Cherokee Phoenix July 1, 2019

SNAKE EDUCATION

With nearly 30 years of experience, Cherokee Nation citizen Woody Hansen relays snake education to the public. HEALTH, 6

CHEROKEE CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG

JULY 1, 2019

JOYOUS RETURN

PHOENIX 191 YEARS OF JOURNALISM

General election certified, runoff order determined Three races will be decided July 27 in a runoff election for Districts 3 and 12 as well as an At-Large seat.

BY CHAD HUNTER Reporter

BRANDON SCOTT/CHEROKEE PHOENIX “Remember the Removal” cyclist Destiny Matthews, of Watts, hugs her mother, Miranda Matthews, after returning from the 950-mile journey on June 20.

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation Election Commission on June 3 certified vote counts for the June 1 general election, then confirmed those race outcomes on June 20.

A total of 13,870 of the tribe’s 72,781 registered voters cast ballots for a 19.06 percent turnout, according to the EC. The official election report is as follows: Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.:7,933 (57.51 percent) Dick Lay: 3,856 (27.95 percent) David Walkingstick (disqualified): 2,006 (14.54 percent) Deputy Chief Bryan Warner: 8,060 (58.88 percent) Meredith Frailey: 5,630 (41.12 percent) District 1 Rex Jordan: 672 (57.88 percent) Ryan Sierra: 489 (42.12 percent) District 3

Wes Nofire: 310 (29.47 percent) Debra Proctor: 306 (29.09 percent) Billy Flint: 124 (11.79 percent) RJ Robbins: 113 (10.74 percent) Jim Cosby: 103 (9.79 percent) Larry Dean Pritchett: 79 (7.51 percent) Brandon Girty: 17 (1.62 percent) District 6 Daryl Legg: 794 (56.71 percent) Gary Trad Lattimore: 466 (33.29 percent) Ron Goff: 140 (10 percent) District 8 Shawn Crittenden: 603 (83.4 percent) Ralph F. Keen II: 80 (11.07 percent) Jodie Fishinghawk (disqualified): 40 (5.53 percent) District 12 Dora L. Smith Patzkowski: 215 (32.92 percent) Phyllis Lay: 197 (30.17 percent) Todd M. Branstetter: 150 (22.97 percent) Don Scott: 91 (13.94 percent)

SEE CERTIFIED, 3

The 21 “Remember the Removal” cyclists ride down Tahlequah’s Water Avenue for the last of their 950 miles.

BY LINDSEY BARK Reporter

T

hirty-five years after the initial bike ride, and with more than 200 alumni, the 2019 “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride cyclists were welcomed home by a swarm of friends and family on June 20 at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion.

The 21 cyclists, made up of Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizens, rode down Water Avenue in the final leg of their 950-mile journey that retraced the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears.

Upon their welcome, several CN and EBCI dignitaries praised the cyclists for their accomplishments and remembrance of their ancestors’ journey.

CN Principal Chief Bill John Baker said he met and talked with this year’s riders and listened to their stories on how the ride touched them and changed them.

“They all agreed that they have a job to do now. It is incumbent on them to go home, to share what they have learned, to share what they have experienced with their friends, their neighbors, their children, their parents and their grandparents so that this is never ever forgotten,” Baker said.

EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed said that Cherokee ancestors persevered and maintained hope. “We enjoy a comfortable life because of their tenacity, their endurance and perseverance.

And most importantly their ability to maintain hope.”

SEE RTR, 2

Dick Lay

COURTESY “Remember the Removal” cyclist Manuel Hernandez, of the Big Y community in North Carolina, is greeted with high-fives after arriving June 20 in Tahlequah.

Meredith Frailey

Bryan Warner

High court tosses Lay, Frailey election appeals

Justices say there was no evidence of campaign finance violations, and such complaints would have appropriately been filed before the election.

BY D. SEAN ROWLEY Senior Reporter

BRANDON SCOTT/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Monica Wildcat, an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cyclist, hugs her children on June 20 in Tahlequah after finishing the last leg of the “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride.

Chuck Hoskin Jr.

TAHLEQUAH – After two days of deliberation, Supreme Court justices on June 19 dismissed the appeals by principal chief candidate Dick Lay and deputy chief candidate Meredith Frailey against principal chief-elect Chuck Hoskin Jr., deputy chief-elect Bryan Warner and the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.

All five justices – Lee W. Paden, Lynn Burris, Mark L. Dobbins, John C. Garrett and Chief Justice James G. Wilcoxen – signed the decision.

Hoskin said he was surprised by the raising of issues previously examined and discharged by the EC and the attorney general’s office.

“The issue was nothing new, but

that is part of due process,” Hoskin said. “That process is complete, and I am not at all surprised by the outcome, and Bryan Warner and I are ready to assume office and get to work.”

Warner expressed satisfaction with the hearing’s conclusion.

“I’m ready to get things going, and I’m preparing to transition into the new role and help the citizens of the Cherokee Nation,” he said. “I want to go to work and serve the people diligently.”

Lay called the decision “interesting” and said he was proud of his grassroots campaign.

“I’m happy we never resorted to mudslinging,” Lay said. “I’m happy we were honest and transparent enough

SEE APPEALS, 3

Cherokee Phoenix to host awards banquet, calls for nominations On Nov. 23, the news organization will honor seven Cherokees who work to make the world a better place.

BY TRAVIS SNELL Assistant Editor TAHLEQUAH – Are you or do you know someone who makes positive impacts in people’s lives or communities? If so, consider submitting a nomination to the Cherokee Phoenix’s inaugural Seven Feathers Awards Gala this fall.

On Nov. 23, the Cherokee Phoenix will honor seven Cherokees who work to make the world a better place in the categories of Health, Education, Community, Service and Business, as well as advance the tribe’s Language and Culture.

Nominations can be submitted through all of July at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FEATHERS. “We wanted to find a way to honor people who have an impact on our Cherokee community within the 14 counties and outside of it. People that may not normally

“We wanted to find a way to honor people who have an impact on our Cherokee community within the 14 counties and outside of it.”

Brandon Scott, Cherokee Phoenix executive editor

be recognized for the good that they do,” Executive Editor Brandon Scott said. “There are thousands of Cherokees doing great things. It’s our hope that we can showcase and promote a few of our unsung Cherokee heroes.”

Nominees must be citizens of the Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band or Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There are no age requirements.

Also, nominees do not have to live in the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction.

The awards will be stained glass feathers by Cherokee artist Brandi Hines of Agitsi Stained Glass in Tulsa.

The feathers will be approximately a foot long and 3

inches wide. Each feather will be mounted on a cedar plank with a plaque displaying the recipient’s name and award category.

The awards ceremony will be held in the Cherokee Casino Tahlequah’s Chota Conference Center.

Tickets for the event are $20 each.

All proceeds will go to the Cherokee Phoenix’s Elder/ Veteran Subscription Fund, which provides free annual subscriptions to CN citizens who are 65 or older, as well as veterans and active military personnel.

For more information about tickets or sponsoring the event, call Samantha Cochran at 918-207-3825 or email samantha-cochran@cherokee.org.

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CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

News • ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019

RTR: All 21 cyclists are awarded medals and certificates for their efforts from front page EBCI cyclist Blythe Winchester shared her thoughts regarding the ride. “I learned immeasurable things on this journey about our culture and history. But being in these places and experiencing the environment as a part of two nations, who are really just one, but separated by force. There really is no comparison to this experience.

At least for us we came together very well and quickly.

In the end, I feel like we were just moving like a welloiled machine.”

Lisa J. Billy, Secretary of Native American Affairs for the Oklahoma Governor’s Cabinet, attended the

return ceremony to read a proclamation marking the week of June 17 as “Trail of Tears 180th Anniversary Remembrance Week” in Oklahoma.

“The Cherokee Nation’s history and culture enrich our families and communities and Oklahoma acknowledges the accomplishments of Cherokee statesmen and stateswomen, both past and present,” the proclamation stated.

In honor of the 180th anniversary of the end of the forced removal, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas governor’s offices declared for each of the states a “Trail of Tears Remembrance Week,” each during a different week in June.

Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd acknowledged that this year’s group of riders was “female forward” for its larger percentage of female cyclists. Fifteen of the 21 cyclists were women.

“We have seen many Native women realize their potential from leading their tribes, from being elected to U.S. Congress and most recently, named to the U.S. Poet Laureate. You are earth shakers and you should be proud,” Byrd said.

The ceremony ended with each of the riders receiving a medal and certificate for their accomplishments and contributions to this year’s ride.

2019 “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride Cyclists CHEROKEE NATION Brooke Bailey Joshua Chavez Marie Eubanks Kayli Gonzales Shadow Hardbarger Elizabeth Hummingbird Ashley Hunnicutt Destiny Matthews Sydnie Pierce Steven Shade Kevin Stretch

EASTERN BAND Tonya Carroll Dre Crowe Zach Goings Manuel Hernandez Danielle Murray Keyonna Owle Micah Swimmer Skye Tafoya Monica Wildcatt Blythe Winchester

BRANDON SCOTT/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Spectators and supporters greet the “Remember the Removal” cyclists as they enter Tahlequah.

COURTESY Cherokee Immersion Charter School students greet teacher assistant and “Remember the Removal” mentor cyclist Marie Eubanks, of Rocky Mountain, on June 20.

Supreme Court dismisses effort to scrap Dist. 13 race Lone candidate Joe Deere remains the winner.

BY CHAD HUNTER Reporter

CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Election night spectators at the Cherokee Nation Election Commission Office in Tahlequah crowd around results posted for the public.

Tribal Councilors weigh in on election reform

BY CHAD HUNTER Reporter

TAHLEQUAH – Following the Cherokee Nation’s latest, sometimes litigious election cycle, one tribal councilor has expressed interest in creating a special group focused on election reform.

Dist. 8 Tribal Councilor Shawn Crittenden, who was re-elected June 1, told fellow legislators in the June 11 Executive & Finance Committee meeting that he wanted to establish a workgroup to address election law. He described the workgroup as “nothing negative, only positive.”

“I told my people that after the dust settled from the election that we would sit down and try to look at some of the things that need corrected,” he said. “A lot of us said we were going to look at that stuff and try to dig through it.”

Councilors interested in joining the workgroup are to contact Crittenden.

“What usually happens is once the election is over, you have the new, incoming people,” Council Speaker Joe Byrd said. “They don’t want to change anything because it’s those rules they got elected on. Having said that, we really need to start looking at our election laws – everybody – and then not wait until the last six months of an election year. We need to make changes within the first six months after the new council members get seated. If we do that, I think we’ll be OK.”

Crittenden did not mention specific workgroup topics, but he was one of several leaders who in December expressed concerns over the tribe’s absentee ballot process. At the time, Crittenden said absentee ballots should be reserved “for someone who can’t vote” at the polls.

“The at-large, I see that,” he said. “But if you really care about what goes on in the Nation, I don’t think a fishing trip counts. Someone had a really good idea – when they request an absentee ballot – just a small form that says why they are.”

One of Crittenden’s two opponents, former Tribal Councilor Jodie Fishinghawk, was disqualified in May for forging signatures on voter registration forms and absentee ballot requests.

Absentee votes typically play a significant role in CN elections. Of the tribe’s 72,781 registered voters, 13,870, or 19.06 percent, took part this year. In the principal chief’s race, there were 5,963 absentee votes, 4,014 of which went to winner Chuck Hoskin Jr., whose total vote was 7,933, or 57.51 percent.

In the last comparable general election in 2015, nearly 19,300 votes were cast in the principal chief’s race. Of those, 8,177 were absentee votes.

Thirty-six CN citizens filed for office, but only 29 remained by Election Day. Two bowed out early; two were deemed ineligible to run; and three, including Fishinghawk, Walkingstick and At-Large Tribal Councilor Wanda Hatfield, were disqualified for breaking election law.

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation’s high court backed Tribal Councilor-elect Joe Deere’s motion to dismiss a petition aimed at invalidating his June 1 victory in the one-man Dist.

13 race.

“That’s a win,” Deere said June 17 following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“I’m glad it’s over. Being that this is the third time I’ve had to come to court and won three times … hopefully we can move on.”

Current Dist. 13 Tribal Councilor Buel Anglen filed the petition June 10.

Anglen had also hoped to compete for the seat but in February, Deere alleged the longtime councilor was ineligible based on term limits. It was an argument the election commission agreed with.

Both Deere’s attorney, Carly Griffith Hotvedt, and the CN Election Commission’s attorney, Harvey Chaffin, argued that since Anglen was not a defeated candidate in the race, he had no standing to appeal Deere’s win.

Anglen’s attorney, Deborah Reed, said Anglen was in fact a candidate early on. “(Anglen) paid his $500 filing fee, registered as a candidate for office and campaigned for office,” she said.

Supreme Court justices ultimately backed Deere’s motion to dismiss Anglen’s petition.

“The court primarily finds that Buel Anglen lacks standing to challenge the election due to not being a ‘defeated’ candidate,” a Supreme Court order filed June 18 states. “Appellant was disqualified as a candidate so it is a legal impossibility that he could be a defeated candidate. Counsel for the appellant set forth alternative reasons for the calling of a new election but the court also found those arguments to be without merit.”

The argument against Deere’s win

centered on the fact that his name never appeared on the ballot. Reed argued that because he received no actual votes, he never won.

“The Cherokee Joe Deere Nation Election Commission failed in its duty to present a candidate for election,” Reed said. “We’re not requesting a new election for Dist. 13.

We’re requesting a first election for Dist.

Buel Anglen 13.”

Chaffin said past elections have both included and excluded lone candidates on ballots. The current commission made a “commonsense decision” to leave Deere off the ballot, Chaffin said, adding that for previous commissions that opted to include unopposed names, “That was their prerogative. There’s nothing in the Constitution that requires an unopposed candidate on the ballot.”

Results of another election would be the same, Chaffin said.

“If he goes and votes himself, he’s elected,” he added.

Of the price tag for a new election, Reed said, “The election commission will incur this cost and rightfully so. All they had to do was put his name on the ballot.”

Hotvedt said a second Dist. 13 election would be “a waste of the Cherokee Nation’s time and resources.”

Reed said that if Deere is allowed in office, it’s by the authority of the attorney general via a letter that Deere said he requested to confirm his victory.

“My name wasn’t on the ballot, so I requested that from the AG, a verification,” Deere said. “It just made sense.”

Dist. 13 includes parts of Rogers and Tulsa counties.

“I’m glad it’s over. Being that this is the third time I’ve had to come to court and won three times...hopefully we can move on.”

Dist. 13 Tribal Councilor-elect Joe Deere

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

News • ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

JULY 1, 2019 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX

3

Cherokee Phoenix’s 2019 homecoming T-shirt on sale

BY STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Phoenix selected Native artist Mallory Taylor’s design for its 2019 holiday T-shirt, which goes on sale in July at the Phoenix’s office and Cherokee Nation Gift Shop.

This year, the Cherokee Phoenix selected Taylor’s design, which she said features a phoenix and three women who represent the Three Sisters agricultural crops – winter squash, corn and beans.

Above the design in the Cherokee syllabary are the words “Cherokee Phoenix.” Below the image in English are the words “CHEROKEE HOMECOMING” as well as “2019” and Taylor’s signature. Also, the Cherokee Phoenix logo will be on a sleeve.

The black shirts are short-sleeved with adult sizes ranging from small to 3XL. The Cherokee Phoenix is also offering a youth medium size. All shirts are priced at $20 plus tax each. To order online, visit http://cherokeegiftshop.com. The Cherokee Phoenix office is in the Annex Building (Old Motel) on the Tribal Complex. The gift shop is also on the complex.

To order a shirt from the Cherokee Phoenix, call 918-453-5269 or email joy-rollice@cherokee.org.

APPEALS: Frailey says the hearings show the legal system’s strengths but that there is room for election reform from front page not to have utilized an LLC. I’m proud that when it came time to be at the courthouse, I was there. I will continue to work for the best interest of the Cherokee Nation.”

Frailey said the hearing demonstrated the strengths of the Nation’s legal system but that there is room to improve the elections. She also commended the justices and all legal counsel for their professionalism.

“I’m disappointed with the decision in part because the facts were similar to the (David) Walkingstick disqualification case, and I think that was used (in the appellate case) as the standard,” Frailey said.

“But I thank the justices of the Supreme Court for hearing our argument, and I think it shows that our democratic system of government does work.

I believe the election laws need to be amended to eliminate doubt and confusion among the people.

There is much improvement to be made, but we are also fortunate to have the government we have.”

In the opinion, Wilcoxen said the post-election appeals process is available as a challenge to the circumstances of the election itself and any attempts to usurp the will of the Cherokee people.

“Notwithstanding, Petitioners here did not make such allegations in their pleadings or their arguments but instead focus on alleged violations of election laws centered on campaign contributions and expenditures by Hoskin and Warner,” Wilcoxen wrote. “Article 5 also provides for this Court to consider the record of the Election Commission on appeal. Even though there is no record because the Commission did not hear this complaint, the Court considered the evidence offered by Petitioners.”

Wilcoxen wrote that campaign finance violation allegations are normally presented to the EC, often seeking a candidate’s disqualification based on conduct. He added that the appellants did not file until nine days after the election, leaving no proceeding for appeal to the EC. He further stated that similar complaints were made before the election, but found to be without merit by the EC and attorney general’s office.

“Petitioners claim Cherokee Future, a professional campaign corporation, hired by the Hoskin/Warner campaign as a vehicle to pay vendors was acting as a front for other vendors,” Wilcoxen wrote. “Allegedly, Cherokee Future did not disclose the individual actual vendors other than generically and that there were large payments to Cherokee Future under the designation ‘miscellaneous.’ Granted there should be as much disclosure as reasonably possible but the Election Commission considered the changes made in later revised filings made by the Hoskin/Warner campaign and found that there was no evidence of violation of the election law regarding the disclosure of expenses by the campaign. In fact, there is no evidence that Cherokee Future did anything but pay bills.”

The court also found no indication that Cherokee Future took or requested contributions, or that it funded in-kind contributions to the campaign and that campaign donations actually went to Cherokee Future to cover campaign-related costs. It also stated the campaign disclosed payments to Cherokee Future, which never received contributions and did not run afoul of corporate donation prohibitions.

“The Petitioners themselves are dissatisfied with the level of disclosure, however, those complaints should have been made with the Election Commission and they should have been made in a timely manner and where possible before the election,” Wilcoxen wrote. “A fair reading of the Election Laws indicate that challenges of this nature should be made pre-election as a practical matter to avoid the necessity and expense of a new election should a candidate be disqualified. It should be done to avoid the appearance that the complaining parties have waited to see how the election turned out before filing a complaint against their opponents. While this Court is not saying that is the case here, this Court is saying that there is not sufficient evidence in this record for this Court to order a new election after the fact. Therefore, it is the order of this court that this consolidated action be dismissed with all pending motions being deemed moot.”

The EC certified June 1 election results on June 20 in a special meeting.

COURTESY Cherokee Nation Marshal Mat Laney and an official from Cherokee Nation Businesses use an air boat to take supplies to businesses after the Arkansas River spilled over its banks during recent flooding.

CN helps with Arkansas River flood Cherokee Nation marshals and medics aid in 189 deployments.

BY STAFF REPORTS

FORT GIBSON – Cherokee Nation marshals, medics and emergency management team kept life moving in the 4,000-population town of Fort Gibson, where the Arkansas River hadn’t submerged rooftops and highways this high since 1943.

For two weeks, starting May 22, the CN took command of rescue and recovery operations for everything east of the river in Muskogee County.

The group set up a mobile command center to easily activate their swift water rescue boats on 189 deployments, evacuating 20 residents and saving 19 calves, two dogs, a cat and two show pigs.

CN officials said without the efforts, some residents wouldn’t have received critical supplies, such as medication and water.

A nearby power plant couldn’t have gotten workers and parts in and out to maintain services for dozens of homes and towns in its power grid without rescue assistance, officials said.

“This is the largest deployment we’ve been on. Most of our deployments have been for hurricane efforts like in Florida or Texas and not flooding in our own backyard,” said Marshal Capt. Danny Tanner. “For a hurricane, the water typically goes down after the storm, but with this flooding, water levels rise and fall, creating its own unique hazards.”

The flood levels reached 46 feet at the Arkansas River between Fort Gibson and Muskogee, far surpassing major flood stage at 34 feet after a release at the Pensacola Dam water reservoirs.

“The Cherokee Nation marshals and emergency management team are well trained, and they are experienced in completing successful rescue missions during both Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Harvey in Houston,” said Principal Chief Bill John

Baker. “And when we needed them on the ground here in the Cherokee Nation, they knew exactly what to do and went right to work, saving lives and property.”

Many of the deployments, which wrapped up in early June, were critical for residents.

When the U.S. postmaster out of Muskogee couldn’t deliver mail to Braggs for several days, the marshals picked him up via an airboat to ferry him across the water to deliver his packages.

“A lot of people get their prescriptions by mail, so we went and got the postmaster and took him to the post office, where he sorted the mail and residents got the prescriptions they needed,” Tanner said.

The Humane Society took in the animals rescued by the team, including calves on the brink of drowning.

The marshals helped unhook a rigging to pump water out of a power plant and take essential workers in and out. They also transported essential parts to the town’s water plant to maintain city water.

When a family of three tried to go into the flood waters on a civilian boat to check on their home, the marshals were quick to aid.

“They didn’t know how to handle the water, and eventually the boat went under,” Tanner said. “We got all three out and they’re all okay.”

Michael Rogers, a CN paramedic of 13 years, was deployed to Hurricane Florence in North Carolina in 2018 and said he was eager to help in Fort Gibson as part of the rescue and recovery team.

The CN also had assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Fire and Rescue, Florida Region 7 All Hazards Incident Management Team and local law enforcement agencies.

“This is much larger and this is local,” Rogers said.

“It’s our tribal citizens and our neighbors affected, and all of Cherokee Nation is involved in what we’re doing to get a firsthand look instead of hearing stories about it.”

CERTIFIED: 3 Tribal

Council races will be decided July 27 in a runoff election for Dist. 3, 12 and an At-Large seat from front page CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Election Commission Administrator Marcus Fears verifies a name randomly drawn June 20 for placement on the July 27 runoff election ballot.

July 27 Runoff Precincts District 3 Sequoyah High School Cafeteria 17091 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah Keys Community Building 19083 E. 840 Road, Park Hill

District 12 NO WE TA CN Community Center 1020 Lenape Drive, Nowata Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation Keeler Heights 1003 S. Virginia Ave., Bartlesville VFW Post 7977 133169 N. Cincinnati Ave., Skiatook

Election Commission 2019 Election Cycle Timeline Election Commission Meeting: July 9 Early Walk-in Voting: July 20 & July 23-25 Runoff Election: July 27 Recount Request: July 29-31 Recount, if necessary: August 1-2 Recount Result Deadline: August 2 Election Appeals Deadline: August 5 Supreme Court Hearings, if necessary: August 6-8 Supreme Court Hearings Deadline: August 8 Inauguration Day: August 14

District 14 Keith Austin: 579 (56.82 percent) Cara Cowan Watts: 440 (43.18 percent) At-Large Julia Coates: 994 (44.75 percent) Johnny Jack Kidwell: 679 (30.57 percent) Steve Adair: 371 (16.70 percent) Pamela Fox: 143 (6.44 percent) Wanda Hatfield (disqualified): 34 (1.53 percent) Runoff election Three races will be decided July 27 in a runoff election for Dist. 3, 12 and an At-Large seat.

The top two vote-getters in Dist. 3’s seven-candidate race were Debra Proctor with 29.09 percent and Wes Nofire with 29.47 percent. Proctor will be listed first on the ballot, then Nofire based on a random draw for positioning by the EC on June 20. The winner will replace David Walkingstick, who will term out after having served eight years in office.

In Dist. 12, there were four candidates. Phyllis Lay and Dora L. Smith Patzkowski took the top spots with 32.92 percent and 30.17 percent, respectively. Based on the ballot draw, Patzkowski will be listed first. The victor will replace Lay’s husband, Dick Lay, who is terming out after eight years in office.

The At-Large seat drew five candidates, one of which, incumbent Wanda Hatfield, was disqualified prior to the June 1 general election. Johnny Jack Kidwell, with 30.57 percent of the vote, and Julia Coates, with 44.75 percent, will face off in the runoff election. Coates will be listed first on the ballot.

The EC planned to have an estimated 5,000 absentee ballots printed June 20, then mail them on June 24-25.

Voters who received an absentee ballot for the general election will be sent an absentee ballot for the runoff, according to the EC. For those who did not receive an absentee ballot for the general election, the deadline to request one was June 17.

All winning candidates will take their oaths of office on Aug. 14.

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CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

Cherokee Phoenix JULY 1, 2019

Volume 43, No. 13 The Cherokee Phoenix is published twice monthly by the Cherokee Nation, PO Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465.

Application to mail at Periodicals postage rates is pending at Tahlequah, OK 74464.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Cherokee Phoenix, PO Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465

Editorial Staff Brandon Scott Executive Editor brandon-scott@cherokee.org 918-453-5000 ext 7258

Travis Snell Assistant Editor travis-snell@cherokee.org 918-453-5358

Will Chavez Assistant Editor will-chavez@cherokee.org 918-207-3961

Mark Dreadfulwater Multimedia Editor mark-dreadfulwater@cherokee.org 918-453-5087

Reporters D. Sean Rowley Senior Reporter david-rowley@cherokee.org 918-453-5560

Lindsey Bark Reporter lindsey-bark@cherokee.org 918-453-5000 ext 4223

Chad Hunter Reporter chad-hunter@cherokee.org 918-453-5000 ext 7256

Multimedia Staff Roger Graham Multimedia Producer roger-graham@cherokee.org 918-207-3969

Administrative Staff Dena Tucker Administrative Officer dena-tucker@cherokee.org 918-453-5324

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Editorial Board Lauren Jones Cusick Kendra McGeady Brenda Thompson Ceciley Thomason-Murphy Cherokee Phoenix P.O. Box 948 Tahlequah, OK 74465 (918) 453-5269 FAX: (918) 207-0049 1-800-256-0671 www.cherokeephoenix.org ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Within the United States: $15 for one year Please contact us at the number above to subscribe.

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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 918-207-4975.

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Copyright 2018: 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.

Native American Journalists Association

OPINION • ᏃᎵᏍᎬ

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019

Leadership, cultural lessons learned via ‘Remember the Removal’ ride

BY Bill John Baker Principal Chief As a student of history, especially Cherokee history, there is no better education and leadership skills development than Cherokee Nation’s annual “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride. Every summer a team of young riders along with mentor riders and support staff from the CN and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians team up and retrace our ancestors’ route from our homelands in the East to modern-day Oklahoma.

We are so proud of these Cherokee men and women. They have accomplished something very personal and special and, at the same time, allowed all of us as CN citizens to once again reflect on our history.

The Trail of Tears is an important part of Cherokee history. Participation in “Remember the Removal” enables the riders to better understand the trials and tribulations our people faced during their journey to Indian Territory. Riders began following the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears at the former capital of the CN in New Echota, Georgia, then made stops at museums, gravesites,

national parks, churches and other historic locations along the way. With every mile traveled, they are more versed about the Cherokee experience and the true history of our people.

Before they left, I challenged each participant to share as much as they can with as many people as they can. Not only did they do that along the way, but I know they’ll take their experience and share it with others for the rest of their lives.

When the mind and body are stretched to their limit, spiritual and personal experiences can be profound and life changing. This journey offers cyclists a chance to share something sacred with our ancestors, and this group of riders is blessed to share all of those transformative moments together, as one amazing group. The participants returned with a greater understanding not just of the hardships our people endured more than 180 years ago, but also with a better grasp of the inner and collective strength it takes to survive as a tribe, and as an individual.

They have spurred each other to great heights across the seven states and the 950-mile trek. It is a hard journey, but they know the struggles they encountered are only a small taste of what Cherokees experienced and collectively overcame many years ago.

When the inaugural bike ride took place

in 1984, we set a precedent for tribes doing this kind of living classroom and experience-based learning. It was an outside-the-box concept, and now others have started similar endeavors. That is wonderful, because these experiences shape and mature a young person.

I know every rider had to dig deep and find reservoirs of strength, perseverance and fortitude. Their perspective of what our Cherokee ancestors encountered along the trail is forever changed. But their perspective is sharper and they are more empathetic to the sacrifices our ancestors were forced to make on their journey when more than one quarter of our tribal population perished from exposure, starvation and disease.

Our cyclists will carry the memories and bonding moments they had with fellow cyclists forever. This bond they have formed is like family, and through it, I see true Cherokee values.

The 2019 CN “Remember the Removal” riders are Brooke Bailey, 23, of Lost City; Joshua Chavez, 24, of Tahlequah; Marie Eubanks, 55, of Rocky Mountain; Kayli Gonzales, 23, of Welling; Shadow Hardbarger, 24, of Marble City; Elizabeth Hummingbird, 21, of Peavine; Ashley Hunnicutt, 25, of Tahlequah; Destiny Matthews, 21, of Watts; Sydnie Pierce, 23, of Locust Grove; Steven Shade, 24, of Briggs; and Kevin Stretch, 58, of Tahlequah.

Tomorrow brings a new day

BY JOE DEERE Tribal Councilor-elect

Throughout the 2019 Cherokee Nation political campaign for a new principal chief and a new round of new or returning tribal councilors, there has been a dichotomy apparent. These two factions mirror any duality, like the Hero Twins or opposing teams in a game of stickball (A-ne-jo-di).

Stickball is a Cherokee game that was used to resolve problems or settle disputes between tribes, or factions.

Historically, one team was declared the winner, and there was no possibility for filing complaints. This game taught our youth that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but you honor the outcome.

In 2019, some Cherokee Nation citizens tried to teach a different lesson, one that does not come to us from our legend stories and traditional teachings.

This lesson was to bend the rules and to cheat. The lesson included complaining and criticizing.

These dishonorable actions did not, in the end, get the desired outcome from the people using those tactics. In fact, the Cherokee Nation can be proud that we followed the constitution that was formed by the intentions of our people. We can be hopeful that our young ones will learn gratitude and respect from our behavior, from both factions, after the election.

We need to teach by example that we all

have the power to turn a negative into a positive, for ourselves and for others.

As tribal councilor-elect for Dist. 13 of the Cherokee Nation, I plan on working towards creating community within our district and between our district and the tribe as a whole. Community can be defined as a feeling of fellowship that is a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, goals and aspirations. When we form community we will have less factioning of our people. We will grow stronger as a functioning community.

The stickball game is over. Time to pick up our things, sweep the grounds, go home and eat. Tomorrow brings a new day.

Editor’s Note: Joe Deere is the Dist. 13 Tribal Councilor-elect for the 2019-2023 term, which will begin Aug. 14.

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

Community • ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ

JULY 1, 2019 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX

5

In Memoriam SHARON KAY (KELLEY) LAY – Born Thursday, June 14th, 1956, the daughter of Jeff Marion and Mamie Marie (Watkins) Kelley. Died Sunday, June 16th, 2019 in Tahlequah, OK at age 63 of Park Hill, OK. Cherokee Nation Housing Rehab Director.

John Herman Sparks Services for John Herman Sparks were held 1:00 PM, Friday, May 17, 2019 at the Sulphur United Methodist Church in Sulphur, with Pastor Jim Shepard officiating.

John, the last of six children of William Watie and Gertrude (Hohenstein) Sparks, was born on the family farm in Hitchita, Oklahoma, on February 20, 1939. He passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Sulphur, Oklahoma, at 80 years old.

John was very proud of being Cherokee. John’s full-blooded Cherokee grandmother, Johnsie Anna Littlejohn Sparks, enrolled herself and John’s father before the Dawes Act Roll closed in 1904. Like many others, she enrolled as a ¼ blood to avoid being assigned a government trustee to manage their affairs.

Education was very important to John’s family. While John’s father had a sixth grade and his mother an eighth grade education, his parents wanted their children to be prepared for college. His parents rented a house in Checotah and moved the children “to town” for school. John, his brothers and sisters stayed in Checotah, most often without their parents, during the week and went back to work on the farm over the weekends.

John paid for Oklahoma State University by picking fruit three summers near Bakersfield, California, and another working on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. At Oklahoma State, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and met Carolyn Hunt Sparks. They were married for 58 years.

After a short tenure with Westinghouse in the East, John took a job with Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. There, he built a computer the size of an 8 x 12 room to test the tail assembly of B-52 bombers.

He commented years later how a computer with the same calculating power could now be held in his hand.

John also worked on the guidance system of the Gemini space program in Florida. From there, John worked at the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on the Apollo Moon landing program directed by Wernher Von Braun.

He continued his career developing spy satellites and working for the Atomic Energy Commission.

When John’s father-in-law, Fred Hunt, died unexpectedly in 1970, John and Carolyn moved to Sulphur to manage the HU Ranch. For 48 years, he faithfully cared for the cattle and land that had belonged to, as John said, “Fred Hunt, the best friend I ever had.” John requested to be buried next to his best friend north of Sulphur.

In 1980 and 1982, before it was

common for women to run and be elected to public office, John proudly supported his wife’s candidacy for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

John enjoyed planting corn and turnips for the wildlife at the ranch and even feeding the deer in his front yard.

He participated in several agriculture and service organizations. John long enjoyed spending time at the “coffee shop.” This was a connection to the community and his source of, sometimes, questionable information. Although the men all enjoyed the one-upmanship of insulting each other to a very high level, he greatly enjoyed their friendship.

He took pleasure in improving the genetics of his cattle herd, grafting hundreds of pecan trees and suing the government for taking his water rights to irrigate those trees.

John was a member of the Sulphur United Methodist Church, where he served as a chairman of the Administrative Council, the Pastor Parish Committee and on many Lay Witness Missions.

John’s greatest pride was for his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved and supported them in every way.

John’s daughter, Carilyn Hunt Sparks is a physician at UCLA in southern California.

His son, John Hunt Sparks, is an attorney in Norman with his wife Beth Sneed Sparks. Beth was loved dearly by her father-in-law who credited her for many things including being a wonderful mother to his grandsons, Hunt and Benjamin.

John was an honest, caring, loyal person and expected others to be the same.

Serving as pallbearers were Bill Geier, Harold Hunt, Charles Roos, John Scaggs, Benjamin Sparks and Hunt Sparks.

Services were “entrusted to” HALE’S FUNERAL HOME of Sulphur, Oklahoma.

On line condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.

Sammye Sampsel Burrus, a grandmother of the Cherokee Nation, passed on to her next journey on May 19, 2019. Sam Sam was born in Pryor Creek, Oklahoma on February 9, 1947 to G.A. Pat and Cherokee Baker Sampsel.

At a very young age Sam Sam’s love for art flourished to the point she would use her own hair to make brushes. She saw art in every corner of her life and used every corner of her world as a canvas.

Sadly in 1977 a car wreck affected her.

Love and Joy diminished.

After years of healing she found peace with other artists that guided her to the Cherokee Elders. The Elders taught her to overcome the darkness and interpret her dreams again as light, as love, as Cherokee. She emerged with color and passion for art once again. She traveled from coast to coast showing her dreams to others and winning award after award.

She was honored and loved by all.

Her art and her dreams were welcomed internationally, but by far her favorite love was the children’s books.

She absolutely loved children and their unconditional love, joy, and smiles from the stories.

For nearly 30 years Sam Sam celebrated life in New Mexico. First living in Rio Rancho, then Jemez Springs, and finally Albuquerque close to her grandchildren. Sadly we learned of cancer on Easter of this year. She made the decision she would not fight her fate and made peace. A holy man from a local pueblo blessed her again with Dolly E. Toney Owen, Cherokee Nation citizen went home to her father in Heaven on April 29, 2019 due to a fall.

She was 92.

She was born on August 22, 1926 in Porum, OK the fourth child of Ira Dell Shoemake and Famous Indian Toney.

Our mom was a proud Cherokee woman, a spunky gal who listened to her country and western music and Alan Jackson and her tv show Doc Martin; she enjoyed watching her plants grow and her flowers bloom. Dolly worked as a seamstress for many years and helped make suits for a couple of lady movie stars. She also loved to crochet and she made beautiful afghans. Above all though she was a homemaker who loved her family.

Left behind cherish her memory are her children, Sue Soo-kinne Minnoch, Paul Toney Owen and David James Owen and wife Theresa; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, her husband George N. Owen, Daughter

prayers and feathers to follow the wind.

Her spirit left that night following the sounds of birds under a spring full moon.

She will be missed.

She is survived by her sons, Robert and his family of Albuquerque and Christopher and Christa that reside in the East Mountains with their children Bran, age 5, and Isla, age 9, who called her Nannihe.

Sam Sam was buried under the protection of her Cherokee grandmothers in Mayes County, Oklahoma. A memorial service was be held on June 8, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Stephens-Key Funeral Home in Pryor. A graveside service was held on that day, as well, at 3:30 P.M. at Bryan Chapel Cemetery in Boatman, Oklahoma.

Celia Gay Syphers, granddaughter Janet Minnoch, grandson Grady Minnoch and daughter in law Heidi Owen.

Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Church in Webbers Falls with Pastor Pat Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in the Toney Cemetery under the direction of Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home of Webbers Falls.

Community Events July 1 Lost City Community Organization 6 p.m.

Native American Association of Ketchum, 280 E. Gregory, Ketchum 6:30 p.m.

Belfonte 6:30 p.m., Call 918-427-4237 Marble City Community Organization MCCO Building, 7 p.m.

Eucha Indian Fellowship Eucha Community Building, 8 p.m.

July 2 Vian Peace Center 604 W. Schley, 5:30 p.m.

Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization, MCCO Building 6 p.m., Call 918-427-5440 Brushy Cherokee Action Association 465406 E. 1010 Road, 6 p.m.

Call 918-775-6914 Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, 6:30 p.m.

805-551-6445, tulsacherokees@gmail.com One Fire Association Kenwood Community Building 7 p.m., emmahayes87@yahoo.com July 8 Rocky Mountain Cherokee Community Organization, 6 p.m., 918-696-4965 Brent Community Association 461914 Hwy. 141, Gans. 6 p.m.

918-774-0655, abrentcomm@live.com Fairfield Community Organization, Inc. 6:30 p.m. Call 918-605-0839 Marble City Pantry 7 p.m. Call 918-775-5975 Oak Hill/Piney 7 p.m. Call 918-235-2811 July 9 No-We-Ta Cherokee Community 1003 Lenape Drive, Nowata 6:30 p.m., 918-273-5536 Victory Cherokee Organization 1025 N. 12th St. Collinsville. 7 p.m.

Call 918-371-6688 or 918-696-2354 Email victorycherokee@att.net

July 11 Stilwell Public Library Friends Society 5 N. Sixth St., Stilwell, 5 p.m.

Call 918-315-4279 Native American Fellowship Inc. 215 Oklahoma St., South Coffeyville 6 p.m., Call 620-252-8883 Adair County Resource Center 110 S. Second St., Stilwell, 6:30 p.m.

Okay Senior Citizens Inc. Okay Senior Building, 3701 E. 75th St., 7 p.m.

Lyons Switch, 7 p.m.

July 14 Rogers County Cherokee Association Traditional Cherokee basket making class Email rogerscountygwys@gmail.com Call 539-777-2898 July 15 Neighborhood Association of Chewey Chewey Community Building, 7 p.m.

July 18 Tri-County (W.E.B.) Association J.R.’s Country Auction, 6 p.m.

Orchard Road Community Outreach

(Stilwell), Turning Point Office, 6 p.m.

July 22 Christie, 7 p.m. Call 918-778-3423 July 23 Dry Creek, 7 p.m., Call 918-457-5023 Tuesdays Veterans Affairs representatives Cherokee Nation Veterans Center Tahlequah, 918-772-4166 or 918-453-5695 The Veterans Center will host VA reps for all veterans to speak to from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Marble City Nutrition Center 711 N. Main, 918-775-2158 The Marble City Nutrition Center serves hot meals at the Marble City Community Center at 11:30 a.m.

First Friday of every month Concho Community Building405-422-7622 Year Round Will Rogers Memorial Museum Claremore, 918-341-0719

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CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

Health • ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019

Hansen continues mission to educate public about snakes With nearly 30 years of experience, tribal citizen Woody Hansen relays information about venomous and non-venomous snakes in presentations.

BY LINDSEY BARK Reporter

JAY – For nearly three decades, Cherokee Nation citizen Woody Hansen has informed the public about the “striking” reptile species – snakes – so people can learn to coexist with them rather than be fearful.

In his presentations at libraries, schools and health facilities, Hansen displays venomous and nonvenomous snakes that he’s acquired and tells crowds the do’s and don’ts when it comes to encountering a snake.

For example, when bitten, he said taking care of a snakebite is not like it is on TV. Whether a bite is from a venomous or non-venomous snake, it is best to go to the hospital.

“In real life, unless you’re bitten right in the neck, you may get bit in the hand or the foot, you’re going to survive,” he said.

He said because of what is shown on TV most people want to suck out the poison or create a tourniquet around the wound, but neither is encouraged.

“The reason is, is the person who got bit has venom in them. Say my friend wanted to help and start suctioning it out, she would get venom in her mouth and it would go into her system. Then you have two people that need doctoring instead of one,” Hansen said.

He added that a non-venomous snakebite could be treated with soap, water and an antiseptic because a snake’s bite is full of germs and bacteria, but a trip to the hospital is still advised.

The most common places a person will get bit are the hand, leg or foot, though a snake can bite anywhere.

In his presentations, Hansen shows venomous and non-venomous snakes such as copperhead, rattlesnake, water snake, hognose, bull snake and garter snake.

He said the most common snakes people might see in spring and summer are copperheads and rattlesnakes.

“The copperhead, especially this time of year, in the summer when it’s humid and in the evening time is when they’re most prevalent to come out and look for food. People outside in the evening time are more apt to get bit. During the morning hours and the afternoon they’re in the shade. They’re very docile as far as just laying around. In the evening they’re out moving,” he said.

He said people might also come across pygmy rattlesnakes, especially when picking blackberries and

huckleberries.

People might also come across the non-venomous hognose and be deceived that it’s venomous because the hognose can flare its head like a cobra.

“If you surprise him out in the woods, he’s going to flare up. So if you’ve ever seen a hognose, (while) walking around and you get scared and start dancing around, this hognose will flare out his head,” he said.

Hansen tells audiences some differences to look for in venomous and non-venomous snakes. He said a non-venomous snake has round eyes and a rounder head, while a venomous snake has “cat-eyes” and a triangular-shaped head. For example, he said a water snake had a triangular-shaped head, which would indicate that it is poisonous.

“Just get familiar with what’s around you. Like I tell kids, go to the library, read about them. I tell adults try to overcome your fear.”

LEFT: Summer school students and others look at a display of snakes during a snake education presentation

by Cherokee Nation citizen Woody Hansen on June 19 at the Delaware County Library in Jay. RIGHT: A western diamondback rattlesnake was one snake on display for education purposes during Woody Hansen’s snake presentation on June 19 at the Delaware County Library.

Day appointed Oklahoma ambassador for NORD

The National Organization for Rare Disorders is a nonprofit organization committed to identifying and treating rare diseases and disorders.

BY LINDSEY BARK Reporter

MUSKOGEE – Cherokee Nation citizen Jade Day was recently appointed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders and the Oklahoma Rare Action Network as an ambassador for Oklahoma to serve as liaison between NORD and state agencies, networks and officials to increase awareness of rare diseases and disorders.

“I will be responsible for establishing and building a strong grassroots network of rare disease advocates within our state to help increase awareness of rare diseases and the challenges patients and their families face,” Day said.

Day’s work stems from her personal life of having a son diagnosed with a rare disorder called FG1 Syndrome. She said it took her family 7-1/2 years to get an official diagnosis after numerous tests were done.

“My experiences, as my son has grown, have shown me there was a lack of advocacy and support for families like mine. So, I educated myself and got training to help other families like mine,” she said.

According to rarediseases.org, NORD and its more than 280 patient organization members are committed to the “identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research and patient services.”

Day said she also wants to bring awareness of rare diseases and disorders

PHOTOS BY LINDSEY BARK/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Cherokee Nation citizen Woody Hansen handles a nonvenomous bull snake and talks to the public about the differences in venomous versus non-venomous snakes and what to do when bitten on June 19 at the Delaware County Library in Jay.

in the Native American community.

“I hope to bring in Native American rare disease health issues also because Natives are rarely represented in rare disease and genetics at all.”

She said there are approximately 7,000 rare disorders and diseases that NORD recognizes. The most common ones that people may have heard of are sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia A and B and all pediatric cancers.

NORD began out of necessity when in the 1970s and 1980s patients and their families had little to no access of treatments or information for rare diseases and disorders.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a disease is defined as rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States and is genetic or has a genetic component.

In addition to her appointment, Day has organized Rare Disease Day at the state capital for the past two years and is a 2017 Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking graduate.

“It feels empowering. I feel like I can make changes in Oklahoma to better the lives of all Oklahomans, not just families living with rare disorders. I am thankful for this opportunity to improve the lives of rare disease patients and families and spread awareness to their needs.

I also love the opportunity to open up the dialogue of Native Americans and rare disease. I feel the Native aspect of genetic disease has been neglected and needs further research,” she said.

For more information, email jade.day@rareaction.org or visit rarediseases.org.

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Health officials announce voluntary drug recall

Dr. Roger Montgomery says a recall of three types of Losartan tablets coming from producers in India affects less than 100 Cherokee Nation patients.

BY D. SEAN ROWLEY Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH – During the Tribal Council’s Health Committee meeting on May 13, Cherokee Nation Health Services officials offered an update regarding a medication recall.

Dr. Roger Montgomery informed legislators of a voluntary recall of three types of Losartan tablets – potassium, USP and potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide – which was triggered by the discovery of a possible carcinogen.

He said it was found that certain lot numbers of the tablets, coming from producers in India, contained N-methylnitrosobutyric acid above daily intake levels approved by the FDA. Losartan uses include treatment of high blood pressure, protecting type 2 diabetes patients from kidney damage and reducing stroke risk in those with hypertension and an enlarged heart.

Describing the recall as “significant but small,” Montgomery said the reported lot numbers indicated less

than 100 CN Health Services patients had received Losartan included in the recall.

“We sent letters out to them by registered mail recommending if they are one of the patients that have this medication, that they bring it back to the pharmacy to have it replaced,” Montgomery said. “It is important to tell you that, even with this small amount of impurity, it is considered more of a risk to abruptly stop the medication than to take it for a few more days until you get the correct medication.”

Montgomery also updated committee members on the situation surrounding a thyroid antibody test that was giving false results of low levels of thyroglobulin in patients.

“Letters were sent out to about 300 patients,” he said. “We’ve not had any issues or complaints from patients.

We’re getting the findings we were told by the company we would. All current tests are being done with reagent that works properly, and reporting is back to normal.”

Education • ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

CN language technology specialist named to advisory team Wade Blevins will serve for the rest of the 2018-19 school year and during the 2019-20 school year.

BY STAFF REPORTS TAHLEQUAH – Wade Blevins, a Cherokee Nation language technology specialist, has been appointed to an Oklahoma State Department of Education language advisory team.

Blevins joins the World Languages Other Than English Advisory Team. The team’s purpose is to meet with experts in world languages from across Oklahoma to develop a multi-year strategic plan for the professional development and programmatic support that will ultimately be offered to schools, teachers and students in world languages.

“I personally feel this is a great step forward to Indigenous languages to be included in the development and growth of world languages other than English in our state,” Blevins said. “My personal dream is to see dual language tracks in Cherokee and English in schools all across the 14 county Cherokee Nation jurisdictional service area, and I feel this is a step in that direction. I also feel this will help me stay informed about what’s

happening in language acquisition across the state and be able to reach out for support in improving our own efforts to revitalize our language and identity.”

Blevins will serve on the advisory team for the rest of the 2018-19 school year and during the 2019-20 school year.

“Wade’s appointment to this advisory board is another example of the longstanding cooperation between Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma State Department of Education,” CN Language Program Manager Roy Boney said. “It will provide language revitalization programs a voice at the state level in the areas of teacher certification and curriculum. Wade will be a good advocate not just for Cherokee language but for other indigenous languages in Oklahoma, too.”

Blevins, of Jay, has been working on Cherokee language revitalization for more than a decade. He has a bachelor’s degree in education and Spanish and a master’s degree in education in gifted and talented education with an emphasis in Native American students.

CN recognized for support of teachers fund The Cherokee Nation is part of the Tribal Alliance that supports the Oklahoma Fund for Teachers.

BY STAFF REPORTS TULSA – Twenty-seven Oklahoma educators will embark on careerchanging professional development experiences this summer, thanks in part to a new Tribal Alliance comprised of the Chickasaw Nation, Cherokee Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The Tribal Alliance is helping support 2019 Oklahoma Fund for Teachers grants, which provide selfdesigned summer learning experiences for Oklahoma teachers in the United States and throughout the world. Tribal Alliance members were recognized at a recent reception hosted by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, the national Fund for Teachers and the Tulsa Community Foundation, which partner to administer Oklahoma Fund for Teachers grants.

“The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recognizes the tremendous positive influence Native American tribes are to our state’s educational endeavors,” said OFE President Cathryn Render, explaining that the foundation reached out to tribes with the goal of encouraging teachers with Native American tribal citizenship to apply for Fund for Teachers fellowships. “We are very proud of these five founding

members for stepping up to recognize the value of the amazing Fund for Teachers program. And of course, we are delighted that over 23 percent of the fellows selected this year were indeed tribal members.”

Since 2002, more than 1,000 Oklahoma teachers have received Fund for Teachers grants totaling over $3.6 million. In 2006, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to offer grants to educators statewide when the OFE joined the national Fund for Teachers and the Tulsa Community Foundation as state partners. Fund for Teachers fellowships empower teachers to explore their academic passions, deepen their scholarship and enhance their craft, said Karen Webb, executive director of the national Fund for Teachers.

“Through experiential learning, bold experimentation and the realization of personal ambition, teachers are better equipped to impart tools and skills which serve their students far beyond the boundaries of the classroom,” Webb said. “Fund for Teachers knows that good teachers become great teachers when they have the resources to explore their subject matter in the real world and translate it to their students and communities.”

For information on the 2019 Oklahoma Fund for Teachers fellows, visit www. fundforteachers.org.

2 Cherokees named NSU Outstanding Seniors

BY STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH – Two Cherokee Nation citizens were named to Northeastern State University’s Alumni Association 2019 Outstanding Seniors list.

Chaydee Lawless, of Rufe, and Gabriel Mouse, of Tahlequah, joined eight other graduating seniors recognized with the honor.

According to a press release, the Outstanding Seniors recognition honors graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to NSU through academic achievement, campus activities, community service, honors

and awards. NSU faculty and staff for the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses selected students.

Other honored seniors are Madyson Bush, of Skiatook; Cheyhoma Dugger, of Hartshorne; Billy Jo Gordon, of Weleetka; Rachel Hiatt, of Cleveland; Blaze Milner, of Tulsa; Trenton Morgan, of Choctaw; Nichole Phy, of Sand Springs; and Dae’lyn Smith, of Mannford.

All honorees received a commemorative stole to wear at graduation, a framed award certificate, and a one-year membership to the NSU Alumni Association.

JULY 1, 2019 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX

7

CNF announces its scholars for 2019-20 academic year The Cherokee Nation Foundation is awarding $233,250 in scholarships to 101 students.

BY STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation Foundation recently announced scholarship recipients for the 2019-20 academic school year. CNF is awarding $233,250 to 40 high school graduates and 61 university students.

“We couldn’t be more proud to be awarding a record amount of scholarship dollars this year,” CNF Executive Director Janice Randall said. “Thanks to our donors, we are supporting more students than ever before and are creating new opportunities that will help these students achieve academic success.”

Included in the awards are the first round of scholarship recipients for new endowments created through CNF’s Leave a Legacy endowment matching program, such as the Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship; Charles Alan Beauchamp Scholarship; and Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club Scholarship.

“In addition to this being the largest amount of scholarships ever awarded, we are also celebrating the graduation of the largest class of Cherokee scholars,” Randall said. “These students sign up in eighth grade and commit to being elite students by taking on additional classes, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and attending CNF programs such as the ACT Prep Camp and the Cherokee College Prep Institute. In return, each Cherokee scholar is awarded $1,000 per semester for up to four years, as long as they maintain eligibility.”

Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, community and culture involvement, and future plans to serve the Cherokee people.

In Adair County, scholarship recipients are Aubrey Brown, Sequoyah High School, James R. Upton Memorial Award; Myklynn Deason, Stilwell High School, District 6 & 8 Carl Albert John Lance Kelley Memorial Scholarship; Shyla Nakedhead, Stilwell High School, Harold “Jiggs” Phillips Scholarship; Christian Smith, Sequoyah High School, Sequoyah High School Alumni Association Scholarship; and Dakota St. Pierre, University of Oklahoma, Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship.

In Cherokee County, scholarship recipients are Addison Backwater, Sequoyah High School, Sequoyah High School Alumni Association Scholarship; Jacob Denne, University of Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship; Emerald GoingSnake, Sequoyah High School, James R. Upton Memorial Award; Cole Goodnight, Tahlequah High School, Cherokee Scholars; Clint Kelley, Oklahoma State University, Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship; Samantha Lane, Sequoyah High School, Sequoyah High School Alumni Association Scholarship; Jillian Rose, Sequoyah High School, Cherokee Scholars; Kaitlyn Wofford, Sequoyah High School, James R. Upton Memorial Award; and Ethan Winn, Sequoyah High School, Cherokee Scholars.

In Craig County, Ty Earp, of Quapaw High School, received a Cherokee Scholars award.

In Mayes County, scholarship recipients are Dylan Luper, Oklahoma State University, HP Engineering Inc. Scholarship; Saige Martin, Pryor High School, Peruzzi Family Scholarship; and Remington Ward, Locust Grove

We couldn’t be more proud to be awarding a record amount of scholarship dollars this year.”

Janice Randall, Cherokee Nation Foundation executive director High School, Cherokee Scholars.

In Muskogee County, Levi Gassaway, of Hilldale High School, earned a Cherokee Scholars award.

In Rogers County, scholarship recipients are Cyler Ayers, Verdigris High School, Cherokee Scholars; Grace Brasfield, Claremore High School, Cherokee Scholars; Kelsey Bart, Rogers State University, Brent & Janees Taylor, RSU Business Scholarship; Bryson Brown, Claremore High School, Cherokee Scholars; Tristin Hampton, Claremore High School, Cherokee Scholars; Dezi McGee, Oologah High School, Cherokee Scholars; Dillon Nadal, Verdigris High School, Cherokee Scholars; Chloe Thorsen, Owasso High School, Cherokee Scholars; Hunter Thorsen, Owasso High School, Cherokee Scholars; and Tori Wood, Claremore Sequoyah High School, Cherokee Scholars and University of Tulsa/CNF Scholarship.

In Sequoyah County, scholarship recipients are Haley Flute, Muldrow High School, Cherokee Scholars; Alyssa Hale, Vian High School, CNF Scholarship; Michelle Hughes, Northeastern State University, Audie Baker Memorial Scholarship; Alyssa Jones, Muldrow High School, Cherokee Scholars; and Mikeesha Watts, Vian High School, Cherokee Scholars and District 6 & 8 Carl Albert John Lance Kelley Memorial Scholarship.

In Tulsa County, scholarship recipients are Cheyenne Blackwood, University of Tulsa, Charles Alan Beauchamp Scholarship; Riley Sugg, Edison Preparatory High School, Cherokee Scholars; and Rachael Driver, University of Oklahoma, Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club Scholarship.

In Wagoner County, Katherine Sharp, of Broken Arrow High School, earned the Oklahoma State University/CNF Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients from outside the tribe’s jurisdiction are Audrey Allard, Carl Albert High School, AtLarge Tribal Council Award; Abigail Boatmun, Durant High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award; Carter Bowen, Medford High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award; Carly Clark, Edmond Memorial High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award; Madison Duehning, Guthrie High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award; Emilee Lemon, Byng High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award; Alec Lignitz, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship; Nicholas Osborne, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Cherokee Scholars; Alycia Stodden, Olympic College, Susan B. Agnew Leoser Scholarship; Cade Weatherton, Arkoma High School, Cherokee Scholars; Tarin Stephens, University of Oklahoma, Kenneth Comer Memorial Scholarship; Bradley Isbell, University of Missouri Columbia, Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship; and Kalen Sixkiller, Norman North High School, At-Large Tribal Council Award.

cherokeephoenix.org

8

CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

Services • ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019

Tribe to seek veterans cemetery funding

BY CHAD HUNTER Reporter TAHLEQUAH – Hoping to establish a Cherokee Nation veterans cemetery, tribal policymakers agreed June 10 to apply for federal grant funding.

“I have mentioned this to some veteran friends, and they’re very excited about it,” Dist. 13 Tribal Councilor Buel Anglen said. “They just want to know where it’s going to be.”

The Tribal Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the CN Office of Veterans Affairs to seek from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant funding to cover costs associated with design and planning of a cemetery.

The tribe will express interest prior to a July 1 “planning phase” deadline, CN Veterans Affairs Director Barbara Foreman said.

“This is just preliminary,” she said. “It’s like a pre-app. The only thing they’re wanting from us is something from our council and chief.”

An early site considered for the cemetery was near Cherokee Trails Golf Course, Sequoyah High School and the tribe’s Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah.

Unimpressed with that site, councilors removed from the proposal any reference to a cemetery location.

“This is my district,” Dist. 3 Tribal Councilor David Walkingstick said. “I grew up in that area my whole entire life. I’m not really excited about the location. I think it’s a great concept, a great idea. But, I can’t pass this with the location it’s in right now.”

At-Large Tribal Councilor Mary Baker Shaw agreed.

“I think this is a fantastic idea, but that was before I saw the location,” she said. “I’m horrified we’re going to put a cemetery possibly by our school where our kids go.

I’m sorry, I think this is a terrible location.”

Councilors also amended the resolution to include only “Cherokee veterans,” a move Foreman said will likely lessen the tribe’s chance to receive a portion of the $45 million available in grant funding.

“We can apply for either way you choose,” she said.

“But what they’ve told us so far is that if we apply for a national cemetery and we open it for all veterans, we would be higher on the priority list to be funded. If we just go to strictly tribal, it will drop us down quite a bit.”

Councilors were adamant that a CN cemetery should be limited to Cherokees.

“I love the idea of us having a national cemetery,” Dist. 14 Tribal Councilor Keith Austin said. “I don’t love the idea of us committing ourselves to care for non-tribal citizens from now until eternity with tribal dollars.”

Tribal Speaker Joe Byrd acknowledged that limiting the cemetery could reduce grant chances, but like others, expressed concern over serving “all tribes, all

CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX A sculpture called “The Warrior Circle” by Cherokee artist Daniel HorseChief is seen outside the Cherokee Nation Veterans Center in Tahlequah. The Tribal Council voted June 10 to seek funding for a veterans cemetery. non-tribal members.”

“I’m excited about this national cemetery for Cherokees with a different site,” he said.

Cherokee veterans honored CN citizens and veterans honored in June with the tribe’s Medal of Patriotism were Billy Cecil, Ashley Rutherford, John Cochran and Marvin Winton.

A U.S. Army veteran, Cecil, of Park Hill, served from 1966-69. He spent three years in Germany.

“I just want to thank the Cherokees for all their recognition,” Cecil said at the June 10 meeting. “I’m very proud to be a Cherokee.”

Vietnam veteran Rutherford, of Burleson, Texas, served in the Army from 1965-69. A military policeman and squad leader, he achieved the rank of E-5 sergeant.

“On behalf of my family – a large number of them who are members of the tribe – I thank you for this,” Rutherford said. “It’s an honor for them and me.”

Vietnam veteran Cochran, of Catoosa, served in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division from 1968-72.

“It’s a privilege to serve in the U.S. military,” Cochran said, “and a privilege to serve our tribe and nation.”

Winton, of Amarillo, Texas, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during peacetime from 1953-56.

“I go to a VA hospital in Amarillo named and dedicated to Thomas E. Creek, an 18-year-old who was killed in Vietnam and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for it,” Winton said. “We love our country.

We will raise our hands and give our lives as a human sacrifice if necessary.”

Baker declares June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day The proclomation states elders should be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to be active citizens.

BY LINDSEY BARK Reporter

COURTESY The Cherokee Nation expects to store culturally significant seeds at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on a remote island between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

CN invited to store seeds in Arctic vault

BY CHAD HUNTER Reporter

TAHLEQUAH – Rare seeds representing centuries of Cherokee cultural and agricultural history are headed for an Arctic vault built to protect the world’s crops.

Secretary of Natural Resources Sara Hill said representatives of Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway reached out after hearing about the tribe’s private seed bank in Tahlequah.

“They’ve asked us if we would want to store seeds in their vault, which is really a great thing,” Hill said during a recent Tribal Council Resource Committee meeting. “That’s a safety net for us in case of our own, personal disasters that we have here. I think all Cherokees should sleep a little better at night knowing that the species that are most important to us are protected in a new way.”

Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on a remote island between mainland Norway and the North Pole, opened in 2008 via a partnership between Norway’s government, Nordic Genetic Research Center and independent organization Crop Trust.

It has the capacity to store 2.5 billion seeds representing 4.5 million varieties of crops, and currently holds more than 968,000 samples from nearly every country in the world.

“In fact, the vault already holds the most diverse collection of food crop seeds in the world,” the Crop Trust notes.

The vault is described as “a long-term seed storage facility, built to stand the test of time and the challenge of natural or man-made disasters.”

“I’m really proud that they invited us to put our seeds there,” Hill said.

“That protects us if in the future we have some kind of cataclysmic, terrible fire at the complex and the seed bank was destroyed. Or if there was a really terrible drought for some reason and our genetics were threatened, we could go back to the Svalbard seed vault in Norway and pull our seeds back out.

Those seeds belong to the Cherokee Nation. No one else can take them out except for us. So, it’s more like a safe deposit box.”

Hill said the vault is opened each February for new deposits.

“We’re hoping for a good year this year so we can put all of our newest and best genetics into the vault,” she added.

More than 70,000 crop varieties were deposited on the vault’s 10th anniversary in February 2018, which expanded the total unique varieties to more than 1 million. The Crop Trust is working with the tribe’s Environmental Resources Senior Director Pat Gwin, according to the trust’s communications manager, Luis Salazar, who, along with others, was “truly excited to hear about this possibility.”

Each February, the tribe’s Heirloom Garden and Native Plant Site generally offers around 20 to 30 varieties of seeds to Cherokee Nation citizens.

“This provides a great opportunity for Cherokees to continue the traditions of our ancestors and elders, as well as educate our youth in Cherokee culture,” a CN news release states. “Items in our seed bank are rare cultivars and generally not commercially available.

These plants represent centuries of Cherokee cultural/agricultural history.”

TAHLEQUAH – With 2019 marking the 14th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Cherokee Nation officials signed a proclamation on June 14 at the W.W. Keeler Complex declaring June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the CN. In 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, with the support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, first proclaimed a day to recognize elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

“Cherokee elders should be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serves as leaders, mentors, volunteers and active citizens of the Cherokee Nation,” the proclamation states. “The Native American elder population nationally is growing at a rapid pace, with an estimated almost million Natives reaching 65 or older by 2050.”

The National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative and the CN recognize the importance of creating social change in raising awareness of and preventing elder abuse, according to the proclamation. The NIEJI website lists the types of elder abuse as physical, sexual, exploitative, neglect or abandonment and spiritual.

Family Assistance Manager Lisa James said it’s important to teach people what elder abuse is.

“We don’t like to think that Cherokees abuse their elders, but we have

found that it’s just like the rest of the population, they’ve started to do that,” James said. “It affects every part of Cherokee life when you disrespect or abuse your elders. It tears down your society. It tears down your culture because the culture was not based on that kind of behavior. They took care of their elders, and they looked to their elders for their knowledge and the wisdom they had. We want to help make that happen again and to stop the abuse, and we want people to get the help they need.”

Elders can seek help through the tribe’s Elder Services. Elder Services provides nutrition services, the Cherokee Family Caregiver program, elder advocacy, victim of crime advocacy, comprehensive tribal victim assistance, the Elder in Need program and housing and protective services.

“If it’s financial abuse, like if they have their electric turned off because they can’t pay their bills because someone took their money, we’ll assist them with their utilities or their house payment, or water, (or food),” Elder Services family advocate Shelli Dunham said. “We’re just there in support of them. If it goes to court, like exploitation charges or they’re needing to put a protective order against their abuser, then we’ll do that. We’ll help them with that. We’re here for them and we can be a voice.”

For more information on Elder Services, call 918-453-5422 or visit www. cherokee.org/Services/Human-Services/ Family-Assistance.

LINDSEY BARK/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Principal Chief Bill John Baker signs a proclamation declaring June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the Cherokee Nation on June 14 at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah.

Money • ᎠᏕᎳ

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

JULY 1, 2019 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX

9

COURTESY An artist’s rendering shows the outside of the United Keetoowah Band’s The River Brewhouse, a 6,200-square-foot building that will become the largest brewery in Oklahoma. It will feature four signature beers: an amber, a pilsner, an India Pale Ale and a lager or ale. Sports betting will also be offered courtesy of Bet4 Technologies, according to the UKB Corporate Board.

UKB to open brewery in September

BY BRITTNEY BENNETT Giduwa Cherokee News

TAHLEQUAH – Custom brews, good food and sports betting will come together under one roof when the United Keetoowah Band’s Corporate Board officially opens The River Brewhouse in September.

“The administration building next to the old Keetoowah Casino and the whole area is going to be transformed by it. It’s going to be the biggest brewery in the state of Oklahoma,” Randall Hendricks, UKB Corporate Board director, said.

The building will measure about 6,200-square-feet with a maximum occupancy of 265 people. It will boast a rustic look and a ground floor and mezzanine area for sports betting and entertainment purposes.

“We’re excited right now,” he said. “We knew the location was excellent, and we’ve been wanting to do something with it for a long time. We asked ourselves, ‘what does Tahlequah not have right now?’ We did our research and we found that in Tulsa, brewhouses are becoming very popular. I see a lot of that happening in northwest Arkansas, too. There’s nothing here for this market. All of these things are happening around us and we think with the college population here, it will fill a void.”

The River Brewhouse has partnered with Broken Arrow Brewery for the endeavor. “We interviewed three different breweries and settled on Broken Arrow

Brewery because they were willing to work with us and partner with us, versus just selling us equipment. They were really interested in teaching us and making sure we could be capable of running it,” said Hendricks.

For Phase I, The River Brewhouse will offer four custom beers: an amber, a pilsner, an India Pale Ale and a lager or ale, Hendricks said.

“There’s going to be four different types, so there’s something for everyone,” he said. “They’re going to develop our signature brews. They’re going to show us how to make it and maintain it. After we hit Phase II and we’re up and running and profitable, we’re going to hook our tanks up and start our training process. We’ll slowly phase out the Broken Arrow Brewery logo and they’re going to transition us into making our own and being our own brand.”

Demolition on the old UKB administration building near Walmart began April 11. “When we did the demo on the interior walls and got to the ceiling, we took the ceiling tiles off and they were vaulted ceilings. They had a rustic wood look with exposed beams. That just inspired us to maintain that look for the rest of the building,” said Hendricks. “It’s going to be exposed pinewood, which we are actually milling and harvesting from a pecan orchard that we have property of. It’s going to be a contemporary brewery.”

The River Brewhouse will also have smaller food items that were once offered at the Keetoowah Casino such as hamburgers, fries, hot dogs and nachos.

Amid the food and drinks, sports betting will take place on screens scattered throughout the building, including on the biggest screen in the state, Hendricks said.

“We’re going to have the biggest screen in the state of Oklahoma. I believe it’s an 18 (feet) by 32 (feet),” he said.

“We’re going to have big screens everywhere and Bet4 Technologies is bringing in their software. There’s going to be centrally located kiosks at the tables to utilize to place bets. You could even do sports betting on your mobile device if you wanted to.”

The River Brewhouse had a projected opening date of July 4 but had to be pushed to Sept. 4. “With every major build like this comes unforeseen circumstances and things happening that you just can’t plan for,” Hendricks said. “However, we are doing our best to manage and mitigate those delays and we’re working as fast as possible to get the brewpub open. Our plumbers and electricians for the brewpub have to come together with the brewery company to make sure all of the equipment that ties in can coordinate and be placed accordingly, so we have to get all of our groups together.”

He said the facility would become an event destination. “Tahlequah is a college town...I went to school here and I think that there are some things that are missing for the young adults and college-age students to do. This is something that will provide a source of entertainment that isn’t already here.”

CNB partners with Legends for Arkansas casino venture

BY D. SEAN ROWLEY Senior Reporter

CATOOSA – As part of Cherokee Nation Businesses’ efforts to expand into Arkansas, CNB officials announced June 11 a partnership with Legends to propose a casino in Pope County.

Legends was jointly established in 2008

by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. It is a management consulting firm that helps clients direct the planning and branding of projects.

“Legends will manage the process for the design and development of the complex, conceive the culinary experience and help CNB to monetize the guest experience for non-gaming attractions,” a CNB release states.

Any casino in Pope County would be sited on about 135 acres in Russellville near Interstate 40 along Nob Hill Road.

The CNB proposal calls for design, followed by amenities that would include family friendly options for entertainment, with a final phase adding dining, retail and lodging.

“Entering into this partnership with

the globally recognized team at Legends is a game-changer,” CNB CEO Shawn Slaton said. “They bring a wealth of experience having worked with premier venues across professional sports, live events and collegiate partners, including the University of Arkansas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Live Nation amphitheaters. We are committed to earning the letters of support from local elected officials and look forward to unveiling our plans to the community in the near future.”

On May 30, Slaton addressed tribal councilors, saying CNB had filed for an Arkansas gaming license in Pope County, and analysis indicated a venue in Russellville would be profitable without impacting its Roland casino.

Slaton said, “when (the Nation) goes outside the 14 counties, we enter the commercial gaming market.” He said the Choctaw Nation, Gulfside Casino Partnership of Mississippi and Warner Gaming of Las Vegas were among those competing with CNB for rights to a facility in Pope County. Slaton did not give construction cost estimates for a

casino, but said Gulfside and Warner proposals each eclipsed $200 million.

“The applications, ours as well as theirs, will likely be ruled incomplete because the way the constitutional ballot question was set up, you had to have a letter of support from county officials,” Slaton said. “A quorum court judge or quorum court would issue a letter on behalf of the operator to the Arkansas Racing Commission.”

Whether a letter will be issued by Pope County remains cloudy, but Slaton said legal counsel advised CNB to file.

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration officials said the filing period was May 1-31. The “Commission must decide whether to review or reject it based on the lack of the (approval) letter,” and no letter of support had been received from Pope County, ADFA officials said.

The casino issue awaits action by that state’s Supreme Court. On Nov. 6, Pope County residents voted to require voter approval of any county judge’s letter of support for a casino, but those backing Amendment 100 – approved the same day by voters statewide – say it doesn’t require any additional local balloting.

In June, the Pope County judge and quorum court discussed Ordinance 2018O-42, which residents passed.

Residents say the intent is to permit them to decide which of the proposed casino operators is best, and that an election be held only if the court, judge or mayor identify such an entity.

However, quorum court Judge Ben Cross and other judges said they interpret the ordinance to apply to any operator, meaning county residents who oppose a casino conceivably would need to reject five approval letters in five elections to eliminate each interested entity.

Cross said the ordinance is inapplicable due to the primacy of state laws over local. He said Amendment 100 includes the mechanism – the letter of support – by which Pope County decides if anyone builds a casino.

Cross said he recognizes the gravity of his responsibility, and maintains contact with the interested parties. He suggested, as he has in previous statements, that he is disinclined to issue a support letter until he gets a different impression from county voters. Pope County voted the measure down by about a ratio of 60-40.

10

CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

People • ᏴᏫ

Studi helping tell story of West in films OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Wes Studi has played a cop in the crime thriller “Heat,” a superhero trainer in the comedy “Mystery Men” and as the patriarch of an alien tribe, the Na’vi, in the sci-fi epic “Avatar.”

Still, the Cherokee actor is best known for his work in Westerns, including the title role in “Geronimo: An American Legend,” as a tough Pawnee warrior in “Dances With Wolves” and, more recently, as a dying Cheyenne chief in “Hostiles.”

“You take a film like ‘Avatar,’ which is set off into the future, that’s essentially a Western, in terms of the way it’s built, the way it’s told and the subject matter. It’s a Western in outer space,” Studi told The Oklahoman with a chuckle.

“The American mythology is of winning the West, and Westerns are made up of that. Americans love Westerns, and I think that’s because they’re a mythologized development of the world that we live in today.

That’s mainly what was available in my youth. I came to enjoy the parts of Westerns that made sense to me.

As time went on, I began to think of Westerns in a different way due to my Native American part of my being.

But Westerns, as far as my career goes, have been a very important part simply because that’s the easiest way for a Native American to be cast in any kind of film.”

The Oklahoma native, then, is a natural to host HDNET Movies “Summer of Westerns” Sunday film series, which will continue through Aug. 11. The series kicks off with Studi, 71, in his celebrated portrayal of the legendary Apache warrior in 1993’s “Geronimo: An American Legend.”

A 2003 inductee into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers, Studi was born in Nofire Hollow, near Tahlequah. He spoke only Cherokee until he was 5, when he was sent to Chilocco Indian School in northern Oklahoma, where he remained until high school graduation. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 18 months in South Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division.

Studi arrested attention at the 90th Academy Awards last year when he spoke Cherokee while introducing a tribute to movies featuring military service members. His comments launched a #WhatDidWesSay

hashtag on Twitter, with the Cherokee Nation’s Twitter account supplying the answer: “Hello.

Appreciation to all veterans and Cherokees who’ve served. Thank you!”

“It was historical because it had never happened before. You’ve heard other languages from other places around the world on that stage, and this was the first time Cherokee itself was spoken on the Oscars stage,” said Studi, who now lives in New Mexico.

“A lot of people reacted strongly and rejoiced the fact that a Native language was spoken on that stage.

It’s kind of a recognition of the fact that we’re still here, and it’s kind of a reminder. I think Native Americans and veterans are overlooked, and unfortunately in the kind of world we live in, perhaps used for whatever is the purpose at the time. To mention the veterans and speak my other

language just was a shout-out to the fact that, ‘Hey, you’re not totally forgotten. You’re not totally just a part of the past.’ “ A 2014 deadCenter Film Festival ICON Award winner, Studi continues to work steadily, with his name attached to no less than a half-dozen movie projects, including, yes, some Westerns.

“As time has gone on, Westerns have developed to include other parts of the stories, which include Native Americans. And Native Americans have been able to sort of revitalize the Western in that you see a different aspect of what the great mythology was all about. It’s become a more true story as time has gone on, and I think it can still continue to develop,” he said. “I think the Western can prove to be an important part of our story, the American story, as told through film.”

ARCHIVE In this 2017 file photo Cherokee actor Wes Studi holds a basket and his Career Achievement Award presented by the Tribal Film Festival during the Tribal Film Festival Showcase at Circle Cinema in Tulsa. Studi’s film “Hostiles” had its Oklahoma premiere during the event.

“I came to enjoy the parts of Westerns that made sense to me. As time went on, I began to think of Westerns in a different way due to my Native American part of my being.”

Wes Studi, Cherokee actor

ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 ARCHIVE Barbara McAlister, Cherokee Nation citizen and CN Vocal Class instructor, performs a “welcome” song for those attending the Vocal Class’s spring recital on April 28, 2016, in Tahlequah.

McAlister was presented the key to Muskogee

by Mayor Janey CagleBoydston in early June.

McAlister given key to Muskogee

BY D.E. SMOOT Muskogee Phoenix

MUSKOGEE – World renowned opera singer Barbara McAlister was given the key to Muskogee June 3 for recognition of her “outstanding achievement in public life” and for furthering “the ideals of the city.”

Mayor Janey Cagle-Boydston said McAlister, a 2019 Governor’s Award recipient, “has highly elevated the arts in our community and in our state.” The mayor touted McAlister’s talents as a singer who has performed for audiences around the world and a visual artist who has exhibited her work at galleries in the United States and Europe.

“Barbara through her talents has greatly influenced the future of the arts through her voice and her performance instruction – she hasn’t hurt Muskogee any either,” Cagle-Boydston said when she presented the key to McAlister. “Barbara’s talent and reputation has highly elevated the arts in our community and in our state.”

The Muskogee native and enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation traveled the world after winning the prestigious Loren Zachary competition.

She performed at opera houses in Germany, France, Italy and Hong Kong in addition to iconic American venues like Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center.

“Before I traveled there I came back to Muskogee, and I stopped by Honor Heights, picked up some dirt, and I put it in a little bottle,” McAlister said, describing how she carried that bottle of dirt wherever she traveled. “Only recently at my young age did I realize that home is where the heart is – you don’t need to take a piece of dirt with you.”

McAlister, who in 2013 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, said the key was a reminder of her childhood in Muskogee, where she rode her “horse at full gallop” and “was free as a bird.” McAlister said she is happy to be back home and “back to my freedom here.”

– REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

Culture • ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ

JULY 1, 2019 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX

11

CN celebrates national flag with exhibit

LEFT: Allene (Spears) Allison reads a passage written by her great-grandmother, the late Rebecca Ketcher Neugin, during a ceremony June 8 in Lost City. The ceremony celebrated Neugin as the last Trail of Tears survivor. CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX RIGHT: The late Rebecca Ketcher Neugin was honored June 8 in Lost City as the last Trail of Tears survivor. COURTESY

Last Trail of Tears survivor remembered

BY CHAD HUNTER

Reporter

LOST CITY – Rebecca Ketcher Neugin, the last known Trail of Tears survivor, was celebrated 85 years after her death by family, dignitaries and Lost City residents on June 8.

Added to Neugin’s gravestone was a special plaque from the Oklahoma chapter of the Trail of Tears Association that reads, “In honor of one who endured the forced removal of the Cherokees in 1838-39.”

“I can’t imagine what it would have been like,” Neugin’s great-granddaughter Allene (Spears) Allison, of Lost City, said. “It’s good that they recognized my great-grandma.

The turnout is good. I’m glad they all came so they can learn where they came from.”

Neugin descendent Teresia Knott, of Peggs, said relatives from near and far descended upon “our little cemetery here” in Lost City for the dedication, which attracted more than 150 people.

“We hear about the Trail of Tears, but we wanted to bring it home that it actually happened to your family,” National Trail of Tears Association President and former Tribal Councilor Jack Baker said. “It’s important that we remember those who came on the trail because it was their endurance and perseverance in reestablishing the Cherokee Nation in the west that allowed us the legacy of our Nation today.”

Principal Chief Bill John Baker praised those who “made the trail and did not give up.”

“They came together to reform our government and to continue us as a people forever,” he told the crowd.

Joe Bunch, United Keetoowah Band chief, also addressed attendees.

“One of the things that we must not forget is one of the many tragedies in American history that has happened,” he said. “Native Americans across the United States share the same similarities. The Trail of Tears were numerous, the massacres and so on. Without activities going on like this today … they’ll be forgotten.”

Neugin died in 1933 at age 106, according to her gravestone.

Historians say she was born in the Hickory Log District of the

CN East, most likely in what is now Bartow County, Georgia.

“Her father was named Tikah-ni-yi-ski, known in English as ‘Big Ketcher,’” Neugin’s biography states. “Her mother, Sallie, was a white woman who may have been raised as a Cherokee under unknown circumstances. Rebecca was the eighth of 10 children born of her parents union.”

In May 1838, the family, including a young Rebecca, was rounded up by soldiers and marched to a Tennessee camp where they stayed until they left with the Mose Daniel/George Still detachment in September.

“When the soldiers came to our house my father wanted to fight, but my mother told him that the soldiers would kill him if he did and we surrendered without a fight,” Neugin said in a translated interview, circa 1930, with historian Grant Foreman. “They drove us out of our house to join other prisoners in a stockade. After they took us away my mother begged them to let her go back and get some bedding. So they let her go back and she brought what bedding and a few cooking utensils she could carry and had to leave behind all of our other household possessions. My father had a wagon pulled by two spans of oxen to haul us in. Eight of my brothers and sisters and two or three widow women and children rode with us. My brother Dick who was a good deal older than I was walked along with a long whip which he popped over the backs of the oxen and drove

them all the way. My father and mother walked all the way also.

The people got so tired of eating salt pork on the journey that my father would walk through the woods as we traveled, hunting for turkeys and deer which he brought into camp to feed us. Camp was usually made at some place where water was to be had.... When we stopped and prepared to cook our food, other emigrants who had been driven from their homes without the opportunity to secure cooking utensils came to our camp to use our pots and kettles. There was much sickness among the emigrants and a great many little children died of whooping cough.”

Rebecca Ketcher Neugin’s interview, circa 1930, with historian Grant Foreman: “ᎠᏂᏲᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᏂᎷᏣ ᏦᎨᏅᏒᎢ ᎠᎩᏙᏓᏃ ᎤᏚᎵᏍᎨᎢ ᏧᎵᏍᏗᎢ, ᎡᏥᏃ ᎤᏃᎯᏎᎴᎢ ᎡᏙᏓ ᎾᏍᎩ’Ꮓ ᎠᏂᏲᏍᎩ ᏱᏰᏣᎷᎦ ᎥᏍᎩ ᏱᏂᏣᏛᏁᎳ ᏙᎦᏓᏲᏎᏭ ᏂᏙᎦᏟᏴᎲᎾᏭ. ᎪᎩᏄᎪᏫᏒᎢ ᎦᎵᏦᏕ ᏫᏙᏣᎵᎪᏁᎸᎢ ᎠᏂᏐᎢ ᏗᎨᏥᏴᎩᏛᎢ ᏕᎨᏥᏍᏚᎲᎢ. ᏙᎦᏘᎿᏫᏛᎯᏃ ᎠᎩᏥᎢ ᏚᏍᏗᏰᏔᏁᎢ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᎪᏟᏙᏗᎢ ᏫᎤᎷᎯᏍᏗ ᏫᏚᏁᏍᏗ ᏗᏰᎦᏟ. ᎰᏩᏃ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᎪᏟᏔᏅᎢ ᏫᎤᎷᎯᏍᏗᎢ ᏚᏃᏢᏃ ᏗᏰᎦᏟ ᎠᎴ ᎦᏲᏟ ᎦᎬᏔᏅᏙᏗ

ᎠᏓᏍᏓᏰᏙᏗ ᏰᎵᎢ ᏱᎦᎢ ᎦᏳᏫᏗ ᎨᏒ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎯᏯᏍᏗ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏁᎢ ᏭᏩᎫᏛᎢ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎦᎵᏦᏕᎢ ᎠᏅᏗ ᎣᎩᎿᎥᎢ. ᎡᏙᏓᏃ ᏔᎵ ᏩᎦ ᏧᎾᎧᏅᏍᏕᏂ ᏙᏆᎴᎷᎠᏂᏅᏏᏁᎩ ᏙᎦᏘᎿᏫᏛᎮᎢ. ᏧᏁᎳᎣᏣᎵᏅᏢᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏗᎬᎩᎸ ᎠᎴ ᏔᎵ ᎠᎴᏱᎩ ᏦᎢ ᏧᏃᏑᎶᏨᎢ ᎠᏂᎨᏯ ᎠᎴ ᏗᏂᏲᏟ ᎪᎬᏣᏁᎲᎢ. ᎥᎩᏙᏃ ᏗᎩ ᎨᏴᎢ ᎤᏓᏂᎵᎨᎢ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎠᏏᏅ ᎠᏯ ᎨᎲ ᎡᎳᏗ ᎠᎢᏎ ᎧᏁᎮᎢ ᎦᏫᏍᏛᏂᏍᏗ ᏕᎦᏫᏍᏛᏂᎮᎢ ᏩᎦ ᏧᎾᎧᏅᏍᏕᏂ ᎠᎴ ᏚᎯᎸᏎᎢ ᏂᎦᏅᎯᏒᎢ. ᎡᏙᏓ ᎠᎴ ᎡᏥ ᏂᎦᏅᎯᏒᎢ ᎡᎳᏗᎭ ᎤᏂᎷᏤᎢ ᎠᎭᏂ. ᏴᏫ ᏚᏂᏯᏪᎬᎢ ᏏᏆ ᎭᏫᏯ Ꭰ’Ꮉ ᎤᎵᏥᏓ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᎬᎢ ᎠᏁᎬᎢ ᎡᏙᏓᏃ ᎢᎾᎨ’Ꭲ ᎡᏙᎲᎢ, ᎦᏃᎭᎵᏙᎲᎢ ᎬᎾ ᎠᎴ ᎠᎭᏫ ᏚᏲᎲᎢ ᎠᏲᎯᎲᎢ ᎥᎿ ᎣᎩᎵᏦᏛᎢ ᎣᎨᎳᏍᏗᎲᎢ. ᎣᏥᎵᏦᏛᏍᎬᏃ ᎥᎿ ᎾᎥ ᎠᎹ Ꮲ ᎦᏲᎩᏁᏩᏛᏗ…. ᏲᎦᎴᎿᏫᏍᏔᎾ ᎣᎦᏛᏅᎢᏍᏙᏗ ᎣᎦᎵᏍᏓᏰᏗ, ᎠᏂᏐᎢ’Ꮓ ᏗᎨᏥᏴᎩᏛᎢ ᏙᏧᏁᏅᏒᎢ ᎨᏥᎧᎲᏓ ᎬᏩᎵᏨ ᏂᏓᏳᏂᏫᏗᎢ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎤᎾᏓᏍᏓᏴᏙᏗ ᎾᏂᏰᎿᎥ Ꮎ ᎠᏂᎷᎨᎢ ᎣᎩᎵᏦᏛ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏰᎵᎢ ᏗᎬᏮᏅᏙᏗ ᏦᎦᏤᎵᎢ ᏧᏩᏖᏌᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏧᎳᏍᎩ. ᎤᏂᎪᏗᏃ ᏚᏂᏢᎬᎢ ᏄᎾᏛᏅᎢ ᏗᎨᏥᏴᎩᏛ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᏣᏘ ᏗᏂᏲᏟ ᏚᏂᏲᎱᏒᎢ ᎤᏎᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᏏᏩᏍᎩ ᎤᏁᎲᎢ.”

PHOTOS BY CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX LEFT: Allene (Spears) Allison, left, and Beatrice Rabbitt, descendants of the late Rebecca Ketcher Neugin, visit Neugin’s gravesite. RIGHT: A special marker was added to the gravestone of Rebecca Ketcher Neugin, the last known Trail of Tears survivor, on June 8 in Lost City.

TAHLEQUAH – Learn about the history of the Cherokee Nation’s flag in an exhibit at the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum.

“Where Your Flag Has Flown” will be on display through Jan. 31.

The exhibit explores the history and symbolism of the 40-yearold flag and its use throughout history, utilizing photos and stories from CN citizens across the world.

“This exhibit pays tribute to the Cherokee Nation flag and the weight it bears with our citizens,” Cady Shaw, Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism interpretive manager, said. “We hope this exhibit helps educate the public about the flag’s creation and the powerful symbolisms behind its intricate design.”

The Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is at 122 E. Keetoowah St. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Cherokee tribal writing inside Alabama cave finally decoded FORT PAYNE, Ala. (AP) – Archaeologists and Cherokee scholars have collaborated to interpret tribal inscriptions written in an Alabama cave.

The inscriptions inside Manitou Cave near Fort Payne are evidence of the tribe’s syllabary, which the Cherokee scholar Sequoyah developed using symbols for each sound. It was formally adopted as the tribe’s official written language in 1825.

The study of the inscriptions was published in the April issue of Antiquity, an international archaeological journal. Experts say they describe secluded ceremonial activities in the years before the Cherokee were forcibly removed from the region along the Trail of Tears.

One inscription describes a particular game similar to lacrosse in 1828 when players entered the cave before the games and during intermission.

Another was “written backwards, as if addressing readers inside the rock itself.”

EBCI may regain control of sacred mound FRANKLIN, N.C. (AP) – Ownership of an ancient mound in North Carolina may return in part to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, two centuries after European settlers took the land.

News outlets report the Franklin town council voted this month to move forward with plans to deed control of the Nikwasi Mound to the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative. The town currently controls the land, but the transfer would split control among the town, the tribe, Macon County and Mainspring Conservation Trust.

Franklin Vice Mayor Barbara McRae says the move is an opportunity to “reverse that wrong” by allowing the tribe some representation in the mound’s management. Calling the plan “amazing,” Cherokee representative Juanita Wilson says nobody would lose anything.

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources says the mound was built around 1000 A.D.

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CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JULY 1, 2019

REMEMBER THE REMOVAL • ᎢᏣᏅᏓᏓ ᏥᏕᎨᏥᎧᎲᏎᎢ

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ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᎫᏰᏉᏂ 1, 2019

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1. Cherokee Nation ‘Remember the Removal” trainer Sarah Holcomb gives final instructions to the cyclists before leaving from the New Echota Historic site (Georgia) on June 2, the ride’s first day.

2. Shadow Hardbarger, of Marble City, leads the cyclists into the Red Clay State Historic Park (Tennessee), the former CN capital.

3. The 2019 team at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood, Tennessee.

4. Sydnie Pierce, left, congratulates Monica Wildcatt as they reach the top of a mountain above Pikeville, Tennessee, on June 4.

5. Cyclists gather under the Mantle Rock overhang, which is a 30-foot high natural sandstone bridge in Kentucky. Cherokees in 1838-39 took shelter under the 188-foot long span.

6. Kayli Gonzales, right, Sydnie Pierce and Destiny Matthews look up at sunlight shining through the Mantle Rock overhang.

PHOTOS BY WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7. Cyclists use momentum June 14 by riding fast downhill to slingshot up the next one.

8. Eastern Band riders Micah Swimmer, left, and Zach Goings share a laugh after reaching the top of a steep hill.

9. Micah Swimmer, right, communicates to the riders that they need to turn left. CN rider Brooke Bailey, front left, assists him.

10. Steven Shade, right, leads the team up a hill on June 17.

11. Cyclists reflect at a spring in Cassville, Missouri. Cherokees used it when passing through the area to Arkansas.

12. ”RTR” team members pose at the Arkansas state line on June 18 in Gateway, Arkansas.

13. President of the Arkansas Trail of Tears Association Bethany Rosenbaum shares Trail of Tears history in Benton County with cyclists on June 18.

14. A day before the ride ended, cyclists visit the Stilwell City Cemetery, which signified the trail’s end for many Cherokees.

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