improvements at the school.
The Baker/Crittenden/Byrd administration is vindictive,
cold, callous and uncaring. Cherokee citizens, prepare for
more of the shenanigans that occurred in the 1990s. Sequoyah
was a leadership academy for Native students, and it’s tough
explaining that you are moving away from those high
expectations. However, what is best for Sequoyah students is
far down the priorities list of this tribal administration.
One fire? From good to great? Not at Sequoyah under Baker.
Geary Don Crofford
Tahlequah, Okla.
Elizabeth Warren good for America
In response to Twila Barnes’ Guest Perspective “ Taking
a stand against false claims” in the August 2012 Cherokee
Phoenix, let me first stipulate that I am not Cherokee. My late
wife was and my daughter is, but I am writing in my capacity
as a friend and Democrat to express my astonishment that
you would go to such lengths to attack Elizabeth Warren. I
am confident you did it without understanding the political
situation in Massachusetts.
Warren is an outstanding woman in America. While serving
in Congress, she incurred the wrath of Wall Street and big banks
for advocating transparency in the expenditure of trillions of
taxpayer dollars in bank bailout deals. Besides that, she was
the leading advocate for establishing a Consumer Protection
Bureau, which defends us against corrupt business practices
that seem to have proliferated endlessly in the past few years.
When Warren filed to run for the U.S. Senate, she became
Wall Street’s No. 1 target for defeat. There were few grounds on
which Warren could be attacked, so her opponents concocted a
scheme to use the Cherokee Nation to defeat her.
Every Thursday morning, various leading Cherokee County
Republicans and Democrats meet to discuss hard core politics
and mutual interest issues over breakfast or coffee at the Go Ye
Village in Tahlequah. We exchange information, books, videos
and opinions to understand and improve today’s political climate.
Ms. Barnes, you seem to be a sincere, knowledgeable person,
and I would like to invite you and anyone else who is interested,
to become a part of our group. Breakfasts are less than $6 and the
coffee is free. Many people attend whenever they take a notion,
but the group is always small enough so that everyone’s thoughts
can be freely expressed. It is a no-dues, everybody welcome,
drop-in-when-you-feel-like-it thing. You walk into the cafeteria,
ask where the political discussion group is, and that’s it.
I recommend the book BAILOUT by Neil Barofsky, which
explains how Wall Street, the government and big banks almost
wrecked the world financial system. It mentions Warren.
Fred Gibson
Tahlequah, Okla.
Save the NSU Centennial mural
As a Cherokee Nation citizen and artist, I am upset to think
that Northeastern State University’s Centennial Mural is to be
destroyed.
The picture in the recent Cherokee Phoenix shows the breathtaking beauty of it. And the art students who created it have
shown their talents and represented the history wonderfully.
The display is important to our history. The painting is wellthought through. It has meaning and the hearts of those who
created it. And I say it should not be destroyed.
There must be another way to renovate the NSU Playhouse
and save this wonderful creation for future visitors.
When I was a senior in high school in Tulsa, I had entered
three designs for our yearbook cover, and everyone’s designs were
turned down. But, as shy as I was, I stood up and explained the
meaning of my drawings and ended up having the cover design.
Truly, I believe that the renovation is wonderful and all, but
why destroy something that can bless others also? I hope that
this project will be thought over before destroying it.
Laquanita Lloyd Martin
Skiatook, Okla.
OPINION • Zlsz
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
A path to
independence
BRYAN POLLARD
Executive Editor
In recent weeks, the Cherokee
Phoenix Editorial Board and
members of the Tribal Council
have engaged in discussions
about the best ways to move
the Cherokee Phoenix toward
financial independence. At the
urging of tribal councilors and
after considerable deliberation,
the Editorial Board has adopted a
plan that includes a change to our
policy of mailing a newspaper free
of charge to any Cherokee citizen
who requests it. Our new policy,
to begin with the November issue,
will be to mail newspapers to paid
subscribers only.
We ask our readers to support
the Cherokee Phoenix and our
proud tradition of Cherokee
storytelling by purchasing an
annual subscription.
The October issue will be the
final issue printed and mailed
using the free subscription list.
Within a few weeks of the October
issue being mailed to subscribers,
a letter requesting a subscription
will be mailed to our readers on
the free subscription list.
Subscription payments will be
accepted in person, by mail or
over the phone, and payment can
be made by check or credit card.
The subscription fee will be $10 a
year to cover the cost of printing
and mailing the newspaper. The
November issue will be the first
issue printed and mailed using
the paid subscription list.
This policy change is an
important step along what has
been a winding but rewarding
path to independence.
During the Principal Chief Joe
Byrd administration, when the
newspaper was being published
quarterly as the Cherokee
Advocate, the administration
established the policy of free
mailing to tribal citizens who
requested the publication. Prior
to this policy, the newspaper
was circulated primarily through
paid annual subscriptions. The
shift to a policy of free mailing
implied an acknowledgement
by the administration that the
printing and mailing of the
newspaper was a service to
Cherokee citizens, and as such,
would be subsidized by the tribe.
In
2000,
the
tribal
newspaper
was
separated
from the administration by
the Independent Press Act
and became governed by an
independent Editorial Board
as called for in the act. The
Editorial Board had continued
this policy of free subscriptions
to Cherokee citizens under the
assumption that the printing and
mailing of the newspaper, as well
as the other journalistic efforts
and products of the department,
are a service to tribal citizens
and pursuant to the journalistic
purposes of the department set
forth in the act.
The
Cherokee
Nation
Constitution and the Independent
Press Act assert the right to
freedom of the press and declare
the Cherokee Phoenix shall be
independent from any undue
influence and free of any political
interest. The Editorial Board is
charged with ensuring editorial
independence as well as fair and
CHIEF’S PERSPECTIVE
Cherokee Nation strides in September
By Bill john
baker
Principal Chief
September was a
busy month in the
Cherokee Nation. We
passed a $526 million
budget,
celebrated
our 60th annual Cherokee National
Holiday, awarded nearly half a million
dollars to our rural firefighters and capped
the month creating new jobs through
casino expansions at the Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino in Catoosa and Cherokee Casino
Ramona.
The Nation’s 2013 budget was passed,
and while it stayed flat overall, we were
able to pump an additional $400,000 into
Head Start. Our youngest citizens are also
our most vulnerable, so it is our duty to
make sure their well-being is a top priority.
This extra funding will help better prepare
our young children by giving them the
tools they need to succeed. It also helps
ease the burden on our teachers, who wear
many different hats while providing our
children a first-class education.
Presiding over this year’s Cherokee
National Holiday for the first time as your
principal chief was an experience I will
never forget and always treasure. I visited
with many old friends and met quite a few
new ones. I know our out-of-town visitors
were surely impressed by your kindness
and one-of-a-kind Cherokee hospitality.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather,
the traditional food and games were
fantastic, and I don’t know that I’ve ever
seen a bigger crowd at the powwow. All
in all, I believe it was the best Cherokee
National Holiday I’ve ever attended, and
it couldn’t have been achieved without the
help of all of our dedicated employees and
volunteers.
Later in the month, we hosted a dinner
and awards banquet at Hard Rock for
hundreds of our rural firefighters. There,
we awarded 127 rural fire departments
with more than $3,500 apiece, totaling
$455,000. These brave men and women
sacrifice family time, holidays and
birthdays, all to protect the homes and
property of their friends and neighbors.
When that call comes to the fire house,
they respond without hesitation, never
knowing if the fire or accident they are
responding to is for a friend or a loved
one and putting their own lives at risk to
protect and save others. This money will
help our volunteer firefighters purchase
new equipment or repair what they already
have. I’m sure some departments will
use theirs for gasoline and supplies. This
money comes with no strings attached,
so they may use it where they need it the
most. $3,500 may not seem like much to
some, but no one can stretch a dollar like
our rural fire departments.
We also provided more jobs for our
Cherokee citizens in September. We
opened a brand new casino in Ramona,
and all of the nearly 70 new employees are
Cherokee. The new casino is a beautiful
facility, commemorating the period
from 1887 to 1906, when Cherokees
were subject to allotment and the divide
and conquer strategy by the federal
government. At the Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino, we opened a new two-story
gaming, dining and entertainment area to
replace what was lost in the February 2011
blizzard. New employees are being hired
right now to staff the new restaurants,
poker room, gaming floor and media bar.
I’m also proud to say the entire area will be
non-smoking to accommodate our loyal
guests, and to hopefully gain some new
ones. The hotel attached to the new area
is coming along nicely as well. The third
hotel tower at Hard Rock will open later
this year, adding 100 suites and creating
even more jobs for our Cherokees.
In addition to providing jobs, our
casinos now provide more money than
ever to cover health care needs. Thanks to
the Health Care Dividend Act, the first law
I signed as principal chief, an additional
5 percent of casino profits are earmarked
specifically for contract health programs.
The strides we made in September
were amazing, and I couldn’t have done
it without the help of all our faithful
employees, who have my deepest gratitude.
To all our Cherokee citizens, thank you for
supporting the Nation through your kind
words and deeds, and have a wonderful
and blessed month.
[email protected]
918-453-5618
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
responsible reporting of news and
other issues of Cherokee concern.
The board reviews and approves
policies to ensure fairness and
professionalism in all department
practices. The board has and
continues to enact policies that
support the editorial independence
of the Cherokee Phoenix.
In addition to the laws ensuring
freedom of the press, the Cherokee
Nation has enacted a Freedom of
Information Act ensuring public
access to government documents,
and a Free Press Protection
and Journalistic Shield Act that
provides protection for Cherokee
journalists from unnecessary
disclosure of sources in tribal
proceedings.
All together, these laws
establish an unprecedented
affirmation of the value of a free
press, and represent significant
milestones on our journey to
editorial independence.
But there is a separate yet
equally
profound
measure
of independence that is not
established by statute, and that
is financial independence. To
set us on a path toward financial
independence and financial
sustainability, the Editorial Board
7
has approved a business plan that
represents yet another milestone.
The purpose of this business
plan is to lay a foundation for
a permanent solution to an
ever-increasing demand for
subscriptions and the rising
costs of printing and mailing the
newspaper. In the past, as these
costs have continued to rise,
the department’s dependence
on tribal government has
increased. By establishing a new
policy governing subscriptions
and distribution, the Editorial
Board has set the Cherokee
Phoenix on a path that decreases
its dependence on tribal
government and increases its
financial independence and
ownership by you, our readers
and the Cherokee people.
We ask that you join with us
on our continued journey to
independence. Your subscription
not only ensures delivery of the
monthly newspaper to your door,
but symbolizes the value that we
Cherokees place in maintaining
an independent and ethical voice
that serves the Cherokee people.
[email protected]
918-453-5548
COUNCILOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Cherokee Phoenix keeps rising
BY TINA GLORY JORDAN, JODIE
FISHINGHAWK AND CHUCK HOSKIN JR.
Tribal Councilors
The recently adopted Cherokee
Nation fiscal year 2013 budget has
ushered in a new era of more fiscal
independence at the Cherokee
Phoenix. We think that, as a result, the
Phoenix’s best days lay ahead.
In September the Tribal Council
passed the FY 2013 budget. The
council embraced Principal Chief
Bill John Baker’s ambitious agenda
to improve housing, education and
health care. The council also increased
investments in other areas as well.
Examples abound.
A fund for $1 million in waterline
construction will make a big difference
for Cherokees living in some of our
most cash-strapped communities. The
CN Veterans Center, a project that
sadly came to a halt during the last
administration, will receive $2 million
for completion. A $90 million Capital
Improvement Fund will pay for other
improvements across the Nation. This
budget will usher in a new vocational
assistance program, fund nutrition
program grants and support programs
to address domestic violence. This
budget reflects the council’s efforts to
take care of the people’s needs.
Few line items in the budget are
as important as the $400,000 the
council set aside for CN Head Start.
For decades, the Nation’s Head Start
program has helped children in lowincome Cherokee families get solid
foundations for lifetimes of learning
and helped families get involved in
their children’s educations.
CN’s Head Start has for years
consistently ranked NO. 1 among
Head Start programs nationally. This
is a reflection of the hard work of
staff, parents and children. No one
who visits a Head Start classroom is
surprised at the high ranking.
What might surprise people is that
Head Start has historically performed
well with zero financial support from
CN. In fact, it was only in FY 2012
that funding in the amount of about
$50,000 from General Fund revenues
was earmarked for Head Start.
Challenges for CN Head Start lay
ahead. Although the program has
done its best to retain quality teachers,
relatively low salaries threaten these
efforts. The council’s appropriation of
$400,000 for Head Start will enable
the program to boost pay and prevent
the loss of teachers. As far as we are
concerned, this level of funding should
continue in future years.
The need to boost Head Start
funding required the council look for
areas to save. The Phoenix’s budget
was one such area. A reduction in
the Phoenix’s FY 2013 budget request
by approximately $250,000 freed up
some of the funds needed to provide
support CN Head Start. The Executive
and Finance Committee vote was
unanimous.
We knew when the council voted to
reduce the Phoenix’s budget it would
face tough choices. We also believed
the Phoenix could absorb these cuts
by making reforms. We were right.
But, the praise belongs to the Phoenix
staff for rising to the occasion.
The Phoenix staff viewed the budget
adjustment as an opportunity to focus
on generating revenues. To replace the
lost government funds, the Phoenix
will sell more ads and charge citizens a
modest subscription fee (the Internet
edition remains free). In short, the
Phoenix is moving towards fiscal
independence from the government.
We think this will make the Phoenix,
already an award winning publication,
even better.
We are proud of the Phoenix, look
forward to the transition and ask that
you join us in becoming subscribers.
[email protected]
918-207-3900
8
Council • d/wWf
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
Head Start gets extra $400K in 2013 budget
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The
Tribal Council approved the
Cherokee Nation’s fiscal year
2013 budget by a 9-8 vote at its
Sept. 17 meeting, giving Head
Start $400,000 more than it had in
FY 2012 but at the expense of the
Cherokee Heritage Center and
Cherokee Phoenix.
If Principal Chief Bill John Baker
signs the budget act, the Head Start
increase will be effective on Oct.
1 and provide pre-K education at
tribal Head Start sites throughout
northeast Oklahoma.
“Head Start makes a difference
for kids and families throughout
Cherokee Nation,” Tribal Council
Speaker Tina Glory Jordan said.
“With this new funding, Head
Start can increase teacher salaries
and stay competitive.”
During the meeting, Head
Start Director Verna Thompson
said it has been difficult to retain
experienced staff because she was
not able to offer competitive salaries.
However, increased funding for
Head Start came via 25 percent
reductions for the Cherokee
Heritage Center and the tribe’s
newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix.
Glory Jordan said both of those
entities were capable of finding
new funding sources and would
continue receiving large subsidies.
The Phoenix has a plan to
generate new revenues from
advertisings sales, subscription
fees and sponsored distribution
sites, which Deputy Speaker
Chuck Hoskin Jr. said would put
the paper on the path to “fiscal
independence.”
However, Tribal Councilor
Cara Cowan Watts disagreed with
the CHC and Phoenix cuts.
“I do think that Head Start
needs additional money, but
it’s going to be at the cost of our
Cherokee Heritage Center and
our Cherokee Phoenix. They
(both) have 25 percent budget
cuts,” she said.
Cowan Watts said she thought the
cuts had been discussed beforehand
with the Cherokee Phoenix
Editorial Board and staff, but later
found that was not the case.
“Another group got caught in
the middle of politics, and now I
think the very essence of our free
press act is at risk…they are going
to have to eliminate the paper
edition and free subscriptions to
Cherokee citizens,” she said. “I
think we could have done that
way differently. We could plan
ahead for that and have our free
press be given the opportunity to
plan one and three years out.”
She said she believes there’s
enough money coming from the
tribe’s gaming operations to fund
all areas being cut.
Cherokee Phoenix Executive
Editor Bryan Pollard shared the
Tribal Councilors Jodie Fishinghawk, left, Tina Glory Jordan and
Chuck Hoskin Jr. confer during the council’s Sept. 17 meeting in
Tahlequah, Okla. The main topic on the agenda was the tribe’s
fiscal year 2013 budget. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
newspaper’s business plan with
the council and said the budget
cut would benefit the Phoenix in
the long run.
“The Phoenix was basically at a
fork in the road. Down one path
was ever-increasing costs due to
increasing circulation numbers,
increasing printing costs and
increasing mailing costs where
we would be in the position of
asking the council for more and
more money,” Pollard said. “Or
we could go down another path
toward self-sufficiency, which is
us finding ways to pay for our own
operation, and so we’ve taken that
path with this plan.”
Glory Jordan said councilors
worked with the Phoenix to put
the news organization on a path
to self-sufficiency.
“I believe that we’re putting
them on the road to, what I see,
becoming completely on their
own,” she said. “While they are
being cut…their money is going
to a very needed service, which is
Head Start.”
The FY 2013 budget is based
on a $618-million blueprint
proposed by Baker, his first
comprehensive budget since
taking office on Oct. 19, 2011.
Other budget highlights included
$1 million for community
WADO: CHEROKEE VETERAN
waterlines, $195,000 for area
Boys & Girls Clubs, $50,000 for
backpack nutrition programs
and $2 million to complete the
Cherokee Veterans Center.
Councilors voting for the
budget were Glory Jordan,
Hoskin, Jodie Fishinghawk,
Janelle
Fullbright,
Frankie
Hargis, Dick Lay, Curtis Snell,
Joe Byrd and David Walkingstick.
Councilors Cara Cowan Watts,
Jack Baker, Julia Coates, Meredith
Frailey, Don Garvin, Lee Keener,
Buel Anglen and David Thornton
opposed it.
In other action, a resolution
for a lawsuit against the
Election Commission seeking a
declaratory judgment regarding
the Voter Amendment Act of
2012 was approved by a 12-5 vote.
Its language was amended
because the council’s attorney,
Dianne Barker Harrold, filed the
lawsuit on Aug. 31. The suit is one
of two filed in the tribe’s District
Court regarding the issue of
reapportioning the legislative
districts from five to 15.
The second suit filed on Sept. 5
by Cowan Watts, Keener, Anglen,
Coates and Baker seeks judgment
and relief from the redistricting
law they deem unconstitutional.
Cowan Watts, Keener, Anglen,
Baker and Coates voted against
the resolution.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
Tribal Council 2011-2015
Joe Byrd
918-316-9463
[email protected]
Chuck Hoskin Jr.
918-323-5411
[email protected]
Tina Glory Jordan
918-457-9207
Buel Anglen
918-752-4339
[email protected]
David Walkingstick
918-822-4681
[email protected]
Cara Cowan Watts
918-752-4342
[email protected]
Frankie Hargis
918-316-9454
[email protected]
Lee Keener
918-550-3351
[email protected]
Curtis Snell
918-232-0233
[email protected]
Jack Baker
918-457-9382
[email protected]
Jodie Fishinghawk
918-207-5757
[email protected]
Julia Coates
918-772-0288
[email protected]
Don Garvin
918-616-3961
[email protected]
Council House
918-207-3900
[email protected]
Janelle Fullbright
918-315-0583
[email protected]
Physical Address:
17763 S. Muskogee Ave.
Tahlequah, OK 74464
David Thornton
918-458-7991
[email protected]
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74464
[email protected]
Meredith Frailey
918-453-1572
[email protected]
Cherokee veteran Joeseph Fourkiller, 87, of Stilwell, Okla., is honored during the Sept. 17 Tribal Council for his
military service by the council, Deputy Chief Joe Crittenden, shown pinning a medal onto Fourkiller, and Principal
Chief Bill John Baker. He was presented with a Cherokee Warrior medal and plaque. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Dick Lay
918-822-2981
[email protected]
Nation’s takeover of Home Health Service stalls
Councilors want to look at the
corporate structure that operates
Home Health Services before
moving it to the tribe.
BY JAMI CUSTER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – At its Sept. 17 meeting, the
Tribal Council tabled a bill that would have moved
Cherokee Nation Home Health Services to the tribe’s
Health Services.
“There are some issues raised by the attorney general
and our attorney about how to transition what is a
corporate structure operating the Home Health Services
to a department of the government,” Tribal Councilor
Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “It is not something in my mind
that will possibly make us not transition, but it’s possible
that there will need to be some legislation enacted or
mainly to explore some legal issues before we enact the
resolution.”
HHS serves nearly 700 patients with home health,
hospice care and outreach.
Home health care is skilled care and other health services
that clients get in their homes for treating illnesses or
injuries. Hospice care is physical, emotional and spiritual
support for people with terminal illnesses. Outreach is a
range of home and community health services to people
of all ages, including personal care aid, medical equipment
and supplies and homemaker services.
Hoskin said by October’s council meeting legislators
should be able to move HHS to the government’s Health
Services.
“I think the entire council is still on board with the
concept of moving this from the entity it was in to another
entity so as to more effectively provide the service,” he said.
The council explored moving HHS because of a lack of
financial and management stability. HHS runs as a business
and a service for patients who have no pay sources.
Health Services Executive Director Connie Davis said
HHS would still be available despite patients expressing
concern about the move.
“If it’s run like a business properly then you can also
provide services for the uninsured like we want to do. My
own secretary has a sister who’s 40 with terminal cancer
and needing services and she has no resources. I can’t
imagine, you know, turning those people away,” she said.
“But there’s a fine balance. It’s hard, but it can be done. We
will exhaust every effort to make sure anybody who needs
that kind of service receives it.”
Hoskin said HHS officials had sought from the council
an “infusion of cash to stay afloat.” The expected move to
Health Services follows several requests for $250,000 by
HHS Director Rick Richards during Health Committee
meetings.
Since November, HHS had been on the committee’s
agenda only to be tabled each month.
“This was troubling. We don’t have a profit motive, but
we did expect the entity to be sustainable,” Hoskin said.
“My feeling, and I believe this was the consensus on the
council, was that we could more effectively and efficiently
delivery this important service to the people by placing
it under the Cherokee Nation’s Health Services group, a
department of the government.”
In May’s Health Committee meeting, Tribal Councilor
David Thornton recommended that Davis review Health
Services taking over HHS. After months of review, Health
Services was set to take over the business via a council
vote.
From fiscal years 2008-11, HHS wrote off nearly
$600,000 in uncollectable debt from insurance and other
payer sources with reimbursements below the cost of
doing business, Richards said.
“During those years the company billed for and collected
over $18 million. However, the write-offs on lost income
created a $300,000 loss for the company,” he said. “In order
to turn that loss into a profit HHS stopped taking clients
whose insurance reimbursement did not cover that cost of
providing services.”
For FY 2012, HHS expects to collect more than $5.2
million to break even, Richards said.
As of Sept. 12, there were no plans to discontinue HHS
services or reduce employees, Davis said.
HHS has its own board and staff and operates as an
independent CN business entity. The move to Health
Services, however, will bring HHS leadership changes
as Richards was expected to resign on Sept. 21 with Deb
Proctor taking over as interim director.
“We’re going to hire a consultant to look at and evaluate
the management practices of the current leadership.
We need to appoint a new board. There have been two
vacancies for a long time, so we’re trying to get a full board
to oversee the program,” Davis said.
She said properly managing HHS should come first to
ensure its financial viability while maintaining service.
Davis said the move should benefit patients and the
business, much like W.W. Hastings Hospital benefitted in
2008 when the tribe assumed its operations from Indian
Health Service.
“I will tell you it has been a good thing and I’m surprised.
Things that would take years to accomplish, like the
expansion (at Hastings) of much-needed space, has been
accomplished in less than three years and we’ll see that
accomplished within the next year,” she said. “If we were
waiting on IHS we would still be stuck in small quarters.
I think CN has done that well, and I think you’ll see the
same thing at Home Health (Services).”
[email protected]
918-453-5560
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Council • d/wWf
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
9
Council removes
Election Commission
from Administrative
Procedures Act
Agencies not under the tribe’s
APA may create their own
policies with Tribal Council
oversight.
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
Tobacco products are displayed at Willy and Billy’s Tobacco Shack on West Allen Road in Tahlequah, Okla. The
shop is a Cherokee Nation-regulated smoke shop that will receive a 75 percent subsidy from the tribe during
fiscal year 2013 to help pay its monthly land lease agreement. PHOTOS BY TESINA JACKSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Smoke shop subsidy act passes
The tribe will pay 75 percent of
monthly land lease fees for 37
tribally regulated smoke shops.
BY TESINA JACKSON
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Tribal Councilors unanimously
passed an act on Sept. 17 that calls for subsidizing 75
percent of monthly land lease payments for operators of
certain Cherokee Nation-regulated smoke shops.
“One of the burdens the retailers face is the payments
they make each month to landowners. So in a situation
like this you have someone that operates the smoke shop.
The land on which they operate is land held in trust
for a Cherokee. A lease payment is paid from the shop
operator…to the landowner,” Tribal Councilor Chuck
Hoskin Jr. said.
He said Legislative Act 12-109 calls for the subsidies to
be disbursed only for fiscal year 2013, which runs from
Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2013.
According to Cherokee Nation Tax Commission
records, the commission regulates 52 operational smoke
shops. However, only 37 shops will be eligible for the
subsidy because 15 are owned by Cherokee Nation
Businesses.
Treasurer Lacey Horn said the subsidies are expected to
total nearly $725,000 and come from the tribe’s General
Fund, which will receive FY 2011 carryover to cover the
subsidies.
Hoskin said the subsidy amount each smoke shop
operator will receive is based on individual land lease
agreements. He said the subsidy would “free up” cash
for operators and allow them to keep their doors open,
Cherokees employed and revenue coming to the Nation.
“They employee a lot of Cherokees, and they pay lease
payments for the most part to Cherokee landowners,”
Hoskin said. “So there’s a lot of economic activity that’s
generated by our smoke shops that benefit the Cherokee
people, but we know that they’re struggling.”
He said one reason why smoke shops struggle is because
the tribe’s tobacco compact with the state restricts how
the Nation can help CNTC-regulated smoke shops.
“The current tobacco compact, which comes up for
negotiation next year, was generally considered not to be
a good compact for the retailers,” Hoskin said. “They’ve
struggled under it, and there’s other market forces at play
– neighboring tribes, and of course, you’ve got the big
players in the industry. So there’s a lot of market pressure
on these smoke shops.”
He added that some shops have closed and others are
near closing, which will result in more lost revenue and
jobs. Hoskin said the legislation should help operators
bridge the gap until a better tobacco compact is signed
next year.
According to the tribe’s FY 2011 audit, tobacco tax
revenues have decreased from $7 million in FY 2006 to
$3.99 million in FY 2011.
The Cherokee Phoenix contacted several smoke shop
operators for statements but was told they did not know
enough about the legislation to comment.
Councilors also unanimously passed an act that allows
armed security staff at Cherokee casinos.
Previously, the only armed security officers at the
casinos were reserve marshals. However, the new act
allows any CNE security personnel to become armed.
Also, councilors unanimously confirmed Linda
O’Leary, Betty Barker and Farrell Mackey Prater as CN
Registration Committee members.
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 6139
Willy and Billy’s Tobacco Shack on West Allen Road in Tahlequah, Okla., is one Cherokee Nation-regulated
smoke shop that will receive a 75 percent subsidy from the tribe during fiscal year 2013 to help pay its monthly
land lease agreement. The Tribal Council on Sept. 17 passed an act calling for the subsidy so that smoke shop
operators can keep Cherokees employed and tobacco revenue coming to the tribe.
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – At its Sept. 17 meeting, the
Tribal Council amended the Administrative Procedures
Act to remove APA oversight of the Cherokee Nation’s
Election Commission.
The APA requires CN agencies to enact minimum
standard procedures and “confer the force of law upon
rules adopted by agencies.” The previous law covered the
EC, Environmental Protection Commission, Gaming
Commission, Tax Commission and Tribal Employment
Rights Office.
While a tribal agency is under the APA it must follow
rules such as providing proper notice for meetings,
reporting changes to its policies or procedures and
allowing for public comments. Agencies not under the
APA may create their own policies with Tribal Council
oversight.
During the Aug. 30 Rules Committee meeting,
EC attorney Harvey Chaffin said because the EC is a
“constitutional entity” it should not fall under the APA.
“The commission
has their own rules
and procedures,” he
The rules and
said.
Chaffin said those
procedures for
rules and procedures
voters to protect
are established to
where people can
their rights,
appeal them, so it isn’t
where are they?
necessary for the EC
– Tribal Councilor
to fall under the APA.
However,
Tribal
Cara Cowan Watts
Councilor
Cara
Cowan Watts told Chaffin she was concerned about the
APA not covering the EC because its rules and procedures
do not mention allowing for Freedom of Information Act
requests and complying with the Open Meetings Act.
“The rules and procedures for voters to protect their
rights, where are they?” she asked.
Chaffin said the EC is in the process of amending
rules and procedures to “cover some of the things that
were not covered in the last election.” He said he would
recommend language for the Freedom of Information
and Open Meetings acts to be in the commission’s rules
and procedures.
“So I think their intent is to do the things you are asking
through their own rules and procedures pursuant to the
authority granted to them by the constitution,” he said.
Cowan Watts said after reviewing the EC’s actions
during the 2011 election she found the commission
was not in compliance with the APA because individual
voters weren’t allowed to protect their voting rights, to go
to the polls and vote.
She added that voters were only allowed to go to
court to protest alleged voting irregularities through a
candidate and not as an individual CN citizen.
“That limits voters. If they have to align with a
candidate. It doesn’t allow individual votes to represent
themselves or have representation,” she said. “I can’t see
removing the Election Commission (from the APA).”
Chaffin reiterated that the EC should operate
independently to prevent the executive and legislative
branches from influencing it during an election.
Tribal Councilor Chuck Hoskin Jr. asked Chaffin if CN
citizens would still have access to the courts if they find
fault with the EC. Chaffin said voters have the right to sue
the EC in tribal court and bring items for consideration
to the commission.
“They take up those items at their meetings on their
regular agendas,” Chaffin said.
He added that if a citizen does not agree with the EC’s
decision, the citizen could appeal in court.
Cowan Watts said some citizens would not have the
time nor money for court. She said if the EC is left under
the APA, Cherokee voters’ rights would be protected
without having to file a lawsuit and hire an attorney.
The amended APA passed 10-7 with Councilors
Joe Byrd, Tina Glory Jordan, David Walkingstick,
Curtis Snell, Jodie Fishinghawk, Frankie Hargis, David
Thornton, Janelle Fullbright, Hoskin and Dick Lay voting
for it. Voting against were Councilors Don Garvin, Lee
Keener, Cowan Watts, Buel Anglen, Jack Baker, Julia
Coates and Meredith Frailey.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
10
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Stilwell
Acorn, Serita Gaye
Acorn, William Ezekiel
Adair, Billy Gene
Adair, Brenda, Sue
Adair, Gary Wayne
Adair, George
Adair, Jimmie Russell
Adair, LouAnn
Adair, Pamela Kay
Adair, Robert Lee
Adair, Vurnell
Agent, Dick
Agent, Ida Jane
Akin, David Michael
Alberty, Minnie Bell
Alberty, Shirley A.
Allen, Ernest Warren
Allen, Gary Wayne
Allison, Carol Jean
Allison, Mayzella M.
Anderson, Bill Ray
Anderson, June Ann
Anderson, Larry Gregg
Athey, Charles Renne
Baldridge, Rosa Lee
Baldridge, Samantha Lynn
Ballard, James Randolph
Barbaree, Larry Gene
Barker, Betty Lou
Barton, Tim Aaron
Beach, Myrtle
Bean, Bonnie Jean
Bean, Joe Joe
Bean, Michael Kirk
Bean, Ned
Bearpaw, April Dawn
Bearpaw, Delores
Bearpaw, James Leroy
Bearpaw, Stan Watie
Beaver, Susie Ann
Beavers, Michael Wayne
Beavers, Tommy Gene
Benham, Kari Jean
Bigby, Gary Dwayne
Bird, Jeri Lynn
Bird, Perry Lee
Blair, Misha Faree
Blakemore, Wanda
Virginia
Bolyn, Margie Marie
Bottons, Wendy Babbs
Boyd, Delinda Ann
Braden, Brenda Jean
Bradley, Carol D.
Brannon, Stacey Randolf
Brannon, Stella Dianne
Brewer, Kerman Wayne
Brewer, Lucien Tee
Britt, Billie Loretta
Brown, Amanda Elaine
Brown, Bobbie Jo
Brown, Harold Lee
Brown, Howard Michael
Brown, Jerry Max
Brown, Johnann
Brown, Joshua Adam
Brown, Karen Gayle
Brown, Larry Dean, Jr.
Brown, Leah Matilda
Brown, Nancy Lynette
Brumer, Stephanie Mae
Bruner, Carthel Dewayne
Bruner, Jennifer Jo
Buckner, Gerald Lynn
Buckner, James Dean
Buckner, Othel
Bunch, Charlie
Bunch, Gina Lynne
Bunch, Louella
Bunch, Melanie Deann
Bunch, Nathan Joe
Bunch, Rabbit
Bunch, Terry Lee
Burchett, Alma Lee
Burnett, Carrie Lynn
Burnett, Margaret Louise
Burris, Lena Willie
Buzzard, Thomas R.
Byrd, Dione
Caldwell, Carline Lisha
Caldwell, Doris Katherine
Carlile, Charles Edward
Carrington, Wendell Edwin
Carson, Brenda Gay
Carson, David Lee
Carson, Jada Lynn
Carson, Jeffrey Wayne
Carson, Kathleen Gail
Casazza, Shawnna Gaye
Catcher, Floyd
Catcher, Joe Dale
Catron, Eldon Wendell
Catron, Martha Louise
Cavin, Robert Woodrow
Caviness, DeLana Jeanne
Chartier, Betty L
Chewey, Michael Ray
Chewey, Nannie
Chewey, Richard Lee
Christensen, Earnestine
Christensen, Michael Lee
Christie, Bill
Christie, Charise Donnell
Christie, Diana Bernice
Christie, Marvin Gene
Christie, Robert Dale
Christie, Stoney
Chuculate, Jackie Wayne
Church, Leona
Claphan, Linda Gail
Clarke, Carolyn Sue
Clinton, Rickey Gene, Jr.
Cochran, Curtis Ray
Cochran, Eva Mae
Cochran, Georgia Faye
Cochran, Johnny L.
Cochran, Margie
Cochran, Shirley Jean
Cochran, Jr. Perry
Coleman, Michael Dean
Coles, Cynthia June
Collins, Cora Catherine
Collins, Lou Ann
Collins, Thomas James
Collins, William Doyle
Collins, Yvonne Maurine
Colston, Charla Ruth
Cook, Renita Fay
Coombes, Mary M.
Cooper, Deana Lee
Cooper, Grant Christopher
Cooper, Virgil Johnny
Joe Jr.
Cornsilk, Janey
Cotner, Dorothy Emma
Craig, Joseph Don
Crittenden, Johney F.
Crittenden, Mack
Crittenden, Warren Cole
Crossfield, Louwanna Lee
Cude, Glen William, Jr.
Dale, Herbert Howard
Danner, Bertha LaRain
Dart, Kristin Dawn
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Daugherty, Ray Bearfoot
Daugherty, Rodney Joe
Davidson, Flora
Davis, Kevin James
Deason, Eva Louise
Denwalt, Beatrice
Cherokee
Dewey, Margaret Eileen
Diver, Daniel James
Dobbins, Edith Arlene
Dotson, Danny James
Doublehead, Glenn Dale
Dowdican, Narcie Ann
Doyle, Lisa Michelle
Duck, Adam
Duck, Annabelle
Dugger, Donna, Jo
Dummer, Charles Thomas
Dunaway, Willie Maurice
Duncan, Carlene
Duncan, Jason K.
Duncan, Jennifer Kay
Duncan, Jimmy
Duncan, Mandy LaJean
Duncan, Roger
Duncan, Vanessa Lynn
Duncan, Vernon W.
Duvall, Ricky
Eads, Cleo Patricia
Eads, Joe Ervin
Eagle, Columbus
Eagle, Emma Lou
Eagle, Jim Junior
Eagle, Lawrence
Earp, Ricky Samuel
Earp, Sharon Carol
Eaton, James O.
Ebberts, Verna Lucille
Eby, Regina Joy
Eddings, Jimmy Carl
Edgmon, Tammy Davida
Eldridge, Shirley Kay
Eldridge, Wendy Jean
Eli, Johnnie
Eli, Johnny Lee
Eli, Martin
Eli, Sharon Kaye
Elk, Tommy Gene
Elmore, Frank Lee, Jr.
Elms, Bobbie Jean
England, Adrian Martin
England, Bobbie Lee
England, Bobbie Lee Jr
England, Lizzie
England, Ralph Arch
England, Sherman
English, Leonard
Essary, Darla Kay
Eubanks, Angela Kaylene
Eubanks, Jimmy Woodrow
Eubanks, Max Eugene
Eubanks, Shelly Jo
Eubanks, Vickie Lynn
Faddis, Retha Mae
Farrington, Wanda
Ramona
Fatherree, Helen Elizabeth
Feather, Woodrow
Feathers, Denise
Feathers, George
Ferguson, James Berry
Ferguson, Rebecca
Louise
Fields, Charley
Fields, George Gelmer
Fletcher, Joe Michael
Fletcher, Joe Rodger
Fletcher, Stephanie Lea
Fletcher, Terri Kay
Fletcher, Wendall Leroy
Flynn, Angeline
Flynn, Celia Kaye
Flynn, Hooley
Flynn, Kevin Allen
Flynn, Tonya Willene
Flynn, Willie Darren
Ford, Austin Lee
Foster, Ellis Jr.
Fourkiller, Anthony James
Fourkiller, Emma Lee
Fourkiller, Henry Brandon
Fourkiller, Joanna
Fourkiller, Larkin Eugene
Fourkiller, Lizzie May
Fourkiller, Steve Sr.
Fowler, William Audie
Franklan, Vera D.
Frogg, Emma
Fryar, Betty Lou
Fuson, David Wayne
Gallaspy, Garland Miller,
Jr.
Gamble, Margie May
Gard, Barbara J.
Garland, Carmen Wanda
Garr, Ellen
Garrett, Johnnie Charles
Gatewood, Barbara Viola
Gatewood, Christopher
Maurice
George, Karen Alvira
Gibbins, David Earl
Gibbins, Ellen Marie
Glass, Amanda Gail
Glass, AnnMarie
Glass, Fannie Mae
Glass, Hubert
Glass, Ricky Wayne
Goates, Regina Ann
Golden, Kendra Mae
Gonzales, Christopher
Michael
Gonzales, Frankie
Gonzales, Lizzie
Gonzales, Michael A.
Gonzales, Velma J.
Gonzalez, Rebecca Sue
Gonzalis, Max Lee
Gonzalis, Sandra Lee
Gonzalis, Tina Sue
Goodwin, Bill Joe, Jr.
Graves, Donald Ray
Green, Kenneth Wayne
Green, Susan L.
Grigsby, Elizabeth Ann
Grigsby, James N.
Grimmett, Becky
Grimmett, George
Grimmett, Roy
Grimmett, Viola Jean
Grooms, Hazel Mae
Guffey, James Donald
Guffey, Janice Lea
Gutierrez, Christina Gene
Guttillo, Michael Anthony
Guttillo, Rose B.
Hall, Dawn Michelle
Hall, Dianna Marie
Hall, Joy Lee
Hallmark, William Allin
Hamilton, Theda Kaye
Hamilton, Walter Allen
Hamlin, Jimmie Franklin
Hammer, Johnny
Dewayne
Hampton, George Willard
Hance, Johnny Marie
Handle, Maggie
Hanlin, Jerry W.
Hannah, Taylor Bell
Hardbarger, Jerry Don
Hardbarger, Sam
Harger, Daniel Tom
Harjo, Retha Jean
Harlin, Larry Dale
Harper, Deana A.
Harper, Marion Lee
Harper, Melody Ann
Harrell, Joe Dean
Harris, Cynthia Leigh
Hart, Eugene Marcus
Hart, Louise
Hart, Rebecca Jean
Harwood, Sondra Faye
Hatley, Wilma Amagene
Hawk, Leta Mae
Hawkins, Patrick Joe
Hensley, Juanita
Hensley, Mark Lee
Hensley, Orval Andrew
Hess, Loyena
Hewin, Francis Louise
Hill, Billy Mack
Hill, Donna Sue
Hill, Jerry Bob
Hill, Kyle Brandon
Hirst, Sarah LJM
Hitcher, Anna Belle
Hitcher, Sammy Joe
Hitcher, Tom
Hitcher, Tom Jr.
Hogner, Curtiss Ray
Patterson, Julie Faith
Patton, Baxter Duval
Peakheart, Sarah Kay
Penrod, Bradford Guy
Perkins, Geneva
Pettigrew, Joshua Loyd
Pettirgrew, Joni Leigh
Pettit, Karen
Petty, Dora Mae
Phillips, Angela Dawn
Philpott, Carrie Pauline
Pierson, Ricky
Pinkerton, Dianna Lynn
Pinkerton, Virginia Lea
Poor, Michael Dwayne
Poteet, Judy C.
Holloway, Kevin Wayne
Powell, Ryan Taylor
Holloway, Lucinda Kay
Price, Lorenza D.
Hothouse, Johnny Lee
Price, William Taft
House, Sherry Lynn
Pritchett, Dana Michelle
Hudson, Michael Lewis
Pritchett, Hurshel Lee
Hughes, Donald Ray
Pritchett, Jeremy Isaac
Hummingbird, Brandy
Pritchett, Linda Sue
Leigh
Pritchett, William Hastings
Hummingbird, Charley
Proctor, Dennis Ray
Hummingbird, Faye N.
Proctor, Inez M.
Hummingbird, Florence
Pumpkin, Violet Elizabeth
Hummingbird, Isaac Jr.
Quinton, Wynona
Hummingbird, James
Ray, Bobby Dean
Elliot
Reed, Dorothy Mae
Hummingbird, Mitchell
Replogle, Mickey Darrell
Dewayne
Reynaga, Nancy Elaine
Hummingbird, Sadie Mae Rhoads, David Bryan
Hummingbird, Wesley
Rich, Carolyn
Ishcomer, Lois
Rich, Sherri Gay
Jackson, Jessie
Riddle, Bernice
Jacome, Tina Kayleen
Rider, Polly Ann
James, Sue Lynn
Ring, Lillie Mae
Johnson, Chubby
Ritter, Angela Elizabeth
Johnson, Deloris Dawn
Robbins, Marvin
Johnson, Jennie
Roberts, Debra Ann
Johnson, Jennie Glenola Roberts, Martha Mae
Johnson, Nellie Mae
Roberts, Teresa Gail
Johnson, Roy Andrew
Robertson, Jennifer Lynn
Johnson, Stanley Ray
Robertson, Lloyd Alan
Jones, Carolyn Lee
Roller, Verlie Loveata
Jones, Edna
Ross, Darren Wade
Jones, Jesse
Ross Haynes, Cynthia L.
Jones, Robert Sellers
Roy, Robin Marie
Keen, Ralph F., II
Ruckman, Ruby
Keeter, Margaret A.
Runabout, Nancy Lee
Kelley, Ann Bell
Ryan, Roe L. Jr.
Kelley, Floyd Dale
Salsman, Mickey Lee
Kelley, Pink Pauline
Sam, Goodloe
Kelley, Tawanna Gail
Sam, Richard Lee
Kester, Floyd, Jr.
Sam, Ronny Ray Sr.
Ketcher, Bryce Trent
Sam, Vickie Jean
Ketcher, Carlene
Samms, Brandi Lee
Ketcher, Jeffrey Allen
Sanders, Brian
Ketcher, Lucy
Sanders, Carol Sue
Ketcher, Maida Lee
Sanders, Claude Ellis
Ketcher,Michael
Sanders, Darrell Wayne
Ketcher, Ralph Wayn
Sanders, Dennis Muskrat
Ketcher, Ramona Kay
Sanders, J.C.
Ketcher, Robyn Alane
Sanders, Jacob Len
Ketcher, Ronald
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Ketcher, Russell Dean
Sanders, Johnny R. Jr.
Ketcher, William Lee
Sanders, Karen Sue
Key, Mary Ethel
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Kidd, Bobbie Jean
Sanders, Regina Lynn
Killer, Jarrod Lee
Sanders, Shawn Paul
Killer, Lee W.
Sawney, Ernest
Killer-Eagle, Marjorie
Sawney, Narcie
King, Darryl Paul
Sawney, Scotty Wayne
King, Mary Dianna
Sawney, Stephanie Lynn
Kirby, Gussie
Schultz, Charlean Marie
Kirk, Dan Rae
Schultz, Cheryl Christina
Kirk, Jessie Lee
Scott, Betty Sue
Kirk, Mose
Scott, Dorothy Ann
Kirk, Mose Lance
Scott, Joe, Lynn Jr.
Knapp, Barbara Ann
Scott, Lizzie
Knight, Nikki Lynn
Scott, Lydia Ann
Kraus, Tracey Arlene
Scraper, Tommy
Kuykendall, Paulette
Scudder, Jenna Jo
Lacie, Vivian Lucille
Seawright, Deborah
Lawrence, Larry Joe
Elaine
Lawson, Theodore, Jr.
Seay, Brandy Lynn
Lawson, Theodore, III
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Lawson, Weetah Mae
Self, Bradley Gene
Leach, Mary
Sellers, George
Lewis, Ronald Dean
Montgomery
Lipe, Harold Verdell
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Littledave, Kathrine Sue
Setser, Beryl Sue
Littledeer, Arlinda
Sharp, Leslie Lynne
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Shay, Marilyn Diana
Littlejohn, Ronnie Wayne Sheets, Kristy R.
Livers, Herbert Hoover
Shell, Ancie
Livers, Inez
Shell, Cheryl Ann
Livers, Stella
Shell, Connie Lynn
Locust, Norman Bunch
Shell, Erma Dean
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Long, Jewel
Shell, Marvin
Long, Nophaie
Shell, Patsy Lou
Long, William Lewis
Shell, Sam
Lyles, Stephen Ray
Sisco, Alice Faye
Manus, Richard Jr.
Sisco, Kevien Wayne
Manus, Richard Allen
Sisco, Verdina Faye
Marshall, Norma Jean
Sixkiller, Mildred
Martin, Augusta Jane
Sixkiller, Sam Foster
Martin, James Brian
Smay, John Christopher
Martinez, Anthony Wayne Smith, Ben Bush
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Smith, Betty Lou
Mattox, Latonna Kay
Smith, Daniel Cass
Maupins, Claude Dean
Smith, Doris Margaret
Mays, Mary Lois
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McCause, Andrea
Smith, Rena Darthulie
Elizabeth
Soap, Ahinawake Tehee
McCause, Nancy G.
Soap, Bobby G.
McCuistion, Lenny Lou
Soap, Eric Thomas
McCuistion, Vickie Sue
Soap, Jimmy Dale
McCuistion, Woodrow
Soap, Jimmy David
Junior
Soap, Leigh Ann
McElwain, Virginia Sue
Soap, Paula Joann
McFatridge, Randy
Spaulding, Donna Sue
Charles
Springwater, Crawford A.
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Springwater, Louise
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Springwater, Myrtle
McGee, Emmett Leroy
Springwater, Robert
McGee, Inola Gail
Stand, Merle Ann
McGee, Louis Edward
Stansill, Frances Earlene
McGee, Rhoda Lillian
Starr, Bluford Jr.
McGee, William Gary
Starr, Denton McClure
McIntosh, Preston Davis, Starr, Lucille
Jr.
Starr, Lula Juanita
McLemore, Alison Denise Starr, Rachel Mae
McLemore, Carl French
Starr, Rex
McLemore, Daniel
Starr, Scott Allen
McLemore, Joan
Still, Frank
McLemore, Lawrence Che Still, Lucille
McLemore, Leann
Storm, Joshua W.
McVey, Samantha Renee Stovall, Karen Lynn
McVey, Shawn Douglas
Stufflebeam, Learah L.
Megli, Susan Hope
Sturgeon, Stephanie Anne
Miller, Garold Dennis
Swepston, Carlene
Miller, Kahleetah Kathrene Tarin, Ann
Miller, Ruth Maxine
Taylor, Drusilla Jane
Mink, Donna Kay
Taylor, Evelin Louise
Mitchell, Wanda Gean
Taylor, Ocie
Moore, Martha
Teehee, Charley
Moreland, Stanley Wilson Teehee, David Wayne
Morris, Buelah A.
Teehee, Henry
Morris, Emma
Teehee, Kent Darrick
Morris, Kennith Terry
Teehee, Lana Jo
Morris, Mary Ann
Terrapin, Mandy
Morrison, Charles Johnny Thirsty, Annie Mae
Morton, Christopher Lynn Thirsty, Willie Mae
Morton, Edith Elvira
Thomas, Karen Roberta
Morton, Enola Maxine
Thompson, Gregory Ryan
Morton, Jessica Lynn
Thompson, Jonathan
Morton, Nason N.
David
Morton, Otto
Thompson, Kenneth
Mounce, Datha Louise
Warren
Mullings, Ora L.
Thompson, Kimberly Sue
Mullins, Frieda Marie
Thompson, Mary Lee
Murphy, Janet Renea
Thornton, Michael Kent
Muskrat, Bessie Ann
Thurber, Brian James
Muskrat, Franklin
Thurber, Elmer Dean
Muskrat, Ollie
Tidwell, Dodie Cheryl
Muskrat, Paul Edward
Tidwell, Lizzie
Naranjo, Phyllis
Tidwell, Michael Shawn
Neal, Sarah Christine
Tidwell, William Dean
Neel, Burlie Orpha
Tillery, Christine Sherley
Neff, Adam Wayne
Toeller, Carolyn Jean
Neff, Beverly Dennis
Turn, Bennie
Neff, Jessie E.
Tyer, Brandy Lee
Neff, Nancy Jean
Unger, Bobby Grant
Nelson, Sheila Lynn
Valentic, Tonya Gayle
Nofire, Larry
Vann, Brenda Lou
Nofire, Matilda
Vann, Christopher
Oliver, Theresa Louise
Vann, Mark
Osborn, Ronald Earl
Vann, Thomas Micheal
Owl, JB
Vann, Timothy
Owl, Leda Faye
Vann, Jr., Johnny Ray
Padget, Emma
Vardeman, Kenneth Keith
Padgett, Ephraim Terry
Vaughan, Dora Kaylene
Padgett, Lorena Mae
Vaughn, Dawna Marie
Padgett, Raymond Clifton Vaughn, Kriste Shannon
Patterson, Edward
Vignolo, Anna M.
Dewayne
Waldroop, Heath Wayne
Patterson, Howard Lee
Walkingstick, Samuel
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Thomas
Walter, Judy Ann
Waltz, Hannah Wren
Ward, Thomas
Waters, Douglas Duane
Waters, Richard
Waters, Warren G.
Watie, Joanna
Watie, Joe Max
Watson, Robert Dwayne
Watt, Jackson
Watt, Sharon Fay
West, James Welford
West, James Wesley
Wheeler, Luciretta
Whisenhunt, Sandra Kay
White, Robert Andrew
White, Ronnie Harold
Whitener, Oleta
Whitley, Wanda
Whitmire, Charles Wayne
Whitmire, William Walter
Wilkie, Donald Scott
Williams, Grady Curtis Jr.
Williams, Mark, A.
Wilson, Rodney Arron
Wiseley, Lagretta Gail
Wojcieszak, Mildred M.
Wojciezak, Leo Henry III
Wolf, Harlan Lance
Wolf, Samson
Wolfe, Jerry
Wolfe, Minnie
Wolfe, Rodney L.
Womack, Lena Maxine
Workman, Clara Lee
Workman, Lela
Workman, Rodney Allen
Worley, Debra Gail
Worley, Sharmilee
Worsham, Dorothy Jean
Worsham, James Wallace
Worsham, Sharon Kay
Wright, Jean Ann
Wright, Shawn
York, Mary Ann
Young, David Ray
Young, Joe
Younger, William R.
Westville
Adair, Bob M.
Adair, Mary Francis
Adams, Barbara Jill
Adams, James Herman III
Akin, Deborah Sue
Akin, Nathan John
Akins, Zoe Marshal
Allison, William Roy
Ames, David Lenard
Atha, Jeremiah Joe
Bagby, John H.
Bagby, Margret May
Bagby, Turner
Bailey, Carla Renea
Bailey, Lorita Mae
Balls, Jackie
Baylous, Sharon Jane
Bell, Justin Shane
Benoit, Danny B.
Bird, Jerry
Bird, Lincoln
Bird, Willard Dean
Black, Gary Wayne
Blackwood, Eugene
Blackwood, Michael
Douglas
Blossom, Bobby Dean
Blossom, Harold D. Sr.
Blossom, Hazel Mary
Blossom, Jeffrey Gene
Bolton, Dadreon Sue
Boswood, Nancy Joyce
Brackett, Stormie Dawn
Brooks, Gregory Steve
Brooks, Shelly Beth
Buck, Loraine
Burke, Jolene
Burns, Darren Joe
Burrous, Nancy Alene
Cain, Roger Dale
Cannon, Becky Yvette
Carey, Gladys Irene
Carey, Otis
Carey, William Timothy
Carollo, Salvatore Francis
Jr.
Carpenter, Derrick Gene
Carpenter, Janette Crystal
Carroll, Darlene Rene
Casteel, Gladys
Casteel, Michael Reynold
Casteel, Patrick Ebbin
Chastain, Christina
Michelle
Choate, Angela Claudelle
Choate, Robert Lawrence
Westville, Choate Roy Jr.
Chopper, John Joseph
Christie, Marvin J.
Clark, Barbara Jean
Cole, Earl Welch
Cole, Matthew Welch
Cole, Sadie
Collins, Adam Grant
Collyge, Lisa Michelle
Coumont, Lisa Marie
Craig, James Michael
Crittenden, Charles
Edward
Crittenden, Infant
Crittenden, Jackie Lee
Crittenden, Joan Marie
Crittenden, Randy Gene
Cummings, Carl Lee
Daugherty, Shirley Ann
Davis, Jonita
Degeer, Altirean
Denton, Minxie Mae
Doublehead, Billie Kay
Doyle, Opal Lou
Dugger, Jimmy Dean
Dyer, Donetta
Eagle, Robert Leaf
Easleton, Bradley Dwayne
Edmondson, Geraldine
English, Lydia Lynn
Etheridge, James Perry
Fain, Roger Lynn
Fain, Roy Howard
Favor, Frances Irene
Fishinghawk, Gerald Lee
Fletcher, Johnnie Ray Jr.
Flippo, Ina Jaunita
Flippo, Janie Isabelle
Flute, Alice Sue
Flute, Mack Charles Jr.
Ford, Jerremy Alan
Fourkiller, Lisa Gay
Galyean, Opal Elizabeth
Gardenhire, Penny Aileen
Garrett, Roy Lee
Garriott, Brandy Atlante
Gifford, Iris Juanita
Glenn, Melanie Dawn
Golden, Stephen Jr.
Gray, Delana Carlene
Greathouse, Margaret
Gregory, Dennis William
Griffin, Charles L.
Griffin, Stephen Lewis
Grimmett, Ashley Renee
Grimmett, Jeremy
Dewayne
Hagan, Phyllis Ann
Hall, Mildred
Hall, Shirley Ruth
Hamilton, Sherman Dale
Hammer, Bobby Ray
Hammer, Chester Sr.
Hammer, David Dewayne
Hammer, Donald Wayne
Hammer, Harold Gene
Hammer, Ida Mae
Hammer, Randall
Hammer, Scotty Joe
Hammer, Tia Danelle
Hansen, Kristi Lynn
Hardbarger, Heather Jean
Hargrove, Lola Mae
Harney, Iris Irene
Hartshorne, Byron
Garrison
Hastings, Effie Manda Lee
Hawk, Thomas Jr.
Hensley, Brenda Faye
Hensley, Misty M.
Hill, Ella Mae
Hitcher, Brian Keith
Hitcher, Peggy Ann
Hitcher, Robert Wofford
Hogshooter, Sharon Kay
Hubbard, Tommy Jack
Hughes, Angela Darlene
Hunter, Lane Jeffrey
Jeantet, Gary Laverne
Johnson, Melissa D.
Johnson, Rhonda Lorene
Jones, Janet Lynn
Keen, Garlin Earl
Kelley, Lee W.
Ketcher, Cindy Jean
Ketcher, David Lynn
Ketcher, Douglas James
Ketcher, Joyce Lien
Ketcher, Ona May Gene
Ketcher, William Albert
Ketcher, William Glenn Jr.
Kindle, Curtis, Don
Kindle, Jennie Mae
Kindle, Leland Wayne
Kindle, Mary Joyce
Kindle, Mary Louise
King, Gayla Karen
Kirk, Leon D.
Kirk, Teila Marie
Langley, Daniel Eugene
Lewis, Kathy Elmyra
Lingle, Lance Ryan
Littledeer, Gary Dean
Luethie, Lisa Dawn
Luttrell, Kathleen Sue
Manning, Jarred
Mardis, Gina Shantel
Martin, Dianna Lynn
Martin, James Scott
Martin, Ronnae Michelle
Matthews, Demetra
Mashawn
Mays, Juanita
McConnell, Becky Lynn
McConnell, Donna Rae
McCoy, Albert Grover
McCoy, Helen Pauline
McCullough, Vicky Joann
McVey, Dwain Douglas
Morris, Betty Lou
Morris, Carrie
Morris, Eric Wayne
Morris, Jackie W.
Morris, Jerrold Lynn
Morris, Raymond Eugene
Morris, Thomas Robert
Morris, Vicky Jo
Morris, Walter
Morton, Alana LaFaye
Motter, Audie Scott
Moya, Dena Rebecca
Nichols, Wanda Morine
Noblin, Gretta
Nunn, Leighton Eugene
Owen, Marjorie H.
Pack, Larry Floyd
Park, Pearl E.
Parris, George Clint
Partain, Bonnie Sue
Pathkiller, Jimmy Lee
Pathkiller, Kevin Dale
Pathkiller, Vicki Darlene
Patterson, Cora Faye
Phillips, Donnie Gail
Phillips, Mark Stephen
Phillips, Peggy Lowanda
Phillips, Stacey Renae
Phillips, Stan Howard
Pickell, Helen
Pickett, Jennifer Grace
Pike, Sandra Daleen
Pilgrim, Eulalia W.
Poindexter, Billie Jean
Poindexter, Brandy Lee
Porter, Teresa Marie
Price, Anjanette
Price, Phillip Wayne
Proctor, Janis Kay
Quick, Brian Alan
Quick, Shawna Kay
Quick, Shelia Lee
Rains, Ahaniwake
Rector, Robert Morris
Reece, Sherman Basil
Reed, Jennie Evlyn
Reed, Tamara Lou
Reese, Lester
Rose, Gwendolen Renea
Rose, Mary Jayne
Ross, Elizabeth Ann
Russell, Frank Adair
Ryan, Roe L.
Sam, Woodrow
Sanchez, Tasia L.
Sawney, Edward Lee
Scism, Mary Josephine
Scism, Tabby Sue
Scott, Lisa Kay
Self, Carolyn Ruth
Self, Zachary Ryan
Sheffield, Michael Dean
Shipley, Tressie Marie
Shockley, Henry Lafayette
Silcox, Sherman Curtis
Singleterry, Angela Renee
Sisco, Kelly Wayne
Sixkiller, Annie
Sixkiller, Jim
Skipper, Esther Jean
Snail, Ella Mae
Snail, Regina Mae
Snell, James
Stockton, Rebecca Ann
Swake, Albert Jr.
Templeton, Gregory Kent
Thompson, Cherry Arlene
Thompson, Paul David
Thompson, Timothy David
Tillery, Claude
Tillery, Michael Joe
Trott, Marie
Turn, Andy
Turn, Oneta
Turn, Roy Dale
Turtle, Toney
Turtle, William
Vann, Daniel
Vann, Emma
Vann, John Thomas
Vann, Rufus
Vaughn, Jeffery Allen
Vaughn, Jon L.
Vaughn, Karen Roberta
Vaughn, Olin Clay
Vaught, Amanda Jo
Walkingstick, Jeremy
Michael
Ward, Dorothy Ann
Ward, Travis Wayne
Watkins, Nancy
Watson, Betty Jeanne
Watson, Judy Mae
West, Lois Nadene
Whaler, Rosia L.
Whaler, Steven E.
Wheeler, Billy Richard
Wheeler, Rhonda Jean
Whitmire, Claudia
Wiley, Lee
Wilhite, Nancy Jean
Wilkie, Beryl Edwin
Wilkie, Danny Milan
Wilkie, Liberty Renee
Wilkie, Michelle Delores
Wilkie, Rhonda Suzanne
Willard, Melba Dean
Williams, Ricky Keith
Williams, Wanda Louise
Williams, William M.
Wilmoth, Linda Davine
Wilson, Kenneth Owen
Wilson, Virginia Mae
Wing, Brenda Dye
Winkler, Michael Wayne
Wolfe, Leeo
Wood, Charlotte Michelle
Wood, Kendra Nicole
Wood, Patricia Arleen
Wright, Jason Anthony
Wright, Robert Dwayne
Young, Alvin Lynn
Young, Cheryl JoAnn
Cave Springs
Adair, Cara Sue
Asbill, Sam
Baldridge, Clara Mae
Bird, Eddy Lee
Bird, James Raymond
Bird, Ocie
Brannon, Angela Marie
Brown, Gerald Wayne
Bunch, Betsy Hardbarger
Bunch, Hubert
Bunch, Lorene
Bunch, Nancy Jane
Bunch, William
Cain, Jerry D.
Cavin, Albert, Milton Jr.
Choate, Coby Edwin
Choate, Felicia Anne
Choate, Richard Felix
Christie, Wynona
Chuculate, Eli Lee
Cox, Marquerite
Dandridge, Marilyn Faye
Daugherty, Elizabeth Gail
Dearman, Norma Jean
Diver, Andy
Duncan, Clayton Michael
Duvall, Lillian Kay
Eagle, Lee Jr.
Eubanks, Cheryl Denise
Eubanks, Tammy Sue
Flute, Archie
Flynn, Luke
Gibson, Betty Joyce
Girdner, Brenda Gayle
Grayson, Janie
Hardbarger, Charlia
Ladawn
Harris, Lillie
Harris, Robert Allen
Holmes, Shannon Marie
Hooper, Jayne Anne
Johnson, Mary Catherine
Ketcher, Larry Don
Killer, Lydia Lou
Leach, Christopher J.
Longley, Alice Marie
Mattox, Andrew Parker Jr.
Mays, John David
Means, Elizabeth Maxine
Miller, Velma Nadine
Osborn, Nedra Bernell
Pack, Billie June
Pettit, Bill
Pettit, Billy George
Pettit, Cindie Lou
Pettit, Dorothy Jean
Pettit, Sharon
Pritchett, George Jr.
Proctor, Jim
Proctor, John Dewayne
Proctor, Louella
Proctor, Robbie Charles
Randolph, Rebecca Lynn
Sam, Ella
Sanders, Eddie Lee
Sanders, Ruby
Scott, Corey Paul
Sequichie, Dennis Wayne
Settlemyre, Lois Ineze
Soap, Charles Levi
Soap, Edith Marie
Toan, Fred Henry Jr.
Vann, Dirthrower
Vann, Jack Jr.
Vann, Leroy
Vann, Lewis
Vann, Lillie
Vann, Sherman
Vann, Soldier
Vann, Winnie Mae
Waters, Darlene
Weavel, Ladonna
Williams, Janice Gail
Wolfe, Ross Adam
Wolfe, Veronica
Bell
Green, Juanita
Jordan, Natalie
Morris, Lesa Faye
Patterson, Carl N.
Wheeler, Jeanetta
Grove
Adair, Rodney Douglas
Adkison, Felix Oren
Amos, Stanley Burl
Anderson, Matthew
Stephen
Angus, Katherine
Aussicker, Lou Ann
Bacon, Sharon Kay
Bale, Janice Gail
Bale, Nikki Lynn
Bandy, Jasper Isaac
Barnes, Savanah Lee
Bates, Lucille Ruth
Bauer, Jerry Lee
Bemore, Marguet
Catherine
Benge, Neoma Wahleah
Berry, Patsy Alliene
Bible, Morris Lee
Bird, Mackenzie Leigh
Blaine, Vincent Murl
Blecha, Michael Eugene
Blevins, Charles Danny
Blevins, James Dale
Blevins, Ricky Allen
Bogle, Roger Milton
Bohannan, Pauline
Elizabeth
Bowers, David Alwyn
Brown, Ada Dean
Brown, Gary Dean
Brown, Joe Vernon
Brown, Paul Warren
Buckett, Katherine
Geraldine
Buckett, Leroy
Bumgardner, Genice
Michelle
Burleson, Tammy Dawn
Bush, Donald Lee
Buzzard, Chickaleelee
Campbell, Wendy LeeAnn
Carey, Elzie Lonzo
Cartwright, Sondra Kay
Caywood, Cherokee Anna
Cearley, Phillip Don
Claxton, Donna Myrene
Coker, Mack D.
Coker, Wanda Mae
Collins, Clarence Eugene
Conner, Eunice Marie
Connor, Shellie Fay
Cordray, George
Richmond
Cox, Cynthia May Bell
Cox, James Dwayne
Crane, Adam, Wesley
Crawford, Charles Monroe
Crossley, Eddie Allen
Crossley, Ernest Foch
Crossley, Jerimy Don
Crossley, Michael Edward
Crossley, Tara Lynn
Culley, Jeannie Sue
Cunningham, Anna May
Cunningham, Wesley
Leroy
Currey, Homer
Darnell, Charles Luther
Dick, Jeffie Lois
Dick, Thomas Monroe
Donahou, Shirley Kathryn
Doty, Kenneth Edward
Dubois, Dennis Eugene
Dugan, Ruthie Ellen
Ellis, Woodena Lea
Fields, Donna Marie
Fields, Michael David
Fields, Sherman Eldo
Freeman, Eutoka
Margaret
Gault, Jerry Dean
Gibe, Gina Sue
Gibson, Leslie Ann
Girten, Gail Rene’e
Grove, Gorton Ernest Ivan
Gray, Jo Jeanne
Gray, John B.
Greninger, Emme Minnie
Griffith, Donna Marie
Griffith, Larry Brent
Grubbs, Theresa Ann
Guerra, Mary Ann
Guinn, Geneva
Gurley, Newatha Virginia
Guthrie, Hilary Dawn
Gyles, Norma Jean
Haff, Wanda Pauline
Hamilton, Jayne
Handle, Doyle Eugene
Hanes, Lela Fern
Hargis, Janie Kay
Harris, Judith Elaine
Harrison, Ina M.
Heape, Earnie L.
2012
Heffelman, Candace Olive
Henson, Earline Joyce
Hernandez, Jeanne Lynn
Herod, Joseph Thomas
Herod, Thelma M.
Higgins, C. M. Gail
Higgins, Roger Wayne
Hilliard, Patrica Ann
Hoover, Lillie Paulina
Hopper, Clark Clayburn
Huggins, Donna Kay
Huggins, Michael Brant
Huggins, Robt Jas
Huggins, Vaughntreba
Katherine
Hutchins, Lenona
Jackson, Charlene
Jackson, Jean
Jackson, Robert Weldon
Jacobs, Janell Sue
Jarvis, Loren Christopher
Jarvis, Tommy Dale
Jeffers, Kendal Gayle
Jeffery, Anna Mildred
Jenkins, Robert Carl
Jinks, Wannah Lee
Johnson, Sidney Harold
Johnston, Beatrice Ailene
Junkert, Kimberly Kay
Kauffeld, Rhonda Ann
Kellenberger, Frankie
Joan
Keller, Billie DeJuan
Keller, Margaret Ann
Killion, Marvin Junior
Killion, Paul W.
King, Kenneth Avery
Kirby, Betty Noveta
Kuchta, Craig Raymond II
Kusch, Neva Jean
Larson, Douglas Eugene
Layman, Denise
Layman, Juanita Rae
Lee, Thelma
Ludwig, Ruby B.
Lynch, Jack Edward
Mader, Karen Beth
Malone, Elissa Susie
Marone, Judy Kathryn
Marsh, Charles Franklin
Martin, Carrol Ross
Martin, Elizabeth Irene
Masters, Ahnawake
Masters, Larry Paul
Matthews, Brenda Kay
Mayberry, Kathy Weleaka
Mayberry, Michael
Mays, Michelle De Anne
Mays, Robert Donald
McElhany, Amber Jo
McGarrah, Darrell Edward
McKisick, Julia Rae
McLin, Charles Sidney
Meek, Chad Corwyn
Miller, Anna May
Milliser, Bruce Allan
Milliser, William Lewis
Mills, Dempsey Michael
Mills, Mary Sue
Moore, Bonnie Gene
Moore, John L.
Mount, Cindy Luanne
Myers, Modena
Nall, Billy Leroy
Nelson, Ruby Lorene
Newport, Nadean Maud
Nuckolls, Loyd Wesley
Nuckolls, Neva Jean
Orcutt, Brittany Lee
Owen, Anna Lee
Owens, Teresa Ruth
Pahukoa, Jamie Lynn
Paige, Roger Dale
Painter, John Edward
Parish, Stephen Alan
Parton, Lisa Ann
Pelikan, Michelle Rachel
Lee
Perry, Charles Houston
Perry, Geo W. Jr.
Perry, Morris G.
Pigg, Stephanie Jean
Pilkinton, George Robert
Potter, Leonard Wesley
Prather, Johnie Lee
Pratt, Renee
Praytor, Lindsey Ann
Rhuems, Ruth Ann
Riley, Adam Hughes
Riley, Burl Clark
Riley, Marjoria Dorothy
Pete
Riley, Sean Michael
Riley, Sheri Lynn
Roberts, Amanda Jo
Roberts, Paul Edwin
Robertson, Lila Ruth
Robison, Thelma Pauline
Rodman, Patty Erlene
Rush, Betty Jeanne
Sager, Ross Dewayne
Scott, J. C.
Seabourn, Joyce Jean
Self, Sandra Kay
Shackelford, Joshua Dale
Sharp, Gwendolen Faye
Sixkiller, Kenneth Ray
Smith, Billie Joyce
Smith, James Freeman
Smith, Michael William
Smith, Patty Elizabeth
Smith, Phillis Sue
Smith, Wilma Lucille
Snider, Collis Ferdinand
Sparkman, Becky Norene
Spradlin, Tommy Charles
Stanbery, Carol Joyce
Stanbery, Danna Lee
Stogsdill, Percie
Stroud, John Raymond
Tanner, David Joe Jr.
Tanner, Krista Lynne
Tanner, Rozann
Tate, Thressa Sue Savoy
Tauuneacie, Daniel
Eugene
Taylor, Josanna Cleo
Teel, Bertha Marquerite
Thomison, Leslie Dean
Thompson, David Lihugh
Jr.
Thompson, Terry Lavon
Thompson, William Dale
Trenary, Fannie J.
Trimble, Ruth Lavonne
Turner, William Daniel
Underwood, David
Monroe
Underwood, Suzanne Rae
Walters, James C. Jr.
Washburn, Jimmie Leroy
Weeden, Bertie Marie
Westbrook, Arthur Devoy
Westbrook, Mary Cordelia
White, Kathryn Evelyn
Wildhaber, Wilma Darnell
Williams, Audrey Lee
Williams, Cherokee
Dawneta
Williams, David Adair
Williams, Kenneta Pauline
Williams, Kimberly Tennille
Williams, Roger Lee
Wise, Terry Dale
Wood, J.U.
Wood, Patricia Lenore
Woodall, Cecil Randolph
Woods, Carol Lee
Woodward, Cheryl La
Vonne
Wright, Abraham
Wright, Cindy Marie
Wright, Lovely Junior
Yirsa, Joe Blaine
Jay
Adair, Donna K.
Allen, Lottie May
Altebaume, Samuel Lee
Altebaumer, Connie Sue
Aman, Kenneth Darrell
Amos, Angela Renee
Amos, Bonnie Louise
Anderson, Barbara
Anderson, Tammy Lynn
Andrews, Frances Alene
Applegate, Gina Lynnette
Armbrister, Alex Andrew
Arnold, Travis Kales
Asher, Charlotte Patricia
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Baker, Jerry Hendrick Jr.
Baker, Kaylan Logan
Baker, Keelan Taylor
Baker, Phyllis Alene
Ballard, John Kimbrell
Bandy, Jamie Lynn
Barbee, Angela
Barnes, Kali K.
Barnwell, Geneva
Bartley, Donna Sue
Basinger, Thera Dawn
Beaver, Maude Lea
Beavers, Lila Betsy
Beck, Darrel Lee
Beckton, Sandra Louise
Star
Benson, Sarah Jane
Bingham, Justin Mack
Bingham, Linda Jewel
Bishop, Stacy Renae
Black, Patrecia Jean
Blackfox, David Wayne
Blair, Tomanian Mae
Blevins, Coleman Lee
Blevins, Preston Wade
Fields
Blossom, Woodrow Luther
Boggs, Pamela Diann
Bostater, Nancy
Bowman, Beatrice Joy
Box, Dorothy June
Brewster, Pauline Vivian
Brixey, Robert Eugene
Brown, James Sherwood
Ridge
Bryant, Carol Jean
Bryant, Ida Ruth
Bryant, Paul Cortland
Buffington, Dwight Gene
Buffington, Mark Anthony
Buffington, Sally Jane
Burger, Jo Ann
Burr, Joyce Ann
Bushyhead, Freda
Madean
Bushyhead, Jesse David
Butler, Edgar Eugene
Butler, Jesse Elmo
Buzzard, Alene
Buzzard, Jordon Lee
Buzzard, Luther Dewayne
Buzzard, Oleta Faye
Callihan, Mandy Noell
Carmon, Cheryl Kay
Carroll, Bobby Gene
Cass, Nowa Dawn
Caswell, Nola Edna
Caswell, Thomas Bryan
Cearley, Alicia Lynn
Cearley, Bobby Eugene
Cearley, Kathryn Sue
Cearley, Robert Charles
Chamberlain, Floyd
Gerald
Chastain, Barbara Jean
Chastain, Justin Scott
Chopper, Billy G.
Chopper, John Gary
Clark, Jacquline Sue
Clinkenbeard, Gary Lee
Clinkenbeard, Vickie Sue
Clyma, Karen Michelle
Cochran, Billy Joe
Cole, Robert Craig
Collins, Randall Ray
Cordeiro, Dorcas Jean
Cornell, John Travis
Cornshucker, Marshall D.
Crank, Charlotte Elaine
Crank, Robert Chad
Crawford, Carolyn Mineta
Crawford, Elizabeth
Suzanne
Crawford, Melvin Eugene
Creekkiller, Denise
Creekkiller, Dennis
Creekkiller, Louise
Creekkiller, Mary Pearl
Creekkiller, Regina Renee
Creekkiller, Willie Eugene
Creekmore, Cleo H.
Crittenden, Chester
Crittenden, Shirley Ann
Cumiford Orville Raymond
Cummings, George Lee
Cummings, Michael Lynn
Cunningham, James
William
Cunningham, Regina
Janel
Cunningham, Shirley Ann
Cunningham, Tammi Lynn
Daugherty, Allie Jane
Daugherty ,Ryan Neal
Daugherty ,William
Jenning
Davis, Darian Kent
Davis, Doyle Conrad
Davis, Nancy Marlene
Denny, Glenda Sue
DePetris, Judy Kay
Dick, Kenneth
Dick, Samuella
Donohue, Melanie Reno
Dry, Donald Ray
Dry, Janice Faye
Dry, Leona
Dry, Ruth
Dunham, David Vann Jr.
Dunham, James D.
Dunham, Patricia Susan
Earp, Carl Jay
Earp, Kathleen Leucretia
Eastman, Mary Elizabeth
Edwards, Lou Ella
Edwards, Steven Franklin
Ellick, Leon
Ellis, Bradley Denton
Ellis, Teresa Marie
Evans, Scott Wayne
Farmer, Deborah Lynn
Fausett, Sheryl Lynn
Feather, Ralph Alfred Jr.
Ferguson, Virginia D
Fields, James Earl
Fields, Karen Kay
Flaming, Glyennis
Flaming, Susan Mae
Foreman, Mary Lee
Foreman, Thomas Edward
Francis, George Anthony
Fry, Jamie Dale
Garcia, Sarah Ann
Garrison, Lisa Renae
Garrison, Virginia Lee
Geary, Arthur Dwight
Gibbs, James Frank Jr.
Gibe, Clinton Wade
Gibe, Galynn Renee
Gibe, Michael Thomas
Gibe, Nicole Rachelle
Gibe, Steven Loyd
Glass, Janet Sue
Glory, Alice
Goins, Misty Dawn
Goins, Ruth Alice
Goins, Shanda Lynn
Goins, Stephanie LeAne
Goodell, Rosa Lee
Gooding, Joyce Anna
Graham, Paul
Graham, Sonya Myrene
Grass, Alfred Lee
Grass, Marian Lynne
Grass, Russell James
Grass, Shannon Renae
Greaves, Sherlyn Louise
Griffith, Harold J.
Guess, Nancy Ann
Guess, Nathan Bradley
Gullett, Andrea Kathryn
Gullett, Mandy Lynn
Gullett, Marilyn Kay
Hagar, Paulette Dale
Hamilton, Jerry Wayne
Hamilton, Rebecca Lynn
Hamilton, Richard Leroy
Hampton, Kristi Ann
Handle, Audrey Osawa
Handle, Christina Louise
Handle, Darrel Lee
Handle, Eric Ryan
Handle, Landen
Handle, Wanda Jean
Hankins, Lura May
Harmon, James Thomas
Harmon, Maydene
Harp, Donna Kay
Heard, Jimmy Ray
Henderson, Ivan Keith
Henderson, Regiena Lynn
Hendricks, David Ray
Hicks, Steven Paul
Hill, Merville Arline
Hogner, Iva Pearl
Hogshooter, Ronald Ray
Hogshooter, Ruthie Mae
Holland, Billie Jo
Holland, Dustin Lee
Holland, Georgia Ann
Holland, Patricia Lea
Holt Leona, Virginia
Houck, John Logan
Howell, Donna Florene
Howell, Jimmy Lee
Hurt, Sadie Marie
Inlow, Jackie Dewayne
Isbell, George Felix
Jackson, Charles Douglas
January, Arlis Eugene
January, Delala Lynn
Jeffries, James Sherman
Johnson, Brenda Ann
Johnson, Grant Douglas
Johnson, Lindsay Paige
Johnson, Mark Warren
Jones, Amanda Lee
Jones, Deanette Lea
Jones, Ella Mae
Jones, Fay
Jones, Kenney Joe
Jones, Leroy
Jones, Nainah Joan
Jumper, Wallace Lee
Kahn, Carolyn Sue
Kaiser, J.D.
Kalista, Robert Lee
Keblish, Sallie Ann
Keener, Diana Kay
Keener, Larry Joe
Ketcher, David Ross
King, Betty Jo
King, Christopher Rudell
King, Darvin E.
King, Melvina Mae
King, Michael Lee
King, Rufus Lee
King, Wesley Eugene
Kirby, Ricky Dee
Kirby, Roy Mahan Jr.
Kirby, Stoney Lee
Kirby, Tina Faye
Kirby, Tonya Lynn
Lackey, Winfred William
Landrum, Alexander
Larmon, Curtis Lee
Larmon, Genita Sue
Larmon, Juanita Faye
Lewis, Angela Kay
Lewis, Bobby Roy Jr.
Lewis, Bobby Roy
Linn, Vivian Patricia
Little, Lela
Littledave, Marcus
Long, Deanna Sue
Long, Thursy Lynn
Loy, Cynthia Kay
Lunsford, Cheryl Lynn
Lyman, Walter William
Mallard, Agnes S.
Maples, Johnie Leonard
Massengale, Daisy
Mildred
Masters, Frenchen Daniel
Masters, Jackie Wayne
Masters, Michael John
Masters, Peggy Lou
Mathia, Jerri Lyne
Matthews, Jeremy Wayne
Matthews, Kathy Sue
McCurry, Josie Lynn
McGinley, Minta Virginia
McLain, Joseph Aaron
McLain, Robert Lee
Meadows, William Henry
Melton, Charles Wayne
Monroe, Emma Lee
Morgan, Kenneth Melvin
Morgan, Shirley Jean
Morrow, Dustin Keith
Morrow, Jas Lloyd
Murry, Patsy Ernesteen
Nipps, Donnita Kay
Nix, Lula Mae
Nowlin, C. A.
Osburn, Darren Iran
Osburn, Misty Diane
Owens, Betty Sue
Paden, Stephen Troy
Panther, James Jr.
Parsons, Caroline
Christina Jane
Payton, Cary Kyle
Payton, Frankie Lee
Payton, Marilyn Kay
Peak, Jacquita Mae
Peak, Michael Wayne
Pendergraft, Vyra Geneva
Pickett, Wilson Thomas
Pickup, Carmen Gail
Pickup, Pearlie Jean
Pickup, Turner
Plummer, Thomas Leroy
Sr.
Porter, Ruth Lee
Potter, Gary D
Presley, Brittany Elizabeth
Quallote, Leonard Dewey
Rains, Darrell L.
Raper, Jessie Marie
Raven, Ben
Raven, Nancy
Reece, Deborah Jean
Rench, Carolyn Louise
Reno, Jeremy Lee
Reno, Jyme Lynn
Reno, Timmy Roy
Revas, Virginia L.
Richie, Geraldine Gerris
Richie, James Byron
Richie, Kimberly Lane
Riggs, Ronald Keith
Rion, Billy Lee Jr.
Robbins, Jamie Lyn
Roberts, Bob D.
Roberts, Edna Kay
Roberts, Lesia Jo
Roberts, Velma Ellen
Robertson, Brittany Marie
Robertson, Janace Kay
Robertson, Kenneth Ray
Rogers, Lenora Jean
Rogers, Mary Siota
Ross, Stewart M.
Rowley, Marie B.
Rowley, Robin Kay
Runabout, Garland Jr.
Runabout, Johnny Clyde
Runabout, Johnson
Runabout, Melvin
Russell, Mabel L.
Sanders, Claud William
Sappington, Robert
Wilhelm
Schuknecht, Betty R.
Scott, Alisha Jewel
Scott, Gina Michele
Scraper, Louis J.
Scuggins, Sammie Wayne
Scuggins, Scotty Joe
Seaton, Patricia Gail
Sebastian, Naomi Jeanne
Shambaugh, Mike Layne
Sharp, Charlie Gordon
Sharp, Jennie Sue
Sharp, Robert Dale
Sharp, Stanley
Shorter, Cherokee
Thomas
Shorter, Nancy Fay
Shotpouch, Deanna Gail
Shotpouch, Johnson
Shotpouch, Kip Jerome
Shrum, Virginia Nicole
Siefert, Wyvonne Lafena
Silcox, Betty Jo
Simmons, Cecil
Simmons, Elwanda
Nadine
Simmons, Jera Nicole
Sims, Debra Kaye
Six, Jennie
Sixkiller, Mona Lucille
Sixkiller, Roy Lee
Slayton, Mary Melba
Smalley, Della Mae
Smith, Charles David
Smith, Howard Wayne
Smith, Louis E.
Snow, Treasa Ann
Soldier, Michael Dewayne
Soldier, Nancy Ann
Soldier, Richard Jr
Spencer, Harold Fayne
Spencer-Payton, Kimberly
Gayle
Sperry, Pammie
Bernadine
Spohn, Mattie S.
Spohn, Richard Franklin
Stapleton, Dwight David
Stapleton, Faye Ruth
Stapleton, Kathryn Elaine
Stapleton, Orrise Faye
Stick, Kathy K.
Still, Ned
Stogsdill, Ashley Christine
Story, Bertha Fay
Strickland, Darrell Edward
Sullivan, Tisha Zoe
Sultzer, Charlie
Summerfield, Bessie Mae
Summerfield, Bobbie Lee
Summerfield, Cynthia
Jane
Summerfield, Darla Ann
Summerfield, Henry
Summerfield, John Wayne
Summerfield, Joshua
Jeremiah
Summerfield, Leroy II
Summerfield, Leroy
Summerfield, Virgil Lee
Summerfield, William
Elton
Swaim, Bettye Lou
Swaim, William Virgil
Swake, Cooney
Swake, Donnie Ray
Sweetwater, Bryan
Swimmer, Anna C.
Hendren
Swinford, Shirley Ann
Tagg, Jimmy Jr.
Talbott, Richard Eugene
Tanner, Allen
Tanner, Carolyn
Tanner, Cliff Lee
Tanner, Ida Mae
Tanner, Jason Coaly
Tanner, Scott Arthur
Tanner, Velma
Tauuneacie, Lewis
Eugene
Teague, Bertha Mae
Teague, Pamela Marie
Teehee, Feryl Dean
Teehee, Lydia Jean
Tooley, Ella Mae
Trujillo, Joey King
Tuder, Cindy Kay
Turner, Betty Lou
Turner, Christie Lynn
Turner, Dustin Ryan
Turner, Jennifer Leann
Underwood, Meda May
Van, Horn Andrea Lynn
Vannoy, Melissa Ann
Varner, Bonnie Fern
Vickers, Leonard Lon
Wagnon, John Albert
Watermelon, Ned
Weaver, Joe Tom
Weaver, William B.
Weeks, Jamie Lynn
Weeley, Dick
West, Al Dee
White, Sherri Lynn
White, Tammie Mechelle
Wiese, Kathy Joyce
Wiley, George
Williams, Jacob Darel
Williams, Johnny Wayne
Williams, Lester Wayne
Wilson, Jacquelyn Deliah
Wilson, Louise
Wilson, Mary Ellen
Deakens
Wilson, William M
Wittenberg, Wilma Sue
Wofford, Coy Lee
Wolfe, Jimmy
Wolfe, Nancy Pearl
Wolfe, Teresa Marie
Wood, Jack Richard
Woodall, Arlis Dain
Woods, Betty Ruth
Woods, Dona Evaleena
Woods, Howard Thomas
Woods, Kyle Brandon
Woods, Leonard Lee
Woods, Paul Wesley
Woolman, Janice Marie
Worsham, Derek Wayne
Kenwood
Beaver, Betty Lea
Belt, Geraldine Kaye
Budder, Matthew Joseph
Budds, Betty Ann
Buffalohorn, Mary Louise
Chancellor, Kimberly
Chumwalooky, William
Custer, Shirley Ruth
Deere, Eliza May
Dobbs, Geraldine
Fisher, Andrew
Hair, David Yahola
Hilderbrand, Grover C.
Ketcher, Charley
King, Annette
King, Emma
King, Jennifer
King, Kathryn
Kirby, Kelly Donella
Kirby, Linley Steven
Kirby, Millard Paul
Mathews, Juanita Bernice
O’Field, Nancy Jane
Proctor, David
Proctor, Jim
Proctor, John
Proctor, John Edward
Proctor, Julie Delayne
Proctor, Linda Mae
Proctor, Mary
Proctor, Rosa
Sapp, Henry
Sapp, Roma Gene
Sitsler, Harley James
Staller, Omalinn
Stick, Sheila Jean
Strickland, Alisha Nichole
Tagg, Elizabeth
Whittington, Walter Shawn
Wickliffe, Gregory Gene
Wickliffe, Linda Joyce
Kansas
Allen, Michelle Deann
Ames, Darrell Wayne
Arnold, Bryon Dean
Arnold, Elizabeth Marlene
Arnold, Leslie Dean
Arnold, Melissa Ranee
Asher, Dennis Paul
Backward, Sandra
Deanna
Ballard, Don Allen Ray
Bark, Robert Lee
Bark, Sandra
Barnes, Sally Ann
Barnett, Judith Ann
Barnett, Laura Sue
Bartleson, Robert Kent
Beck, Keith Wayne
Beck, Loretta Jean
Beck, Ross
Belt, Brian Clayton Lee
Bendabout, Linda Sue
Berridge, Robert Channing
Jr.
Blackbear, Tina Deanna
Blackfox, Brenda Sue
Blackfox, David
Blackfox, Hattie
Blankenship, Donald Ray
Botts, Patricia Ann
Braun, Katherine Lorinda
Brazil, Sue Laverne
Breckenridge, Edna Lea
Bright, Lavonda Renee
Brown, Grace
Brownell, Edna Jean
Brunk, Johnny Carl
Buchanan, Rex Hiawatha
Buckhorn, Jim
Buszek, Galela Ann
Byrd, Angela Kay
Byrd, Kimberly Ann
Byrd, May Leavern
Byrd, Roger Earl
Carder, Janice Lou
Carey, Jeremy McKay
Carter, Carol Rose
Chamberlain, Don Lee
Chanley, Eddy Dale
Chewey, Wilfred William
Chewey, Willie Dean
Chuckluck, Magdalene
Clark, Connie Jo
Clark, Linda Sue
Clay, Troy Dean
Cochran, Anna Lou
Cochran, Benjamin Bryan
Cochran, Edna Mae
Cochran, Faye
Cochran, Gracie Deann
Cochran, Jim
Cochran, Leo Dean
Cochran, Neal
Cochran, Norman Dale
Cochran, Patti Sue
Cochran, Robert Eugene
Cochran, Walker
Cochran, Walker Jr.
Coleman, Christi Lois
Cooper, Shanda Lachelle
Crites, Melody Dawn
Crittenden, Amy Renee
Crittenden, Buster
Crittenden, Eric Dean
Crittenden, Jess
Crittenden, Johnny Allen
Crittenden, Larry Roger
Crittenden, Leona
Crittenden, Tommy Lee
Cross, Barbara Jewel
Cross, Larry Dwain
Cummings, Daniel Boss
Dale, Edgar Lee
Davidson, Alice Sue Ann
Davis, George
Davis, Jennifer Rachelle
Davis, Johnson Jefferson
De Moss, Beatrice
Dew, William Robert
Dixon, Carmen Adele
Dixon, Frances
Dollarhide, Connie Norene
Dollarhide, Leroy Eli
Dollarhide, Neva Lorene
Dollarhide, Tina Lorene
Dollarhyde, Dorothy Lea
Dollarhyde, Patrick
Mathew
Dover, Barbara Olene
Dozhier, Randall David
Dozhier, Randy
Dry, Floyd Wayne
Dykes, Dave
Ellis, Joan
England, Geneva
Evans, Ray Dean
Fields, Joan
Fields, Josie
Fields, Latisha Jolene
Fields, Mary Frances
Fields, Thomas Eugene
Fields, William
Foreman, Calvin Ray
Foreman, Donald Jay
Foreman, Donna Gail
Foreman, Edward
Foreman, Jack
Foreman, Kathy Aileen
Foreman, Lydia
Foreman, Marvin Lewis
Foreman, Mickey Lee
Foster, Letha Marie
Foster, Pearl Marie
Fourkiller, Twyla Jean
Garman, Jamie Dayle
Garrett, Edna
Glass, Cheryl Annette
Glass, Louis Miller
Glass, Sanford Wayne
Glenn, Trona Evelyn
Goedecke, Russell Alan
Goos, Edwina Jane
Gourd, Thomas Levi
Grayson, Daniel Joe
Griffis, Winnie Lavonne
Guffey, Amanda Sue
Guffey, Brian Keith
Guinn, Bessie Lou
Haddock, Lorene Louise
Harmon, Darrell Ray
Harp, Jeremy Paul
Harris, Brandi Kristine
Harrison, Thomas Leonard
Hayes, Clayton Michael
Hayes, Justin Dwayne
Henderson, Dora Marlene
Hess, David Harold
Hickman, Billy Wayne
Hickman, Bradley Wayne
Hider, Ida Adeline
Hill, Carla Jean
Hogshooter, David Dwight
Hunt, Shirley Elaine
Husong, Annie Marie
Hyde, Petie Ann
Jackson, Charley Bob
Jackson, Connie Lea
Jackson, Frank Eugine
Jackson, Janie
Jackson, Lottie Virchie
Jackson, Mildred Corinne
Jackson, Peggy Ann
Jackson, Willy Joe
Johnson, Bessie Louise
Johnston, James Warren
Jones, Carla Renay
Jones, Donice
Jones, Ellis Jody
Jones, Keith Radean
Jones, Kevin Loyd
Jones, Rhea Nicole
Juarez, Stephanie Lousie
Kaiser, Charles
Kelley, Jerry Keith
Kelley, Karla Don
Kelley, Rebecca Faye
King, Linda Marie
Kitchen, Laura Jo
Lamb, Terry Lynn
Lamont, Bobby Brandon
Lamont, Justin Lee
Lansford, Cruce
Lawson, Bridget Renea
Leach, Chewie
Leach, Nannie
Linn, George Barney
Linn, Ida Mae
Luper, Stanley
Luper, Suenell
Maddox, Leslie Leeanne
Marler, Valerie Jean
Martin, Betty Ruth
Martin, Claude Dewayne
Martin, James Scott
Martin, Sandra K
McCombs, Donald
Eugene
McCombs, Elden Leon
McCombs, Opal Fay
McCrary, Katrina Dawn
McGarrah, Orville E.
McKinley, Richard L.
McKinley, Violet Mary
Miller, Marguerite Dawn
Miller, Starla Jean
Mitchell, Norman Lee
Morgan, Phyllis Jean
Morris, Sylvia Ann
Morris, Teresa Marie
Mouse, John Wayne
Mowery, Adam Chase
Neal, Janie Marie
New, Jeanna DeAnn
Nichols, Bridget Marshall
Nix, Alfred
O’Field, Edward
O’Field, James Lee
Oliver, Luanna
Osbourn, Kathy Lou
Pack, Roberta Kay
Pannell, Orabell
Panther, Michael De
Wayne
Parker, Stacy Lynn
Parmain, Cal Dee
Pearce, Geri Gayle
Peters, Thomas Lewis
Phillips, Candice Michelle
Postoak, Ataloa Marie
Postoak, Nadine Lanell
Powers, Ronnie Dean
Prather, Lotta Mae
Presley, Leona
Price, Kayla Leigh
Primeaux, Homer Lee
Quick, Patrick Kenneth
Rackleff, Lynetta Sue
Rackleff, Terry Laverne
Ramsey, Ernie Vernon
Ramsey, Reba Francis
Reed, Charles Allen
Reed, Susan Gail
Renfroe, Donna Marie
Richardson, Brandon
Wayne
Riley, Shannae Dawn
Rogers, Johnny Charles
Rogers, Matthew Dion
Rogers, Tracie Marie
Ross, Darrel Douglas
Ross, Michael Shawn
Rowley, Robert Allen
Rusk, Paul Eric
Russell, David Wayne
Russell, Janel Darice
Russell, Jesse
Russell, Mary Belle
Russell, Roger Jess
Russell, Steven Ray
Rutherford, Jason Paul
Sanders, Creighton Arlyn
Sanders, Janet Kaye
Sanders, Jess
Sanders, Johnson
Sands, Tommy Lee
Sarten, Amanda Jean
Sarten, Terry LaDonna
Scott, Melinda Ila
Scott, Victoria Lynn
Shawver, Melissa LeAnn
Shelley, Jeffrey Max
Shelley, Stanley
Maxweldon
Shelley, Tahmra Ladean
Sisk, Danielle Nicole
Sisk, Elsie M.
Sisk, Gwendolyn Yvonne
Sisson, Lucas David
Sixkiller, Betty Lou
Sixkiller, Charley Steven
Sixkiller, Claudine
Sixkiller, Lovella
Slayton, Lisa Diane
Slover, Eva Nell
Smith, Carl Smokey
Smith, Crystal Michelle
Smith, Evelyn Deana
Smith, Fred Howard
Smith, Jeanene Marie
Smith, Keith Howard
Smith, Kimberly Jo
Smith, Nelson Alexander
Smith, Norman Lee
Smith, Ruby Lee
Snell, Charles Wayne
Snell, Christina Lynne
Snell, Tamra Nacole
Snell, Virgil Glenn
Soldier, Jack
Soldier, Linda Lou
Spencer, Louis Ilene
Starr, Evelyn Dorinia
Starr, George Wayne
Starr, Gerald Wayne
Steele, Carolyn Kay
Stepp, Shirley Faye
Stick, Alvin Lee
Stick, Celia
Still, Jimmie Lynn
Stine, Barbara Jean
Stine, James Wallace
Stine, Randy Ray
Stockholm, Dola Christina
Stopp, Kelsey M. D.
Strickland, Evelin Agnes
Studie, Christine
Summerfield, Nancy Mae
Summers, Curtis Wayne
Swicegood, Angela Rae
Tagg, Geneva Marie
Taylor, Annetia Arleen
Tennyson, John Calvin
Thomas, Steven Clayton
Thomason, Cecil Gurtrude
Thompson, Margaret
Arlene
Thompson, Marvin Clinton
Thorarensen, Diana Lynn
Trammell, Michael Ward
Tucker, Andy Reue
Tucker, Charley
Turtle, David Dewayne
Turtle, Rachel
Turtle, Wyley
Twist, Vernon Lee
Tyer, Jason Duane
Vann, Nina Lou
Vaughn, Mildred Bernice
Walker, Andrew Douglas
Wall, Wanda Lahoma
Ward, Michael Ray
Webb, Carlena Sue
Webster, Bobby Lee
Webster, James Micheal
Weeks, Carolyn Ann
Welch, Rhonda Lou
Wilkerson, Jodi Kay
Wilkerson, Ricky Dale
Wilkerson, Ricky Scott
Winfield, Annessa Dawn
Winfield, Noel Eugene
Wolf, Reece
Wolfe, Angela Renee
Woodruff, Whitney Lee
Woods, Floyd
Woods, Jim Bill
Wyly, Jerry Wayne
Youngbird, Betty Lou
Youngpuppy, Littlejohn
Afton
Adams, Linda Gail
Alexander, Opal May
Allen, Cynthia Fay
Allen, Donald Lee
Anderson, Tommy Keith
Anderson, Waunehmah
Alberta
Baker, Joanna
Ballenger, Norma Jean
Bandy, Brett Lawayne
Barganier, Kathlena
Louise
Barnes, April Renee
Bassett, Richard Alan
Berry, George Howard
Berry, Robert Arnold Jr.
Bivins, Mary Louise
Black, Terri Lynn
Blair, Ardith Claudine
Blalock, Julius Ray
Blaylock, Bennie
Blevins, Lyle Don
Botts, Angela Louise
Boultinghouse, Danny Joe
Bowen, Floyd Everett
Bowen, Lynn Dewayne
Bowen, Owen Jay
Bowlin, Wanda Cornelia
Brady, Joseph Milford Jr.
Brandon, Frances Marie
Burns, Donna Lee
Butler, George Ross
Butler, Lance Eugene
Buzzard, Dale Andrew
Buzzard, Josephine
Caldwell, Linda Jean
Carpenter, Bill Dalton
Carroll, Gary Paul
Carroll, Jerry Dean Jr.
Carroll, Lisa Ann
Carroll, Martin Hugh
Carter, Juanetta Pauline
Carter, Virginia Inez
Chenoweth, De Anna
Eileen
Christian, Mark Allen
Claiborne, Tyrone Lee
Coker, Mark Edward
Coulter, Terri Lynn
Cox, Cathy Lorene
Cox, Floyd David
Cox, Lloyd
Cunningham, Cecil
Christine
Currey, Darold Loyd
Curry, Harold
Davidson, Allen Lee
Dehart, Melissa Ann
Dishinger, Nancy Joan
Dooley, Nick Andrew
Dooley, Timothy Ray
Downing, Clarissa Ann
Downing, Jimmie Lee
Drake, Angela Rene
Dry, Harold Haas
Dry, Mabel Ione
Duvall, Sherry Diane
Earls, Charles Bryon III
Earls, Peggy Geraldine
Earls, Peggy Lea
Earp, Gwendolyn Kay
Eby, Tod Ray
Eldred, Evelyn Katherine
Elliott, James Lucian Jr.
Elliott, Martha Chaney
Elliott, Virginia Lee
Elmer, Carolyn Sue
Epling, Ruth Elaine
Estes, Jimmy Dean
Ferguson, Shellie Marie
Flint, William Taylor
Franklin, Bertie Mae
Franklin, Billy Joe
Gibson, Jonell
Gill, Brent Leroy
Glisson, Leanna
Goddard, Fred Shelton
Goddard, Fred Shelton Jr.
Greenfeather, Bonneta
Sue
Grey, James Kenneth Jr.
Griffith, Elizabeth Fields
Griffith, Kari Dawn
Guinn, John Robert
Hall, James Lawrence
Hall, Wayne Hawkins Jr.
Hallett, Richard Eugene
Handshy, June Elaine
Harris, Sylvia May
Harrison, Glenn Alan
Helton, Iva Louella
Higinbotham, Ralph Julius
Hill, Virginia Lee
Hopkins, Linda Sue
Hopper, Woodrow Wilson
Horn, Iona Maxine
Huggins, Jonathan Lee
Hughes, Jo Ann
Hutchison, Tammy Lynn
Hutchison, Thomas Jay
Huxall, Hazel
Irvin, Elaine M.
Jumper, April Dreshayne
Keene, Larry Ray
Keener, Billy Joe
Killion, Melvin E.
Kindle, Tony Allen
King, Pamela Sue
King, Sarah Jane
King, Troy Lee
Kinney, Carrol June
Kinzer, Charles Edward
Kirk, Doris Virginia
Kramme Mary Virginia
Lackey, Zona Susanne
Langley, Homer Andrew
Lawhead, Mary Jane
Lee, Edward Gerald
Litle, Beulah
Lowrey, Dan
Madill, David Wayne
Manning, Jerry Brente
Marshall, Alvin Eugene
Martin, Eric Dane
Martin, Everette Franklin
Martin, Paul Wayne
Martin, Sheilah Ann
11
Martin, Shirley Jane
Mathis, Lawrence Eugene
Maxson, Larry Dale
Mays, Jim Harold
Mays, Kenneth Calvin
McCoy, Clarence Samuel
Jr.
McDugle, Roy Luke
McEwin, Henry Bill
McGhee, Sladen Charles
Jr.
McGhee, Thomas Eugene
McVay, Reta Lee
McWatters, George
Randall
Mease, Jarrell B.
Melton, James Monroe
Melton, Russell Joe
Middlebrook, Tomenia
Joan
Modlin, Cynthia Stratton
Moody, Grace Emma
Moore, Henrietta
Moore, Martin Dale
Moreland, Howard
Chester
Morey, Pamela Marie
Moseley, Judy Eileen
Mouse, Anthony Alben
Murphy, Don H.
Newby, Kenneth Sterling
Oakley, Maxine Mary
Offutt, Edna
O’Neal, Teresa Lorraine
Osborne, Norma Jean
Oyler, Richard Allen
Parker, Kristina Lynn
Parris, David Allen
Passmore, Janet Elaine
Powell, Teresa Louise
Prather, Rebecca Jayne
Pruitt, Chandra Dawn
Pry, Irma Jean
Purscelley, Timothy
Wayne
Randall, Mary Beth
Rasmussen, Debra
Suzette
Ray, Reba Joy
Reed, Mary Jane
Riley, Grace Olive
Robertson, Lionel Thomas
Robinson, Nancy Eloise
Rovie, Pamela Jean
Runnels, Ramona Sue
Russell, Charles Clark
Russell, Jacqueline Ann
Russell, Juanita
Sanders, Lee Ann
Scales, James Ralph
Sharpnack, Delana Dione
Shearhart, Linda Carol
Shearin, Delores
Shiels, Jann
Sixkiller, Gina Lee
Sixkiller, Grover Walter
Sixkiller, Harvey Edmond
Sloan, Michael Eugene
Smith, Carl Roy
Smith, Oleta
Stanley, Sherry Jo
Stepp, Audry Dortell
Stout, Woodrow Charles
Strang, Patti Irene
Strang, Robert Jack
Strong, Franklin Delano Jr.
Sutton, Betty Sue
Swinford, Vivian May
Tanner, Donald Robert
Orben
Taylor, Linda Marie
Teeselink, Mary Lou
Tennison, Thomas George
Thompson, Audry Dora
Tibbs, George R.
Torralba
Trout, Mary Irene
Turner, Darreld Ray II
Turner, Darreld Ray
Underwood, Julie Anne
Vann, Cherokee Beatrice
Victor, Paul Lawrence
Volk, Jack
Walker, Mary Kathleen
Wallen, Irvin Eugene
Warlick, DeAnna Ruth
Weaver, George Edward
White, Angela Diana
White, Lisa Renae
White, William Irvin Jr.
Williams, Robin Ann
Williamson, Melba Jean
Wilmoth, David Lee
Wilmoth, Ernest Jackson
Wilmoth, Francis Eugene
Wilmoth, Stanley Francis
Wilmoth, Thomas Eugene
Wimer, Jack Roger II
Winton, James Edward
Wolf, John Harold
Wolfe, Reva Wiletha
Woods, Michael Wayne
Woods, Wayne William
12
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Community • nv 0nck
Classifieds dgCAm
GENEALOGY
ATTENTION: Judge John Martin descendants. A family reunion will be held in
Tahlequah, likely June 7-9, 2013. Please contact Joe L. Martin 308 N. Riata ST., Gilbert,
AZ. 85234 or [email protected], or 480.365.8202.
Cherokee Adairs book. Large, hard bound, well-referenced. $60 plus $6 s/h. Send to
Adair Reunion Association, 104320 S. 4610 Rd., Sallisaw, OK 74955
FOR SALE
Union Floor loom 2 harness; chain driven excellent for rug making asking $425. Call
918.253.4841 message phone. 918.760.1828 cell.
REAL ESTATE
Tulsa 3-2-1 $750.00, 1519 E. 66th Ct. 918-371-2316
Verdigris 3-2-2 $795.00, 9284 E, 530 Rd. 918-371-2316
Tulsa 2-1-2 $675.00, 6712 E. Newton 918-371-2316
Owasso 4-2-2 $2500.00 , 9206 N. Garnett 918-371-2316
Owasso 2-2-2 $850.00, 8707 N. 120th E. Ave. 918-371-2316
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Sequoyah Schools policy for free or reduced-price means for children served
under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program and the
After-School Snack Program is available in the office of the Cafeteria Secretary. For
more information, contact Deena Johnson at (918)453-5191 or P.O. Box 520, Tahlequah,
OK 74465.
The Cherokee Phoenix publishes classified ads in good faith. However, we cannot guarantee the integrity
of every ad. If you have doubts concerning a product or service, we suggest contacting the Better
Business Bureau and exercising proper caution.
Classified ads are a minimum of $5.00 for the first 10 words and 25¢ for each additional word. Ads
must be prepaid by check or money order to the Cherokee Phoenix, Attn: Classifieds, P.O. Box 948,
Tahlequah, OK 74465
In Memoriam dmcdsdi
Cornelia E. “Connie”
Cato
Cornelia E.
“Connie” Cato was
born January 23, 1927
in Sequoyah County,
Okla., the daughter of
Jim Watts Morris and
Rachel Vann Morris.
She married Olney Weldon “O.W.” Cato
on March 12, 1945 in Sallisaw, Okla.
He preceded her in death on February
24, 2005 in Vian, Okla. Mrs. Cato was
retired from Whirlpool Corporation and
a member of Blackgum Baptist Church.
She passed from this life on July 31,
2012 in Ft. Smith, Ark., after having
attained the age of 85 years, 6 months
and 8 days.
She is survived by daughters; Janet
and Dell Buttery of Blackgum, Okla., and
Scott McLemore
Another Cherokee warrior has left us.
Scott McLemore was born in Adair County
on August 20, 1933 and left us August 3,
2012. He resided in Green Mountain, Co.
and passed while in the Collier Hospice
run by the Lutheran Medical Center in
Denver.
He leaves behind his wife, Magali,
of the home; son, Jon Scott of Green
Mountain; daughter, LaDonna Kirkwood
with grandsons, Andrew and Jason, all
of Norman, Okla. He is also survived by
sisters, Irene Luce of Wichita, Kan. and
Mary Birmingham of Tahlequah, Okla.,
as well as, a brother, Wallace McLemore
of Hulbert, Okla. He also leaves many
relatives and special friends of a lifetime.
Scott was preceded in death by brothers,
J. C. Shine of Sierra
Vista, Ariz.; daughter
in law, Teresa Cato;
five grandchildren,
Monte Buttery, Matt
and Kendra Buttery,
Brad and Tonya
Buttery, Cody and
Lauren Baldwin and
Meredith Cato; five great-grandchildren,
Callie, Brent, Cameron, Rebel, Brettly,
Zachary, Jayden, Gracie and Brody; and
one sister, Ludie Phillips of Kechi, Kan.
She was preceded in death by her
husband O.W. Cato; two sons, Jeffrey
Jerome Cato and Victor Wayne Cato;
her parents, Jim and Rachel Morris; two
sisters, Jewel Franklin and Ellen Mae
Tillery; and three brothers, Hastings, Leo
and Hoolie Morris.
Cicero, Daniel, Martin, Thomas, French and
Haskell; and sister, Lois Mays, as well as,
parents Fannie and Chester McLemore.
Scott was a proud full-blood Cherokee
who served in the U. S. Marines during the
Korean Conflict. He attended Sequoyah
Boarding School and graduated from
Cave Springs High School in rural Adair
County. His professional career took him
to many places working with Native
American Youth Education Programs,
then with the Department of Labor for
25 years in Employment and Training
Administration.
His last wishes were fulfilled by
interring his ashes near his beloved
parents at Clear Springs Cemetery in
Adair County. He was a strong patriot
and a warrior to the end. We who are left
behind will honor his memory for ages.
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Community • nv 0nck
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
13
Etchieson United Methodist Church continues to grow
BY TESINA JACKSON
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Since
1844, there has only been
one Native American United
Methodist Church in the
Tahlequah area. And the Etchieson
United Methodist Church still
thrives today.
“That’s how long the Methodist
have been here,” Wynema Smith,
church member and Cherokee
Nation citizen, said.
Smith has taught the Cherokee
language for 20 years in different
community buildings, at the
church and at the tribe’s Cherokee
Language Immersion School.
Currently located on Seneca
Street, the Etchieson United
Methodist Church was first built
near Park Hill and was called Riley
Chapel. It moved to Seneca Street
during the 1950s.
“It was really a struggle when I
first started here for the pastor and
for the members, so we started
serving meals every week to be
able to pay our utilities and pay
our pastor,” Smith, who began
attending the church in 1985, said.
In 2011, with the help of grants,
fundraisers and CN funds, a
larger church was built where the
parsonage once stood, next to the
old church.
“This particular building here is
sitting where the old parsonage, or
the old house where the pastor used
to be. And we needed more room,
so there was a home over here
where the parking lot is. So we just
purchased that and made a parking
lot out of it, and we find ourselves
right now in a situation where we’re
going to need more room as we
go along because every Sunday we
have had, since we dedicated the
building in October 2011, we’ve
seen new people come in,” former
Pastor Patrick Freeman said.
While
attending
the
Methodist-affiliated Oklahoma
City University, Freeman was
appointed to the Etchieson United
Methodist Church as a student
pastor in 1956. The Muscogee
(Creek) Nation citizen later left for
another church, but returned as
pastor in 2001. He retired in June.
Church members still use the
old church for Sunday school
classes, while the new one-room
church acts as a kitchen, dining
area and church service area. With
the new church, officials have seen
attendance grow to more than 100.
“We’re able to reach out now
to where we weren’t before,”
Freeman said.
The church has citizens from
different tribes attending such
as Cherokee, Ponca, Muscogee
Creek, United Keetoowah Band,
Shawnee,
Choctaw,
Navajo,
Kickapoo and Pottawattamie.
“Some are visiting. Some
we’ve added to our fellowship as
members, and we see a pattern
here that we’re going to probably
continue to grow,” Freeman said.
The church also has African
American and Hispanic members,
as well as Northeastern State
University students from the
campus ministries.
Parishioners are involved with a
United Methodist Church camp,
in which they donate food and
clothes for those who need it.
They have monthly Indian taco
fundraisers on the first Thursday.
Since
there
are
people
representing different cultures
who are part of the church,
Freeman only preached in English,
but during worship there is a call
for tribal hymns and each person
is invited to sing hymns in their
respective tribal languages.
“We have several representations
of different tribes, and if we can,
we try to use their music, too,”
Freeman said. “All the music that
our tribes have is oral. There’s no
written. You can’t use a musical
instrument to the songs. The
Cherokees have translated their
songs into English, and they use
different instruments. But most of
the tribes have no instruments for
their music.”
Several
church
members
sing in a Cherokee choir that is
maintained by the Methodist
Church. The group sings Cherokee
hymns and has preformed in other
states.
“A lot of the tribes don’t have
their written language, and that’s
The Etchieson United Methodist Church was first built near Park
Hill, Okla., and was called Riley Chapel. It was during the 1950s
when it moved to Seneca Street in Tahlequah.
TESINA JACKSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
where we are really thankful for
Sequoyah because he was the one
that invented our syllabary that we
can read and write,” Smith said.
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 6139
ᏓᎵᏆ, ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ. – 1844
ᏂᏛᎬᏩᏓᎴᏅ,
ᏌᏊᏭ
ᎨᏒ
ᏅᏁᎯᏴ ᎠᎹᎺᎵᎧ ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎩ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎪᏢᏒᎢ ᎠᎭᏂ ᏓᎵᏆ ᎢᎬᎾᏕᎾ.
ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩᏊ ᎡᏥᏏᏂ ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎩ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎤᎾᏂᎩᏏᏓ ᎪᎦᏴ ᏥᎩ. ᏍᎩᏃ
ᎢᎪᎯᏛ ᎾᏁᎰᎢ ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᎠᎭᏂ,”
Wynema
Smith,
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ ᎨᎳ ᎠᎴ ᏣᎳᎩ
ᎠᏰᎵ ᎨᎳ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ.
Smith ᏔᎵᏍᎪᎯ ᎢᏧᏕᏘᏴᏓ
ᏂᏓᏕᏲᏍᎪᎢ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗᎢ
ᎥᎿ ᎯᎵᏍᎩ ᏂᏚᏓᎴᏒᎢ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ᏓᏓᏁᎵᎸᎢ,
ᎥᎿ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎠᎴ ᎥᎿᎢ ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢᎢ ᏣᎳᎩ
ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗᎢ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ.
ᎾᏊᏃ ᏥᎩ ᏏᏂᎧ ᎦᎳᏅᏛᎢ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎬ, ᎾᏃ ᎢᎬᏱᎢ ᎡᏥᏏᏂ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎩ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎤᎾᏁᏍᎬᎮᎢ
ᎠᏭᏂᏴᏍᏗᎢ ᎾᎥᎢ ᎠᎴ Riley
Chapel. ᎠᏃᏐᎯ ᎨᏒᎩ. ᎤᏓᏅᏏᏃ
ᏏᏂᎧ ᏗᎦᎳᏅᏛᎢ ᎢᏴ ᏭᏂᎷᏤᎢ
1950s
ᏥᎨᏒᎢ.
“ᎢᎬᏱᎢ
ᏣᏆᎴᏅᎲᎢ ᎢᎦ ᎦᏁᏄᏟ ᎤᎷᏤᎲᎢ
ᏗᎦᏘᏱ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏁᎳ, ᎣᎦᎴᏅᎮᎢ
ᏒᏂᏙᏓᏩᏍᎩ
ᏂᏕᎦᎵᏍᏔᏁᎬ
ᎠᎵᏍᏓᏰᏗ ᎣᏥᏯᏙᎯᎲᎢ ᎡᎵ
ᏗᎦᏲᎦᏈᏴᎡᏗ
ᏗᏨᏍᏗ
ᎠᎴ
ᎬᏲᏣᏈᏴᎡᏗ ᏦᎩᎦᏘᏯ,” Smith,
ᏥᎩ ᎤᎴᏅᎮᎢ ᏕᎦᎳᏫᏥᏙᎲᎢ
1985 ᏥᎨᏒᎢᎩ, ᎠᏗᏍᏴᎢ.
2011
ᏥᎨᏒᎩ,
ᏩᏥᏂ
ᎢᎵᏍᎪᏟᏔᏅ ᎠᏕᎳ ᎤᎵᏍᏕᎸᏓ,
ᎣᏥᏟᏏᎲᎢ ᎠᏕᎳ ᎠᎴ ᏣᎳᎩ
ᎠᏰᎵ ᎤᎵᏍᏕᎸᏓ, ᎤᏔᏂᎯᎨᏍᏗ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗ ᎤᎾᏁᏍᎬᎮᎢ ᎥᎿ
ᏦᎩᎦᏘᏯ ᎤᏁᎳᏗᏍᏗ ᏣᏓᏁᎸᎢ,
ᎾᎿ ᎤᏟ ᏗᏜ ᎤᏪᏘ ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎠᏓᏁᎸᎢ.
“ ᎯᎠᏃ ᎤᏤᏟᏓ ᏣᏓᏁᎳ ᎤᏪᏘ
ᏣᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏦᎩᎦᏘᏯ ᎤᏁᎳᏛᎢ
ᎠᏓᏁᎳ, ᎠᎴ ᎤᏪᏘ
ᎦᎵᏦᏕ
ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏔᏅᎢ. ᎠᎴ ᎣᎩᏂᎬᎬᎢ
ᎤᎪᏗ
ᎡᏓᏍᏗᎢ,
ᎠᎭᏂᏃ
ᏙᏆᎴᎷ ᏧᏂᏗᎢ ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏍᏗᎢ
ᎠᏓᏁᎸᎢ.
ᎣᎩᏩᏒᎢ
ᎠᎴ
ᏙᏆᎴᎷ ᏧᏂᏗᎢ ᎣᎪᏢᏅᎢ, ᎠᎴ
ᎾᏊ ᎣᏣᏕᎳᎰᏍᎦ ᎣᎦᏚᎵᎲᎢ
ᏏᏊ
ᎤᎪᏗ
ᎤᏜᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗᎢ
ᎣᏣᎢᏒᎢ
ᏂᏓᏍᏆᎸᎯᏒ
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏩᏍᎬᎢ, ᎠᏂᏍᏆᏗᏍᎬᎢ
ᎠᏂᎸᏉᏗᎲᎢ ᎠᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᎾᎯᏳ
ᏚᏂᏃᏗ 2011,ᏄᎾᏓᎴ ᎠᏂᏤ ᏴᏫ
ᎠᏂᏴᏟᎢᎲᎢ,” ᏗᎦᏘᏯ Patrick
Freeman ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.
ᎾᎯᏳ
ᏥᎨᎳᏗᏙᎲ
ᎥᎿ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ-ᎤᎾᎵᎪᏛ
ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ ᏗᎦᏚᎲ ᏩᎦᎸᎳᏗᎬᏴ
ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ, 1956 ᏥᎨᏒᎢ
ᎠᎦᏑᏰᏒᎢ Freeman ᏧᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᎥᎿ
ᎡᏥᏏᏂ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎬᎢ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗ.
ᎾᏍᎩᏃ
ᎠᏂᎫᏏ
(ᎠᏂᎫᏐᎢ
ᎠᏰᎵ) ᎠᏁᎳ ᏐᎢ ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗ
ᏧᏙᏢᏒᎢ
ᏭᎾᏖᎳᏕᎢ,
ᎠᏎᏅ
ᎢᎤᎷᏤᎢ ᏗᎦᏘᏯ ᎾᎯᏳᎢ 2001,
ᏕᎭᎷᏱ ᎧᎸᎢ ᎾᎯᏳᎢ ᏚᏭᎪᏛ
ᎤᏣᏪᏐᎧᏍᏗᎢ.
Ꮟ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢᏃ
ᎠᏅᏗᏍᎪᎢ
Ꮎ
ᎠᏁᎳ
ᎤᏪᏘ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬᎢ
ᎥᎿ
ᏓᎾᏕᏲᎲᏍᎪᎢ
ᏓᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪᎢ,
ᎢᏤᎢᏃ
ᏌᏊᎧᏅᏑᎵ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎥᎿᏃ
ᏓᎾᏓᏍᏓᏴᎲᏍᎪᎢ, ᏧᎾᎵᏍᏓᏰᏗ
ᎤᏜᏅᏛᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ.
ᎢᏤᎢ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ,
ᏄᏂᎬᏫᏳᏌᏕᎩ ᎤᏂᎪᎯ ᎤᏂᎪᏛᎢ
100 ᎢᏳᏂᏨᎢ.
“ᎡᎵᏊ
ᎣᏣᏙᏯᏅᎯᏗᎰ
ᏗᎦᏲᏥᏍᏕᎸᏅᏗ
ᏧᏩᎫᏔᏅᏃ
Ꮭ
ᏰᎵ
ᏗᎦᏲᏥᏍᏕᎵᏗ
ᏱᎨᏎᎢ.” ᎠᏗᏍᎨᎢ Freeman.
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢᏃ
ᏧᎾᏓᎴᏅᏓ
ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢᎢ ᎠᏁᎳ ᎢᏳᎾᏍᏗᏃ
ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ,Ponca,
ᎠᏂᎫᏏ,
ᎠᏂᎩᏚᏩᎩ,
ᎠᏂᏌᏩᏄᎩ
ᎠᏂᏣᏔ, Navajo, Kickapoo,
ᎠᎴ Pottawattamie, “ ᎢᎦᏓᏃ
ᎠᎾᏓᏩᏛᎯᏙᎯᏭ.
ᎢᎦᏓᏃ
ᏙᏤᎸᏕᎢ ᏙᏥᎳᏫᎬᎢ ᎠᏁᎳ, ᎠᎴ
ᎣᏥᎪᏩᏘᎭ ᏓᏓᏁᏟᏴᏎᎬ ᎠᎭᏂ
ᎡᎵᏊᏃ ᏓᏲᏥᎪᏙᏏ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ
Freeman.
ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᏊ
ᎠᏂᎬᎿᎨᎢ ᎠᎴ Ꭰ.ᏍᏆᏂ ᎠᏁᎳ,
ᎠᎴᏍᏊᎢ ᎤᏴᏢᎢ ᎧᎸᎬᎢ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ᏩᎦᎸᎳᏗᏴᎢ
ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎥᎿ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ.
ᎤᏤᏟᏓ
ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ᎠᏁᎳ
ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏙᎰᎢ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎩ
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ
ᎠᎾᏅᏍᎩ, ᎥᏍᎩᏃ ᎠᎵᏍᏓᏰᏗ
ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎪᏟᏗᎰᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏗᎿᏬᎢ
ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᏂᏂᎬᎩ ᏧᏂᏁᏍᏗ.
ᏏᏅᏓ
ᏳᏓᎵ
ᏴᏫᏯ
ᏔᎪᎯ
ᏓᏃᏢᏍᎪᎢ ᏓᏂᎾᏕᎪᎢ ᎢᎬᏱᎢ
ᏅᎩᏁ
ᎢᎪᎯ.
ᏦᏥᎳᏫᏥᏙᎯ
ᎢᎬᏩᎾᏓᎴᎢ
ᏧᎾᏁᏟᏗ
ᏂᏓᏳᎾᏓᎴᏅᎢ, Freeman ᏲᏁᎦᏭ
ᎠᎵᏥᏙᎲᏍᎪᎢ, ᎠᏂᎸᏉᏗᏍᎬᎢᏃ
ᏓᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢᎢ ᏓᏂᏃᎩᏍᎪᎢ, ᎠᎴ
ᏂᎦᏲᎦᏛᏁᏗ ᏱᎩ, ᎣᏣᏁᏟᏗᎰ
ᎩᏲᎦᏙᏗ
ᎢᏳᏍᏗ
ᎤᏂᎲᎢ
ᏧᏂᏃᎩᏍᏗ, ᎾᏍᏊ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ
Freeman. ᏂᎦᏓᏃ ᏐᎧᏃᎩᏍᏗ
ᏙᎩᎲᎢ
ᎠᏯ
ᎣᏥᏅᏍᏓᏢᎢ
ᏱᏗᎦᏪᏍᏗᏊ. ᎥᏝ ᏗᎪᏪᎳᏅᎯ
ᏱᎩ. ᏗᎧᏃᎩᏍᏗ ᏴᎩᏓ ᎯᎠ
ᏗᎧᏃᎩᏍᏗ ᏱᏛᎧᏃᎩᎠ. ᎠᏎᏅ
ᏭᎪᏛ ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢᎢ ᎥᏝ ᏱᏓᏅᏗᎰᎢ
ᏗᎧᏃᎩᏍᏗ.”
ᎢᎦᏓ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗ
ᎠᏁᎳ
ᏓᏂᏃᎩᏍᎪᎢ ᏣᎳᎩ ᏗᏂᏃᎩᏍᎩ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎬᎢ.
ᏗᎾᏓᏍᏚᎵᏍᎩ
ᏧᏂᎳᏫᏍᏗᎢ ᏓᏂᎦᏘᏲᎢ. ᎯᎠᏃ
ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎩ
ᏂᏚᏓᎴ
ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᎥᎿᏃ ᏓᏂᏃᎩᏍᎪᎢ.
“ ᏭᏂᎪᏛᏃ ᏓᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢᎢ ᎥᏝ
ᏳᏂᎭ
ᏱᎬᏁᏗᎢ
ᏧᏃᏪᎶᏗᎢ,
ᎠᎴᏍᏊ
ᎣᏣᎵᎮᎵᏍᏗᎰᎢ
ᏍᏏᏉᏯ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏥᏚᏬᎷᏩᏛᎮᎢ
ᏧᏬᏪᎶᏗᎢ ᏗᎧᏁᎢᏍᏗ ᎡᎵᏃ
ᏗᎦᏲᎩᎪᎵᏰᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏦᎪᏪᎶᏗᎢ ,”
ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ Smith.
14
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Money • a[w
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
MONEY MATTERS
Budgeting: Let’s get started
BY HELEN BUCHANAN
Self-Sufficiency Counselor
Cherokee Nation citizen Dino “Oogeloot” Kingfisher, of Salina, Okla., paints on a
feather that will eventually become a hatpin, which is the most sought after art
piece he makes. PHOTOS BY JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Cherokee artist celebrates
20 years in business
Dino Kingfisher’s mostsought items are handpainted hatpins made
from feathers.
“We paint on just about anything we can
get our hands on,” he said.
He added that he doesn’t stay with just
Cherokee art because he attends a lot of
intertribal powwows and tries to make art
for all tribes.
“It’s not just all a Cherokee thing with
us,
we’re just Native art.”
BY JAMI CUSTER
Kingfisher
said he has set up art booths
Reporter
at the Tulsa Powwow, Choteau Day and
SALINA, Okla. – Cherokee Nation Grove’s Pelican Festival, but never misses
citizen Dino “Oogeloot” Kingfisher has the Cherokee National Holiday.
Kingfisher has sold pieces all over the
been an artist most of his life. He said he
United
States, but the “cool” thing, he said,
didn’t find art, but that art found him. That
is
that
he’s
represented on each continent.
discovery has turned into a 2–decades-old
“And
to
me
that’s just cool because I may
profession.
never
get
there
myself, but it’s cool that
“It’s been 20 years now… I worked
part
of
me
has
made
it somewhere else.”
regular jobs for a long time and I knew
Kingfisher
and
his
wife Cheryl, who
that wasn’t something I wanted to do,”
handles
the
“business side”
Kingfisher said. “I used
of
his
art
profession,
said
to play music a lot when I
it
wasn’t
always
easy
over
was younger. So we used
…We paint
the past 20 years, but they
to play at the bars, and I
never wanted to stop.
on
just
about
met my wife and we got
“It was hard at first, and
pregnant…the bar scene
anything
we
we
set up at a lot of places
just wasn’t going to work
where
we didn’t make
can
get
our
for what we had in store if
anything
hardly,” he said.
we was going to make us
hands
on.
“And
kind
of had to work
work. So I got out of that
–
Dino
Kingfisher,
two
or
three
jobs to kind of
and worked a few jobs and
get
us
through,
and it just
I just wasn’t happy. I done
Cherokee artist
kind
of
slowly
caught
on.”
art in high school so she
That
tenacity
is
his
encouraged me to do that,
biggest
piece
of
advice
to
new
artist:
don’t
and it just kind of clicked.”
The art Kingfisher creates includes quit if it’s in your heart to do it.
“Just have patience with it, and honestly,
framed art pieces, dream catchers,
I
guarantee
if you’re meant to do it you’ll
earrings and necklaces. But his most
know.
You’ll
feel it,” he said. “If it’s art that
popular items are his painted feathers that
you’re
into,
you
know, then you can’t let it
are used as hatpins.
go. There’s not a day that I don’t want to
paint. I always want to paint.”
Cheryl said her husband signs most of
his art in his Cherokee name “Oogeloot,”
which he laughingly said means “stomach
sticking out.”
“That’s what they told me anyways. I was
2 years old when I was named,” he said.
Cherokee Phoenix linguist Anna
Sixkiller said Oogeloot translates into
“something blowing up,” while “stomach
sticking out” in Cherokee would be
ugaludi.
Most all of his art is reasonably priced
and can be purchased anywhere from $3
to $1,500.
Those interested in seeing Kingfisher’s
works can visit his Facebook page at Dino
Oogeloot Kingfisher. The Cherokee Gift
Shop at the Tribal Complex also carries
his artwork.
For more information, call 918-434-7770.
Pieces from Cherokee Nation citizen
Dino “Oogeloot” Kingfisher’s art studio
in Salina, Okla.
[email protected]
918-453-5560
Want to properly
manage your money
and improve your
financial situation?
The most effective
way to do this is to
create and maintain
a
budget.
A
challenge for most
of us, but with planning and a little work
it can be accomplished.
Having a successful budget can be
done with some basic steps:
• Identify all sources of income. Know
to the penny what you have coming in
each month.
• List all fixed expenses. These are the
things that stay the same every month
such as rent or car payments and must
be paid on time. Add to this list utilities
such as the electric or gas bill. Use a
three-month average to determine
how much to budget for these monthly
expenses.
• List all flexible expenses. This will take
some tracking for a few weeks, even a
month, to get all expenses written down
in categories such as food, gasoline, work
lunches and so forth. These expenses
must include everything from movie
rentals to vending machine purchases.
• Don’t forget expenses that are due less
often like insurance every six months.
Divide cost by six and add that amount
into your monthly budget.
• Budget for savings. A small amount
a month is a good way to start and will
add up over time. Be consistent and pay
yourself first.
Write your budget down with pencil
and paper or enter it on a computer
spreadsheet. There is something about
putting those figures on paper that will
make it real and fixed in your mind.
Review the information you have
gathered and set fixed amounts to
spend on flexible expenses (dining out,
entertainment or buying clothes) and
stick to the amount budgeted for these
items. The “envelope system” may be one
of the easiest ways to allocate for these
expenses. Put in the envelope what you
allow for those purchases. For example,
$20 a week for miscellaneous things such
as newspapers, magazines, convenience
store purchases, vending machines, etc.
When the envelope is empty don’t allow
yourself to spend any more on these
things until the next week.
Remember that getting your budget
started is half the battle; sticking to it is
another. Your budget is a plan and like all
plans it can be thrown off track. Don’t get
frustrated when this happens because it
will. Unexpected expenses or something
you forgot may come up. Review and
modify your budget often. Figure out what
works and what doesn’t. Cutting back on
overspending in some categories may be
necessary to bring your expenses in line
with your income. Decide what you can
live without and change spending habits.
Set goals for yourself, whether it is getting
out of debt or saving more. This will give
you something to work toward and help
you stay motivated. Your progress may
be slow at first, but don’t give up and be
realistic.
Budgeting, like any task, may seem
overwhelming at first, but with practice
and discipline it will become a skill that
will steadily improve your financial health.
[email protected]
918-453-5624
Native American Times owner and Cherokee Nation citizen Lisa Snell, sitting far left,
and Mike Henson, majority owner of ELOHI and CN citizen, standing far right, show
their Oklahoma Native American Business Enterprise Center awards as outstanding
minority entrepreneurs after a recent awards banquet in Tulsa, Okla.
COURTESY PHOTO
2 Cherokee-owned businesses honored
BY STAFF REPORTS
TULSA, Okla. – Two Cherokee Nation
citizen-owned businesses – ELOHI and the
Native American Times – were honored
as outstanding minority entrepreneurs by
the Oklahoma Native American Business
Enterprise Center recently at an awards
banquet in the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Named the Rising Start Firm of the Year,
ELOHI is a construction management
business that was formed in March 2011 in
Oklahoma City. Its majority owner is CN
citizen Mike Henson, who has worked in
construction since age 15 and has spent
his entire career working on government
construction projects. ELOHI offers
technical assistance to other tribally owned
construction companies that are entering
the realm of military construction. It also
works with consultants and subcontractors.
Earning the Media Award, the Native
American Times is owned by CN citizen
Lisa Snell, who bought the paper in
September 2008. The newspaper began
publishing 18 years ago, originally as
the Oklahoma Indian Times. However,
under Snell’s ownership, the publication’s
circulation has increased by 80 percent to
become the third-largest circulated weekly
newspaper in Oklahoma. Snell has also
grown the news organization’s web traffic
by more than 200 percent. The Native
American Times also has a Facebook fan
base of nearly 18,000.
According to its website, the OKNABEC
provides business advisory services and
other critical resources to ensure the
continued success and growth of minorityowned businesses. Through strategic
partnerships with leading Oklahoma
organizations, OKNABEC strives to assist
minority business owners in reaching the
next stage of growth for their companies.
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Services • nnrpH
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
15
Cherokee Fire Dancers a different breed
BY KEVIN SCRAPPER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Along with
being capable of carrying 45 pounds for
miles at a time, Cherokee Fire Dancers
must possess mental toughness to face
dangerous conditions as well as selflessness
to help people they don’t know.
Besides those attributes, Oklahoma
Native American Fire Program Manager
Teresa Williamson said there are other
characteristics a successful Fire Dancer
must possess.
“Personal qualifications should include
a willingness to work hard, be responsible
and dependable, be courteous and
professional, always try to be the best you
can be and do things to make the people at
home proud,” she said.
And it’s those characteristics that have
helped Fire Dancers suppress wildfires
across the United States since 1988,
including two wildfires in 2012.
Fire Dancers must subsist in remote
areas for up to two weeks and perform for
10 to 16 hours per day under hot, dusty
and smoky conditions. But for Fire Dancer
Lee Wolf, the rewards outweigh the risks.
“You want to see what you can do to help
put it (fire) out,” he said.
And though he enjoys being a Fire
Dancer now, in the beginning he was
hesitant.
“My cousins and my little brother talked
me into it. They probably did it a couple of
years before I decided to get into it,” Wolf
said. “You have somebody with you or
someone that you know. We just help each
other out.”
Williamson said Fire Dancers work in
two-week stints when other federal and
state firefighting resources are exhausted,
and there is no limit to the number of times
a team or individual can be called to duty.
She added that Fire Dancers take more
away from the program than just paychecks.
They learn skills, travel to different states,
gain experiences and receive advancement
opportunities.
“Training is provided all year throughout
the nation, if they choose to enhance their
current qualifications and increase their
hourly wage,” Williamson said. “They can
receive up to 80 hours of pay to attend
training each year.”
Increased skills and training are bonuses
in the Fire Dancers program because the
job is considered seasonal employment.
Williamson said Fire Dancers use their
Cherokee Fire Dancers work on a small brush fire in July in West Virginia.
COURTESY PHOTO
learned skills and earned certifications to
pursue employment with other fire agencies.
“They gain a lot of skills by being a wild
land firefighter,” she said. “This enables
them to apply for permanent and seasonal
positions with any federal or state agency
as a fire hire. They can also use their
experience and education to be on the local
volunteer fire departments and provide
assistance to their communities.”
Unfortunately, Fire Dancers often have
to decide between keeping a steady job and
reporting for firefighting duty. But Wolf
said the choice is easy.
“Some jobs won’t let you go out,” he said.
“You just tell your boss that you’re going
out anyway. Sometimes they say you won’t
have a job when you get back, but you tell
them you need that money.”
Wolf said the money he receives for the
average two-week Fire Dancer assignment
is definitely worth his time and effort, but
it’s the thrill and excitement that draw him
to the job.
“It gives you some adrenaline and you
want to be out there every day,” he said.
For more information about the Fire
Dancers, call 918-453-5334 or visit www.
cherokeetero.com.
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 5903
CN Fire Rangers operate
under minimal budget
BY KEVIN SCRAPPER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - From January
to September, the Cherokee Nation Fire
Rangers responded to 157 fires within
the tribe’s jurisdiction. But as the number
of fires remain consistent with previous
years, the Fire Rangers crew is down to a
fraction of its previous workforce.
“Three years ago, I had about 10 to 12
men that I could work six to eight months
out of the year, to put out these 200 to 300
fires that we have,” Fire Rangers crew chief
David Comingdeer said. “Due to cuts and
the lack of support to my department,
next Tuesday (Sept. 4) we’ll be down to
four firefighters and the same amount of
fires to fight.”
The Fire Rangers are extensively trained
and held to a higher standard than other
firefighters in the area, Comingdeer said.
“We are the only federally qualified
wild land firefighters in the Cherokee
Nation,” he said. “We have lots of
volunteer fire departments and lots of
city fire departments, but none of them
are federally qualified or equipped to
fight wild land fire in the Cherokee
Nation. They’re state-qualified, statecertified, not federal.”
Comingdeer added that he’s the
program’s only full-time CN employee.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs employs the
other three members, but Comingdeer
said it would be beneficial for the tribe to
hire the men full time.
“We’ve tried to get them that way, to
have Cherokee Nation hire these men
to work here permanently. So far we
haven’t had any luck doing that,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s budget restraints. I
just don’t think that the right people
have found out.”
Natural Resources Director Pat Gwin
said federal funds allocated to the program
have been cut in previous years.
“We used to get a far greater amount
from the BIA,” said Gwin. “Our funding
level has dropped from about $172,000
to the $56,000 that it is now. We are only
able to conduct actual fire suppression
activities upon the instruction and
oversight of the bureau.”
Staffing is not the only problem the
Fire Rangers face. Comingdeer said
the program’s budget doesn’t include
maintenance expenses for equipment or
an operating base.
“It’s very difficult to fight fire the way we
do because we don’t have a headquarters.
We don’t have a building. We don’t have
a place to park our equipment,” said
Comingdeer. “Our equipment sits out in
the heat and freezing cold all year long. Yet
during fire season there is a big demand
for us to perform at a federal level, with
substandard funding.”
Gwin acknowledged that a building
would be welcome, but again stated that
funds aren’t there.
“It’s a non-tribal priority allocation
program,” he said. “A lot of the money that
the bureau dolls out in the annual funding
agreement is called TPA, which means we
have a certain amount of leeway as to how
we can spend that. The preparedness fund,
it comes down as a very specific line item.
It says, you will maintain this truck, you
will maintain an employee.”
Comingdeer also said the department’s
importance is often overlooked, at least
until it’s needed. However, Gwin said the
tribe and non-tribal firefighters appreciate
the Fire Rangers.
Oklahoma Forestry crew chief Dale
Winkler said the Fire Rangers play a vital
role in protecting tribal wild lands.
“I’ve worked with David as far as
fighting wild land fires and they’ve
been very helpful,” he said. “They help
protect and preserve our wild lands, our
forests out here and also the houses that
surround them.”
Winkler said the amount of crew hands
in which the Fire Rangers employ is much
smaller than the crews he is accustomed
to working with, particularly for the
rapidly approaching fall fire season. He
said his concern is for local communities,
particularly in rural areas, because fires
caused evacuations in Oklahoma during
the summer.
“We could have another Luther or
Drumright fire right here in Adair
County or Cherokee County or Sequoyah
County,” said Winkler. “In the Bell, Cave
Springs and Lyon Switch areas we’ve got a
lot of tribal homes there. They’re not easy
to get to.”
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 5903
ᏓᎵᏆ, ᎣᎦᎵᎰᎹ. – ᎡᎵᏃ ᎬᏫᏓ ᏱᎩ
ᏅᎩᏍᎪ ᎯᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏓᎨᏓ ᎢᎸᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏟᎶᏓ,
ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᎠᏎ
ᎤᏍᎪᏍᏗ ᎠᏓᏅᏖᏗ ᎾᏍᎩᎾ ᏗᎦᎾᏱᎦ
ᏂᏚᏍᏗᏓᏅ ᎠᎣᏙᎰ ᎠᎴ ᏓᏂᏍᏕᎵᏍᎪ
ᎠᏂᏴᏫ ᎾᏍᏊ ᏗᏃᎵᎦ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ.
ᏝᏃ ᎣᏍᎩᏊ ᎢᎦ ᏱᎩ, ᎣᎦᎵᎰᎹ ᎠᏁᎯᏯ
ᎠᎹᎵᎧ ᎠᏥᎳ ᏗᏅᏝᏗᏍᎩ ᎠᏓᏅᏖᎵᏙ
Teresa Williamson ᎤᏛᏅ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏅᎩ
ᎢᏳᏓᎴ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎧᎵ ᎤᏛᏅᎢᏍᏔᏃᏅ
ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ.
“ᎤᏩᏌ
ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ
ᎨᏒ
ᎾᏍᎩ
ᎯᎠ ᎾᏍᎦᎢᎲᎾ ᏍᏓᏯ ᏧᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ,
ᎤᏛᏅᎢᏍᏗ ᎦᎾᎵ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ, ᎠᏏᎾᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ
ᎤᏓᏅᏔ, ᏂᎪᎯᎸ ᎤᏛᏅᎢᏍᏗ ᏄᏩᏤ ᎢᎦ
ᎢᏳᏛᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏴᏫ ᎠᏂᎾ ᎤᎾᏂᎩᏒ
ᏧᏂᎸᏉᏓ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗᎢ,” ᎤᏛᏅᎢ.
ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᎾᏍᏛ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᏕᎸᏙᏗ
ᎾᏍᎩ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᏚᏅᏝᏛ ᎢᎾᎨ ᏕᎦᎵᎬᎢ ᏔᎬᏩᎾᏗᏫᏍᏓ
ᎠᎹᏱᏟ
ᏂᏓᎬᏩᏓᎴᏅᏓ
ᏐᏁᎳᏚ
ᎢᏍᎪᎯᏧᏈ ᏧᏁᎳ, ᎠᏠᏯᏍᏗ ᏔᎵ ᏕᎦᎵᎬ
ᎾᎿ ᏔᎵ ᏯᎦᏴᎵ ᏔᎳᏚ ᎤᏕᏘᏴᏌᏗᏒᎢ.
ᎠᏥᎳ
ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᎠᏎ
ᎤᎵᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ ᎢᎾ ᎢᎸᏢ ᎬᏩᏛᏗ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ
ᏄᏍᏗᏓᏅᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏔᎵ ᎢᏳᎾᏙᏴᏆᏍᏗ
ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ ᎾᎿ ᏍᎪᎯ ᎠᎴ
ᏓᎳᏚ ᎢᏳᏟᎶᏓ ᏩᏥ ᎤᏪᏅᏍᏓ ᎤᏗᏢᎩ,
ᎪᏍᏚ, ᏧᎦᏒᏍᏗ ᏄᏍᏗᏓᏅᎢ. ᎠᏎᏃ ᎠᏥᎳ
ᎠᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ Lee Wolf, ᎠᎦᎵᎡᎵᏍᏗᏍᎬ
ᎣᎪᏙ ᎾᏃ ᏄᏍᏛ ᎤᎦᏛᎴᏒᎢ.
“ᏣᏚᎵᏍᎪ ᏣᎪᏛᏗ ᏳᏍᏗ ᎢᎦᏣᏛᏗ
ᎨᏒ ᎦᎯᏍᏕᎸᏗ ᏣᏝᏗᏍᏗ ᎠᏓᏪᎵᎩᏍᎩ,”
ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.
ᎠᎴ
ᎭᏓᏅᏖᏍᎬ
ᎠᎵᎮᎵᎪ
ᎾᏍᎩ
ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ ᎨᏒ ᏃᏊ, ᏗᏓᎴᏂᏍᎬ
ᎤᏓᏅᏖᏗᏍᎬᎢ.
“ᎠᏆᏤᎵ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎠᏮᎾ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏍᏘᎧᏂ
ᏦᏍᏓᏓᏅᏟ ᎠᏂᏬᏂᏍᎬ ᎬᎩᏠᏒᎢ. ᏔᎵᎭ
ᏧᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎢᎪᎯᏓ ᏄᎾᏛᏁᎸ ᏓᏊᎪᏔᏅ
ᎠᏆᏖᎳᏗᏍᏗᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᏩᎭᏱ. “ ᎩᎶ
ᏍᏓᎵᎪᏐ ᎠᎴ ᎩᎶ ᎯᏲᎵᎦ.
ᏙᏣᎵᏍᏕᎵᏍᎪᎢ.”
Willianson ᎤᏛᏅ ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᏚᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎰ ᏔᎵ ᏳᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᏗ ᎠᏂᏐᎢᏃ
ᏩᏥᎾ ᎠᎴ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏧᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎯ ᎠᏥᎳ
ᏗᏅᏠᏗᏍᎩ ᏧᏂᏯᏪᏦᏅ ᎨᏐ, ᎠᎴ Ꮭ
ᎠᏎᎸᏊ ᎢᏳᏩᎪᏗ ᎨᏥᏯᏅᏗᎢ.
ᎤᏁᏉᎥ ᎾᎿ ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ ᎤᎪᏙ
ᎠᏂᎩᏍᎪ ᎾᏃ ᎨᎦᏈᏴᎡᎲᎢ. ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ
ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ,
ᏓᏁᏙᎰ
ᏧᏣᏘᎾ
ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ, ᎧᏁᏉᎪ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎬ ᎠᎴ
ᎤᎪᏗ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᎪ ᏩᏂᎦᏘᏘᏒ ᎤᏝᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗ
ᏧᏓᎴᏅᏓ ᎢᎬᏛᏗ.
“ᎤᎾᎵᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ
ᎤᏠᏅᏙ
ᎤᏕᏘᏴᏌᏗᏒ ᎾᎿ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵᎢ, ᎢᏳᏃ
ᏳᎾᏚᎵ ᎤᏂᏁᏉᏍᏗ ᎠᏂᎦᏔᎲ ᎠᎴ
ᎤᏂᏁᏉᏍᏗ
ᎨᎦᏈᏴᎡᎲᎢ,”
ᎠᏗᏍᎬ
Williamson.”ᎡᎵᏊ ᏁᎵᏍᎪ ᎢᏧᏟᎶᏓ
ᎨᎦᏈᏴᎡᏗ
ᎾᎿ
ᎤᎾᎵᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ
ᏂᏓᏕᏘᏴᎯᏒᎢ..”
ᎤᏁᏉᏨ
ᎠᎾᎦᏔᎲ
ᎠᎴ
ᎠᎾᎵᏏᎾᎲᏗᏍᎬ
ᎠᏂᎩᏍᎪ
ᎤᏓᏤᏟᏓ
ᎨᎦᏈᏴᎡᎰ ᎾᎿ ᎠᎦᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᎤᎾᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᏅᏗᎦᎵᏍᏩᏙᏗ Ꮭ ᎧᎵ ᏑᏕᏘᏴᏓ
ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᏱᎩ. Williamson ᎠᏗᏍᎬ
ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ ᎠᏅᏗᏍᎪ ᎤᎾᏕᎶᏆᎥ
ᎠᎴ ᎡᎵᏊ ᎬᏩᏂᏁᏍᏗ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᎪᎸᏓᏁᎯ
ᎡᎵᏊ ᎢᎸᏢ ᏫᏂᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᏗᏐᎢ
ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ.
“ᎤᎪᏓ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏕᎦᎵᎬ
ᏓᏅᏝᏗᏍᎬ,”
ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.
“ᎯᎠ
ᎤᏂᏍᏕᎵᏍᎪ ᏂᎪᎯᎸ ᏗᎬᏩᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ
ᎤᏂᏩᏛᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏝᎦᏊ ᏳᎾᏚᎵᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ
ᎤᎾᏈᏴᏙᏗ ᏩᏥᏂ ᎠᎴ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᎾᎩ
ᏗᏅᏠᏗᏍᎩ. ᎡᎵᏊ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏅᏙᏗ
ᎠᏂᎦᏔᎲ ᏧᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎾᎿ ᎾᎥ ᏕᎪᏢᏒ
ᏗᏅᏝᏗᏍᎩ
ᎠᎴ
ᏧᏂᏍᏕᎸᏗᎢ
ᎠᎴ
ᎤᎾᏓᎵᏍᎪᎸᏙᏗ ᎾᎿ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ.”
ᏙᎯᏳᏃ, ᎠᎦᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ ᎤᎪᏛ
ᏧᏄᎪᏙᏗ ᎨᏐ ᏧᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎤᏂᎲ
ᏧᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎬᏂᎨᏒ ᏫᏒᎾᏛᏗ
ᎠᏥᎳ ᏧᎾᎵᏍᏗ ᎨᏒᎢ. ᎠᏎᏃ ᏩᎭᏯ
ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎠᎯᏓ ᎨᏐ ᎠᏑᏱᏍᏗᎢ.
“ᎢᎦᏓ ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ Ꮭ ᏱᎬᎾᎵᏍᎪᎸᏓ
ᏤᏅᏍᏗ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ. “ ᎠᏎᏃ ᎯᏃᏎᏗᏊ
ᏧᎧᏍᏟ ᎮᎬᎢ.
ᏴᏓᎭ ᎯᎠ ᏱᎾᏂᏫ Ꮉ ᏗᏣᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ
ᏱᏣᎮᏍᏗ ᎢᎯᎷᏨᎢ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᎯᏃᏎᏗ ᎠᏕᎳ
ᏣᏂᎬᎬᎢ.”
ᏩᎭᏯ ᎤᏛᏅ ᎠᏕᎳ ᎠᎩᏍᎬ ᎾᎿ
ᏔᎵ ᏳᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᏗ ᎠᏥᎳ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ
ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ ᎨᏒ ᎢᎦ ᎣᏍᏓ ᎤᏰᎸᏓ ᎨᏐᎢ, ᎠᏎᏃ
ᎾᏍᎩ ᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᎤᏘᏁᎦ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲᎢ.
“ᎣᏍᏓ
ᎠᏆᏓᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗᏍᎪ
ᎠᎴ
ᎤᏚᎵᏛ ᏂᎦᎵᏍᏗᏍᎪ ᏧᏙᏓᏮᏓ ᎠᏇᏓᏍᏗ
ᎠᏆᏚᎵᏍᎪ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.
ᎤᎪᏛ ᎠᏕᎶᎰᎯᏍᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏥᎳ
ᎠᏂᎵᏍᎩᎡᎯ, ᎯᎠ ᎯᎵᏃᎮᏙᏗ 918453-5334
ᎠᎴ
ᏫᏤᏓᏍᏗ
www.
cherokeetero.com.
16
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
People • xW
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
Christie looks forward to
Bassmaster Classic
BY STAFF REPORTS
Cherokee Nation citizen Jessica Hembree, middle, runs a cross country race on Sept.
6 in Broken Arrow, Okla. It was her first full cross country race since suffering a
broken tibia at the 2011 Class 5A cross country championships in Edmond, Okla.
COURTESY PHOTO
Hembree returns to
competition after injury
BY KEVIN SCRAPPER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – On Oct. 29,
2011, Cherokee Nation citizen Jessica
Hembree was on her way to a third state
title for Tahlequah High School at the
Class 5A cross country championships in
Edmond.
With only 50 meters to go in the
3,200-meter race, the unthinkable
happened. Her left tibia snapped. After
months of rehab, Hembree, now a senior,
said she’s excited about making her return
to competition.
“I kept thinking about my goals for
this year and just wanting to get back out
and run,” she said. “(I wanted) to kind of,
come back and redeem myself, just to feel
satisfied with how I do.”
Hembree’s physical and psychological
challenges tested her fortitude. But she
remained focused on her return and
pushed through with the resilience that
carried her to two state championships.
“The hardest part was having to watch
my teammates and friends go out there
and compete while I had to sit on the
sidelines,” she said.
Hembree said her mindset and
determination remain the same, but her
training has been modified to minimize
stress on her body.
“I’ve incorporated a lot more crosstraining, like swimming and biking,” she
said. “I can get in a workout without the
pounding. In my head, I can feel like I’ve
done something.”
For a high school senior, Hembree’s
outlook and drive may surprise many,
but not her cross country coach Elzy
Miller, who has been with Hembree
throughout her high school career. He
said he’s lucky to be working have such a
dedicated athlete.
“She’s a great athlete. She’s worked
harder than any athlete I’ve ever had.”
Miller said it was hard, as a coach, to
watch an athlete go through the type
of pain and struggle that Hembree
experienced. He said her mental and
physical toughness is what sets her apart
from the competition.
“To have what happened to her,
happen, and then to turn around and
come back within a year’s time is almost
unimaginable,” he said. “Most athletes
would have probably caved in and quit
already. She’s battled it.”
But changing Hembree’s training
isn’t anything new. Miller said he’s had
to accommodate Hembree’s talent by
increasing the level of exertion during
practices.
“Over the last year, she’s actually
worked with the boys because it’s a better
comparison between her abilities and
many of the boys, than it is between her
and many of the girls,” he said. “I think it’s
just a matter of time. She’s going to break
out and start running some more good
races.”
Before the cross country season began in
August, Hembree had her eyes set on her
third state championship and setting new
personal records. Miller, however, said he
sees her accomplishments differently.
“I believe last year she would have won,
hands down. There was 50 meters to go.
She’s 75 to 100 meters ahead, no question
in my mind she would have won that one,”
said Miller. “We have some very good
competition this year in 5A. I believe in
the end, she’ll do what she needs to do
and get three out of four anyway. But, in
my mind, she’ll always be a four-time state
champion.”
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 5903
The Cherokee Phoenix is now on Twitter. Be sure to check
often for updates on what is going on within the Cherokee
Nation.
http://twitter.com/cherokeephoenix.
The Cherokee Phoenix is mobile. Keep informed on your
iPhone,
iphone.cherokeephoenix.org.
Become a fan of the Cherokee Phoenix on Facebook.
DETROIT – Cherokee Nation citizen
Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., claimed
that his status as a non-local enabled him to
stay focused and win the recent Northern
Open on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair, but he’s
hoping to have a local advantage when
he fishes the 2013 Bassmaster Classic
on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake, the body of
water where many consider him a favorite.
Christie slammed the door shut on his
competition with 22 pounds, 13 ounces
to beat a field studded with stars and top
local sticks. It was his third straight bag
heavier than 21 pounds, and it enabled
him to fulfill a lifelong dream and win a
Nitro boat and motor package.
“No. 1, you dream about fishing any
(Bassmaster) classic,” Christie said, “but to
get to fish a classic on your home lake is a
dream come true.”
He said that his advantage over the many
St. Clair regulars was that he didn’t have
many decisions to make. He found one key
area in the mouth of the Detroit River with
patchy vegetation and decided to grind out
the tournament in a limited range.
“They were probably debating what spot
they needed to be on,” he said of his fellow
competitors. “I didn’t have that problem. I
had no desire to go anywhere else.”
Christie credited his HydroWave unit
for firing up the schools of smallmouths
and used his Power-Poles to slow down
his drift. His primary baits were a green
pumpkin Yum Tube and a Carolina-rigged
Yum Salleemander in the same color.
“This is where you come to test your
equipment, and my equipment did good,”
he said.
The Oklahoman’s dream to fish a
Bassmaster Classic began early in life,
when he’d “get up early and watch
professional wrestling and bass fishing on
TV.” Unfortunately for the Northern Open
field this week, Christie decided that he
would rather pursue a path as the next
Rick Clunn, a professional angler, rather
than the next Hulk Hogan. He said his
lanky build wasn’t suited for the wrestling
ring anyway.
“I would have gotten in the ring and
tried to outrun them,” Christie said.
Perhaps Clunn isn’t the right role
model for Christie to emulate. If all goes
according to plan, Christie would like
to be the next Boyd Duckett, the only
Bassmaster Classic contender to ever
claim a crown in his home state.
The 2013 Bassmaster Classic is
scheduled for Feb. 22-24 in Grove, Okla.
– REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION
Matlock named U of A Sustainability
Office executive director
BY STAFF REPORTS
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Marty Matlock,
professor of biological and agricultural
engineering, has been named as the first
executive director of the campus-wide
Office for Sustainability at the University
of Arkansas.
Provost Sharon Gaber and Associate
Vice Chancellor for Facilities Mike
Johnson
appointed
Matlock
to
demonstrate the increased emphasis on
sustainability across all campus activities.
“Marty brings a broad and integrated
perspective to the challenges of
sustainability” said Gaber. “He will
engage students, staff, faculty, and the
UA community around the world in
implementing a common vision for
sustainability programs at the University
of Arkansas. The office for sustainability
will play a central role in providing
innovative solutions and perspectives to
some of the most complex challenges we
face on campus, in our communities, and
across Arkansas.”
Matlock will coordinate program
implementation
and
strategy
development for sustainability activities
across the U of A community. He will work
with Johnson to coordinate the director
and staff of the Office for Sustainability
in a number of sustainability initiatives.
The U of A Sustainability Council,
composed of representatives of academic
units and student groups, will advise the
Office for Sustainability.
“Sustainability is a core principle at the
University of Arkansas,” said Johnson.
“Matlock will help bring the elements
in place across campus together for
increased impact.”
Matlock
is
a
board-certified
environmental engineer in sustainable
design and an internationally recognized
expert in sustainability metrics and
assessment. He joined the university in
2001 and serves as area director for the
U of A Division of Agriculture Center for
Agricultural and Rural Sustainability.
He also serves on the three-member
Cherokee
Nation
Environmental
Protection Commission, which is
responsible for protecting the environment
within the CN.
His collaboration with the U of A’s
Community Design Center has resulted in
more than 20 national and international
sustainability design awards. Matlock also
works with the Sustainability Consortium
in the Sam M. Walton College of Business
to develop a global platform for sciencebased metrics for sustainable production
of consumer-packaged goods.
Matlock received the Distinguished Faculty
Achievement Award for Service from the
Arkansas Alumni Association in 2011.
Faculty and students with teaching,
research and outreach interests in
sustainability can reach Matlock at
[email protected] for information and
opportunities for collaboration.
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Education • #n[]Qsd
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
17
Cherokee students intern in Costa Rica
BY TESINA JACKSON
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – After being
accepted for a 2012 summer internship in
Costa Rica, three Cherokee Nation citizens
studied and researched in the Central
American nation’s rainforest for eight
weeks.
“They had different types of rainforests
there, and we’d start at 7:30 in the morning
and we wouldn’t end until 8 o’clock at
night,” Paul Martinez, Northeastern State
University graduate student, said. “Since
it’s a research station they had a lot of
undergraduate and graduate students
working there, plus the graduate students
were working on their doctorates or thesis.”
Martinez, Oklahoma State University
student Alex Hardison and University of
Arkansas student Andrew Sanders were
selected by the Organization for Tropical
Studies through its Native American
and Pacific Islander Research Education
program.
The OTS is a nonprofit organization of
more than 60 universities and research
institutions from the United States, Costa
Rica, Australia, Mexico, Peru and South
Africa. And NAPIRE provides students an
understanding of tropical ecology that is
grounded in the social, political, economic
and scientific aspects of resource use and
conversation.
This past summer, 18 graduate and
undergraduate students from different
tribes were selected. Upon arrival in Costa
Rica, the students spent the first two days
in San Jose for job overviews. Then they
traveled to La Selva where they visited the
indigenous BriBri tribe.
“We met their elders and we did a culture
exchange where they showed us some of
their dances, and in turn, Alex and me had
told them some of the Cherokee stories
that we knew, like how the deer got his
antlers,” Martinez said.
After that, the students traveled to a
research station in Las Cruces where
they were assigned mentors to help them
conduct their research.
“That’s when we ironed out the details of
our research, and then we spent the next
six weeks doing our research,” Martinez
said.
Martinez, who is studying cellular
biology with a minor in chemistry and
an emphasis on pre-med, researched leaf
litter inputs and decomposition of the neotropical repairing zones.
“I would never think in a million years
that I’d ever get a chance to get to do this
kind of research in my life. It was just really
exciting,” he said. “The people that worked
there were great, they helped us out with
every single thing we needed.”
Hardison, a junior botany major,
focused on leaf traits that affect the canopy
of tropical forest trees and how those traits
are affected by climate change.
“I chose to go on this internship in Costa
Rica for the international experience in
which I could learn about a foreign country
through firsthand experience and to learn
more about ecology and developing my
own personal research,” he said.
Sanders, a junior biology major,
researched the relationship between large
consumers, such as fish and crabs, on leaf
decomposition rates in tropical streams.
He said he liked being able to research
what he wanted.
“What I liked best about the internship
was being given the freedom to come up
Community volunteer Cassie Wedge, center, hands out school supplies to youth
from Vian, Okla., during a back-to-school event held recently at Marble City School.
WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Churches give school
supplies to kids
“Also, I like to be able, outside of school,
to make sure they get fed,” he said. “It’s
true there are some kids going without
MARBLE CITY, Okla. – Area churches, food, and while they are around us they’re
with help from the Cherokee Nation, going to get fed.”
In July, Pettit said he took Marble City
recently supplied school children from
Marble City and Vian with school supplies. youth to Branson, Mo. And in June, he
The supplies were handed out during a rented a large waterslide for the youth.
“There’s always something going on
back-to-school dance at the Marble City
School cafeteria that included food, dancing with the youth,” Petit said. I just thank
God I’m able to do this.
and prizes for the
If I give back to the
children. Sean Pettit,
community, it makes
of the House of Praise
We understand that me feel good.”
Church in Marble City,
said the event is one of
there are a lot of kids He said the CN helps
with his youth activities
many the church has
that probably don’t
with grants, including
in the community to
a $7,000 grant that will
benefit youth.
have backpacks,
be used to build a new
“We get them out
school supplies...
playground in Marble
here because there’s
a high poverty rate
–Sean Pettit, City.
Volunteer
Teresa
around Marble City,
House of Praise Church
Hart, of Vian, helps Pettit
and we understand
with the youth activities.
that there are a lot of
kids that probably don’t have backpacks, She said another reason for the activities is to
school supplies and things like that. We keep youth active, which occupies their time
just get them out here and feed them, let and keeps them out of mischief.
Livy Samuels, of Vian, said this is
them dance and just have a good time,”
the second year youth from the First
Pettit said.
Backpacks filled with pens, pencils, glue Missionary Baptist Church have been
sticks, crayons, scissors and notebooks invited to the Marble City back-to-school
were handed out to the school children event. She said the church normally brings
about 40 kids, but this year only about 20
following the dance.
Pettit said his church and other local could attend because some were obligated
churches have been hosting the dance to other activities.
“They absolutely love it,” she said.
for the past five years for a population
in Marble City that is 90 percent Native “They like to fellowship. They enjoy the
American. About 85 percent of that mingling, the dancing and the food. It’s
just a good atmosphere for them because
population is Cherokee.
He said a “youth day” is held monthly we really don’t have anything like this in
that gives youth something to look forward Vian. And the school supplies is a need for
to. He added that regular activities are a a lot of them don’t get to get very much.”
[email protected]
way to keep Marble City’s youth occupied
918-207-3961
and out of trouble.
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
Cherokee Nation citizen Paul Martinez checks his basket during his eight-week
internship in Costa Rica. Martinez researched leaf litter inputs and decomposition of
the neo-tropical repairing zones. COURTESY PHOTO
with my own question to research, and
developing my own plan to address it,”
Sanders said. “A lot of programs like this
for undergrads are a lot more structured
in that regard, where the student is doing
a small part of a researcher’s larger project.
It was also really cool that it was all Native
Americans and Pacific Islanders. It was
a really awesome and unique group of
people to work with all summer.”
Sanders said he participated in the
program because it can provide more
opportunities.
“I knew this would open a lot of graduate
opportunities to me by making me a more
competitive applicant and helping me meet
researchers from other schools,” he said.
Despite the hard work, the three students
said the experience was worth it.
“When you finally get done with your
paper and research it’s all worth it. I
finished and it was a success and the
relationships that you develop, you’re
hanging out with 18 students day in and
day out for two months straight and this
group was awesome,” Martinez said. “We
just became a family.”
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 6139
18
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Health • aBk 0sr
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012
Tribe’s health clinics to
offer extended hours
BY JAMI CUSTER
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee
Nation’s health clinics will soon offer
extended hours once preliminary studies
determine what services are needed at
each clinic after normal business hours
and on what days.
The Will Rogers Health Center in
Nowata is offering most services from
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through
Wednesday, said Rhonda Cochran, CN
regional clinic director.
She said that decision came after Connie
Davis became executive director of the
tribe’s Health Services.
“Extended hours were started to allow
access for working people and schoolaged children,” Cochran said. “When
Connie started as the new director she
asked that we come up with a way we
could do extended hours. We come up
with proposals and Nowata was selected
to start.”
The Three Rivers Health Center in
Muskogee is also undergoing a preliminary
study to determine what services are
needed after hours. So far, the facility has
only operated after hours until 8 p.m. on
Aug. 24 and Aug. 28.
“They (Muskogee) will be staying open
until 8 p.m. three evenings the week of
Sept. 17, Monday, Wednesday and Friday,”
Cochran said.
The decision to offer after-hours care at
the Three Rivers Health Center was more
of an “improvement project,” she said,
one of which was suggested at a recent
Improved Patient Care learning session
provided by the Indian Health Service.
“They decided to use this as an
improvement project and do it a little
differently (at the Three Rivers Health
Center),” Cochran said. “Using the
information gathered, a decision will be
made on what evenings of the week they
will be open and who from the clinic will
be involved.”
This process is to be implemented at
all CN health clinics, but what days and
services at the remaining clinics are yet to
be determined.
Cochran said these additional services
are helping those who cannot easily make
it to a facility during normal business hours.
“It is helping people who work during
the day so they don’t have to take off
work and use their sick leave or take leave
without pay,” she said. “It also helps keep
children in school during the day…the
response has been very positive.”
In other news, the new Vinita Health
Clinic began taking patients on Sept. 4. Its
grand opening is slated for 5 p.m. on Sept. 25.
[email protected]
918-453-5560
DIETITIAN’S CORNER
Crazy schedules don’t
mean bad diets
BY TRACY
CANANT
Registered Dietitian
The start of a
new school year
can bring crazy
schedules. When
schedules get crazy the first thing
to usually go is eating healthy. This
month’s topic will help give you the
tools to keep your food choices healthy
and not take a lot of your time.
Breakfast is the meal that is usually
the first to go downhill or gone
completely. Really, who doesn’t like
a few extra minutes of sleep? It has
been proven that we all function
better, have better overall health, think
better and are more alert when we eat
breakfast. One of the first things to do
is set up your kitchen to make it easy.
This means to stock the refrigerator
and cabinets with the right stuff. If
you know you won’t be eating your
breakfast before you walk out the door,
stock the house with things you can
eat on the run. Some of my favorites
include:
• Whole-grain muffins with berries.
I make these ahead of time so all I
have to do is grab one in the morning.
Martha White makes a bran muffin
mix that I add frozen berries to and
make a lot.
• Boiled eggs and a piece of fruit. Boil
eggs ahead of time and keep in fridge.
• A piece of fruit and a handful of nuts
or a mozzarella cheese stick.
• High-fiber cereal bars.
If you’re going to eat your breakfast
once you get to work, keep instant
packages of oatmeal or individual
containers of yogurt with a little bit of
low-fat granola.
For those of you with a little bit of time:
• Make your own breakfast egg
sandwiches. We keep cartons of the
egg substitute at our house so all you
have to do is pour into a skillet sprayed
with vegetable spray. Toast the bread,
put whatever low-fat spread you want.
We use lite mayo and hot sauce. Heat
some low-fat ham and put together
your sandwich and out the door you
go. Some other additions include
adding low-fat cheese or a slice of
tomato.
• Peanut butter and honey, jam, jelly,
or apple butter on whole-grain bread.
• Breakfast burritos. Ahead of time,
precook lite or turkey sausage and
keep in freezer in storage container or
baggie. In the morning heat 1/4 cup of
sausage from the freezer in a sprayed
skillet. Add 1/4 a cup egg substitute
and cook until firm. Put egg mixture
in an 8-inch whole-grain tortilla or
corn tortilla; add low-fat grated cheese
and/or salsa.
• Make fruit parfaits with cut up fruit
and low-fat granola, nuts or whole
grain cereal.
• Make ahead pumpkin, whole-grain
pancakes (recipe follows) and freeze.
Pull out pancakes heat in microwave
or toaster. Double the recipe so you’ll
have leftovers to freeze. I like to spread
a little peanut butter and sprinkle cut
up berries on mine.
Hopefully this will give you a start
on making sure you and your family
get off to a good start.
Pumpkin whole grain pancakes
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1-1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together in a bowl. Cook on
heated skillet.
The main part of the Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw, Okla., was forced to
close in August after mold was discovered in the dental clinic. This sign was placed
on the front door of the main clinic warning people of the potential hazard inside.
WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Mold cleanup begins at
Redbird Smith Health Center
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
SALLISAW, Okla. – The process of
cleaning the mold that forced the Redbird
Smith Health Center’s closure in August
has begun with the removal of shelving
and sheetrock from walls to gain access to
the mold.
Connie Davis, Cherokee Nation Health
Services executive director, said a company
to remove the mold would be chosen soon
and that the estimated cleanup cost is
$500,000 to $2 million.
“It’s going to take a minimum of 120
days. That’s our best estimate,” she said.
“It’s (mold) throughout the clinic.”
Davis said “poor construction design”
didn’t provide “adequate drainage” for
the clinic’s heating, ventilation and air
conditioning system, allowing mold to grow.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, mold grows in
warm, damp and humid conditions and
reproduces by making spores. Molds can
cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation,
coughing or wheezing, eye irritation,
or, in some cases, skin irritation. People
with mold allergies may have more severe
reactions while others may not suffer any
symptoms. Severe reactions may include
fever and shortness of breath.
Temporarily, an annex building behind
the main health center is being used to
provide health services. Also, a temporary
lab has been set up for the clinic, Davis
said. Also, Tahlequah City Hospital is
allowing the health center to use its
dialysis center located nearby for office
and storage space.
“I think the staff are to be commended
for relocating and beginning operations
within a week. They’ve worked really hard
to make sure patients continue to receive
care in their own clinic,” Davis said.
All services are available for patients
except for dental. Patients also have the
option of visiting the Wilma P. Mankiller
Health Center in Stilwell, Three Rivers
Health Center in Muskogee or W.W.
Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah for dental
and other health services.
The mold was discovered in early
August in the lab area of the dental clinic.
Because the mold covered such a wide
area of the dental clinic, tribal officials
were consulted and the decision was made
to close the entire clinic out of concern for
the safety of patients and staff.
The 21,945-square foot facility, located
at 301 N. 4610 Road, was the first health
clinic to be constructed from the ground
up under CN management in 1992. In
2007, an annex building was added to the
existing site, which is 11,444 square feet.
The center provides medical, dental,
optometry, radiology, behavioral health,
public health nursing, health promotion/
disease prevention, pharmacy, laboratory,
nutrition, WIC and contract health care.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
2012 Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
Culture • i=nrplcsd
October 2012 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX
19
3 named 2012 Cherokee National Treasures
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Cherokee
artists Cecil Dick, Tonia Weavel and
Victoria Vasquez were honored with
Cherokee National Treasure Master
Craftsmen awards during the 2012
Cherokee National Holiday.
The award is given to artisans with
exceptional skill and knowledge of a
traditional Cherokee art or craft, Cherokee
language, graphic arts, music, storytelling
and other arts. Artists considered for the
award must also share knowledge of their
crafts with others so they may be preserved.
Often called the “Father of Cherokee
Traditional Art,” Dick was a pioneer
of 20th century flat-style painting and
was the earliest Cherokee painter to
paint Cherokee subject matter and gain
widespread attention.
Born Sept. 16, 1915, near Rose Prairie,
Dick began painting in the 1930s. Many
Cherokees didn’t know what their
ancestors’ clothing or tools looked like, so
he began studying and researching historic
Cherokee life.
“I never knew anybody who knew onetenth of the cultural stuff that he did,” said
Tahlequah-based artist Murv Jacob, who
trained under Dick. “It (training) was a
remarkable experience from beginning to
end. He’s no ordinary artist. He was one in
a million. I think a guy like him may come
along once every 100 years.”
Because of his desire to show the
“Woodland Indian,” Dick’s work featured
Cherokees in period-accurate clothing
portraying everyday Cherokee life,
including dances and ceremonies.
In 1983, the Cherokee Nation honored
Dick for his intellectual and artistic
achievements with the Sequoyah Medal,
and the Cherokee Heritage Center held
a 50-year retrospective exhibition of his
work that same year. In 1991, the Five
Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee
created the “Cecil Dick Master of Heritage
Award” in his honor.
Jacob said he was friends with Dick
for about 15 years and is thankful for the
lessons about art and Cherokee culture and
history he received.
“One time he told me, ‘I always thought
some full-blood kid was going to come
along and want to know this stuff, but it
was you.’ We just really hit it off,” Jacob said.
Jacob added that Dick, ironically, was
not a CN supporter and considered
himself a United Keetoowah Band citizen.
However, Jacob believes Dick would have
accepted the award because he was an
“intelligent, friendly and graceful fellow…
and would take the time to sit down and
talk to anybody.”
Dick died on April 25, 1992, having spent
more than 50 years recording Cherokee
culture and history in his art.
Weavel, of Tahlequah, has been making
traditional Cherokee clothing for more
than 25 years. Her work with traditional
textiles and stitching methods has earned
her a reputation as an authority in
traditional clothing.
“It’s an honorable designation, and it’s a
good feeling to be recognized by the tribe
for work I love doing,” she said.
Weavel is a student of Wendall Cochran,
a fellow Cherokee National Treasure. She
has won numerous awards for her work
in several artistic media, notably in textile
A mural painted by Cherokee National Treasure Cecil Dick hangs in the Cherokee
Nation Complex and depicts a Cherokee medicine man at work.
WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
CN holds tours of Seminary Hall
BY TESINA JACKSON
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – More than
120 years ago, the Cherokee Nation built
a school of higher education for Native
American students, a building that still
stands today.
The Cherokee National Female
Seminary sits on the Northeastern State
University campus, now called Seminary
Hall, where thousands of students have
classes each year. To help continue the
history of the building, the CN offers free
tours of Seminary Hall annually during
the Cherokee National Holiday.
“I find this very interesting work and I
can tell that the people have an interest in
it, and I’m glad to share that history with
them,” C.H. Parker, Seminary Hall tour
guide, said. “We’re very proud of it.”
Parker started giving Seminary Hall tours
during the holiday about 15 years ago.
It was on May 7, 1889, when the female
seminary reopened north of Tahlequah
after fire destroyed it two years before.
The first seminary opened in 1851 at Park
Hill, only 12 years after the Cherokee
people were removed from their homes in
the southeastern United States to Indian
Territory, now Oklahoma.
There was also a male seminary, which
burned down in 1910 and never rebuilt.
The Cherokee National Female
Seminary was the first higher learning
institution for women west of the
Mississippi. It continued until 1909 when
the state purchased the building.
Today, NSU has representatives from
about 39 Native American tribes attending
the university, which is the highest in the
United States, Parker said.
The tour starts outside in front of
Seminary Hall where a statue of Sequoyah
sits as Parker explains how Sequoyah
created the Cherokee syllabary. He also
explains the structure of Seminary Hall.
“There were so many different things,
but I liked looking at the artworks,
the paintings here and looking at the
Sequoyah statue and hearing the history
of him about his work,” said Linda Reedy.
Reedy, who has lived in Tahlequah for
four years, took her first tour of Seminary
Hall this year.
The tour moves inside where several
photos were displayed showing a history
of families and students who attended
the school.
“I like to do it because I’m very
Seminary Hall tour guide C.H. Parker
stands in front of the Sequoyah statue
at Northeastern State University in
Tahlequah, Okla., while explaining the
history of the Cherokee Nation and the
Cherokee National Female Seminary.
The Nation offers free tours of Seminary
Hall every year during the Cherokee
National Holiday.
TESINA JACKSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
surprised at the number of people that
really don’t have an understanding of
how the Cherokee got here,” Parker said.
“They’ve heard of the Trail of Tears but did
not know about life in the southeastern
part of the country that was their original
homelands and also to make aware
of the high quality education that the
girls received here, the boys at the male
seminary received and that we continued
that quality in the legacy of all the students
we have graduating now. We have the
same standards. We have a connection
that goes back to 1845 when the original
council said we want to build schools for
higher education for Indian students.”
Once inside those on the tour are guided
through the first floor to a classroom where
Parker explains the history of the Cherokees
before and after the Trail of Tears, leading
up to how the seminary was created.
“I thought it was good that he gave a
history of not just the building but of the
Cherokee Nation,” Reedy said.
[email protected]
918-453-5000, ext. 6139
Cherokee National Treasure Cecil Dick
is often referred to as the “Father of
Cherokee Traditional Art.” Dick died in
1992. COURTESY PHOTO
and sculpture.
“Wendell Cochran is by far the most
influential in Cherokee clothing and will
always remain the ‘the founder of the
modern-day tear dress.’ The quality of his
work and his incredible knowledge about
the culture, sewing, pattern fitting and
design cannot be matched,” Weavel said.
“He has served as my mentor for the past
10 years and willingly shared his skills and
encouraged my work.”
Weavel has put her personal stamp on
designs while staying true to the functionality
and original style of Cherokee dress.
Her designs of Cherokee tear dresses,
hunting jackets, linen shirts and turbans
have been seen in plays and are worn by
Cherokee ambassadors, including Junior
Miss Cherokees and the Cherokee National
Youth Choir.
Weavel has also passed on these
traditional crafts to other Cherokees. As
an employee of the CHC, she conducts
educational workshops and classes for
adults and children, teaching historical and
practical information about Cherokee art.
“There is so much to learn about Cherokee
clothing, and I have such a hunger to know
as much as I can about our clothing history.
It is a good feeling to sew for people knowing
several generations might wear those
clothes,” Weavel said. “I also have a passion
for making contemporary dress that reflects
our culture but appeals to our modern tastes.
I love doing it, and I will probably always
have a project in the works.”
Vasquez learned traditional Southeastern
Woodlands-style pottery 22 years ago from
her mother Anna Sixkiller Mitchell, a fullblood Cherokee who revived the art in
Oklahoma more than 40 years ago. Today,
Vazquez specializes in recreating early
mound builder and Eastern Woodlandsstyle pottery.
“Exhilaration, immense joy and sadness
at the same time – those were my first
thoughts when I received the news. I am
wishing my parents could be here physically
to cheer me on when I get the award,” she
said. “I have felt a great obligation to carry
on mom’s legacy that I learned over 22
years ago, and now having it acknowledged
by my tribe that I am sharing our culture
with others is huge. This is the best thing
that a Cherokee artist can achieve, like the
Oscar is to an actor.”
She said her late mother, along with
fellow Cherokee potter Jane Osti and
Cherokee artists Bill Glass and the late Bill
Rabbit, all have inspired her work.
“The first highlight of my career was the
year I spent at my mom and dad’s (Robert
Clay Vasquez) home in Vinita in 1990 and
1991. Apprenticing in pottery making
with mom and visiting with my parents as
an adult instead of a child was a treasure
in itself. I will always hold dear those
memories of our talks,” she said.
Vasquez lives with her husband on their
cattle ranch near Welch. Digging her clay
from a friend’s Cherokee allotment land in
Craig County, she processes it the way her
mother showed her. All of her pottery and
sculptures are handmade using the coil
method rather than using a potter’s wheel.
Nearly all the tools she uses are found in
nature or are natural items, like her ancestors
would have used when making pottery.
Vasquez teaches pottery workshops for
private groups, public schools and tribes. She
continues the research her mother started by
visiting museums, mound sites and reading
books on Indian history and arts.
In 2005, she was awarded a Smithsonian
Native Arts Fellowship from the National
Museum of the American Indian, and her
work is exhibited at the NAMI located on
the Smithsonian Mall in Washington, D.C.
“The travels I’ve had and the people I’ve
met along the artist path have been more
than I could have ever dreamed. Being able
to share my love of the clay and our history
with others never gets old,” she said.
[email protected]
918-207-3961
20
CHEROKEE PHOENIX • October 2012
Ewf #>hAmh • j/Zd
2012