Cherokee Phoenix

12 Pages·2017·5.13 MB·English

EBCI CYCLISTS Q&A
Eight cyclists from the Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians will join the Cherokee
Nation’s riders for the 2018 “Remember
the Removal” bike ride. PEOPLE, 10

CHEROKEE PHOENIX
CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG JUNE 2018 190 YEARS OF JOURNALISM
‘EMOTIONAL YET PRIDEFUL’
CN Supreme
Court tosses
Freedmen suit
Plaintiffs fail to show standing, and
legislators acknowledge the tribe was
bound by the federal court’s ruling.
BY WILL CHAVEZ
Assistant Editor
TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation’s Supreme
Court on May 16 dismissed a case by eight CN citizens
asking the court to compel Attorney General Todd
Hembree to appeal a federal ruling that gave Cherokee
Freedmen tribal citizenship rights.
“The (eight) movants are individual Cherokee
citizens who disagree with the outcome of the federal
case and disagree with the way the Nation and the
attorney general’s office handled the case,” the ruling
states. “The ruling of the federal court has no effect
on the citizenship of the movants. They have failed to
demonstrate any concrete injury in fact sufficient to
establish standing to bring this suit.”
On Aug. 30, in the case of Cherokee Nation v. Nash
and Vann v. Zinke, Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas
Hogan ruled the CN could define itself as it sees fit but
must do so equally and evenhandedly with respect to
native Cherokees and Freedmen descendants.
“In accordance with Article 9 of the 1866 Treaty, the
Cherokee Freedmen have a present right to citizenship
in the Cherokee Nation that is coextensive with the
rights of Native Cherokees,” Hogan states.
SEE FREEDMEN, 2
Free subscriptions
now available to
at-large citizens
WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
The Cherokee Phoenix is taking names
Cherokee Nation citizens and Walkingstick descendants Eddie Morrison, left, and Michael Gregory on April
3 stand at the Walkingstick Cemetery on Walkingstick Mountain in Peavine. This was Morrison’s first visit to on a first-come, first-served basis
the cemetery where his great-grandmother Minnie Walkingstick is buried.
until a $10,000 disbursement is gone.
Cherokee National Treasure visits BY TRAVIS SNELL
Assistant Editor
great-grandmother’s found grave TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation citizens living
outside the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction are eligible for
free one-year subscriptions of the Cherokee Phoenix
thanks to a $10,000 disbursement from the principal
chief’s office on behalf of At-Large Tribal Councilors
Eddie Morrison learns that she’s buried in Walkingstick Cemetery. Mary Baker Shaw and Wanda Hatfield.
The Cherokee Phoenix recently received the funds
BY KENLEA HENSON
and is taking names on a first-come, first-served basis
Reporter
until the money is depleted.
“These funds that have been provided to the Cherokee
PEAVINE – “Emotional yet prideful” was
Phoenix by the joint efforts of our tribal administration
how Eddie Morrison described initially
and our At-Large (Tribal) Councilors Mary Baker Shaw
visiting the Walkingstick Cemetery and
and Wanda Hatfield will go a long way in providing
seeing where his great-grandmother’s
subscriptions to at-large citizens,” Executive Editor
headstone was found after years of not
Brandon Scott said. “It has always been our goal here at
knowing where she was buried.
the Phoenix to make sure that every citizen that wants
The Cherokee National Treasure’s great-
a copy of the Cherokee Phoenix is able to get one. That
grandmother, Minnie Walkingstick, died
is the sole reason we exist. Our success depends on our
in 1895, five years after his grandmother
subscribers. Our ability to remain independent relies
was born. He said his grandmother was too
solely on the funds we receive from subscriptions, so
young to know who her mother was or where
these funds are not only assisting at-large citizens they
she was buried.
are also assisting us in remaining independent. I’d
Minnie’s gravesite remained a mystery
COURTESY personally like to thank Councilors Baker and Shaw as
A headstone believed to be Minnie Walkingstick’s is at
SEE GRAVE, 2 the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee. SEE PHOENIX, 2
Gov. Fallin vetoes state Native American Day bill
It would have moved the holiday from November to the second Monday in October, alongside Columbus Day.
BY STAFF REPORTS the third Monday in Oklahoma. Tribes Principal Chief Bill John Baker said.
November. make significant Hoskin said that cities such as Tulsa,
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma The Cherokee contributions, both Norman, Tahlequah and Anadarko
Gov. Mary Fallin has vetoed legislation Nation, which created financially and are creating municipal recognition of
designating Oklahoma Native American its Native American culturally, to our home Natives, a citizenry that makes up nearly
Day on the same day the state observes Day on the second state.” 11 percent of Oklahoma’s population, on
Columbus Day. Monday in October, According to the the second Monday in October.
The bill, which received bipartisan supported the bill. CN release, Hoskin “As a state, Gov. Fallin really let us
support in the state House (70-10) and According to a CN Chuck Hoskin Mary Fallin said moving the day to down on this issue. Other states with
Senate (35-5), would have created a press release, House October is important high populations of Native people,
second holiday alongside Columbus Day Bill 2261 did not call for the repeal of from an educational perspective to including Alaska and South Dakota,
on the second Monday in October by Columbus Day but it would have added recognize the inaccurate portrayal of are embracing Native American Day,”
moving Native American Day, which the celebration of Oklahoma Native history that Columbus and Europeans Hoskin said. “We often say Oklahoma is
is in November, ahead one month to Americans on the same day. were the first to “discover” the Americas. the heart of Indian Country in America,
correspond with Columbus Day. “This is a slap in the face to the 38 “By acknowledging that Native and I believe we should remain a
In her veto, Fallin said combining federally recognized tribal governments Americans have lived here for thousands national leader in honoring the culture,
Native American Day with Columbus in Oklahoma,” CN citizen and Rep. of years before the arrival of the heritage and history of Indian people.
Day “could be viewed as an intentional Chuck Hoskin, who co-authored the Europeans, we recognize the true history With this veto, Gov. Fallin has failed
attempt to diminish” support for Native bill with fellow CN citizen Sen. John of our country and state. This is a missed the sovereign governments of our tribal
American Heritage Month in November Sparks, said. “As Indian people, we opportunity to honor tribal people and nations in Oklahoma.”
and Oklahoma Native American Day on have an undeniable impact here in tribal governments of Oklahoma,”
2 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • June 2018 NEws • dgZEksf Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI 2018
Crittenden asks to be ruled eligible for re-election
BY BRITTNEY BENNETT Barteaux’s ruling “directly Crittenden death, resignation, removal chief salary of $124,812 rather
Reporter affects the fundamental rights was sworn or inability to discharge than the $63,538 deputy chief
and protections” he enjoys in on Aug. the office’s powers. Rather, salary. This, he states, is in
TAHLEQUAH – Deputy Chief under the CN Constitution. 14, 2011, but Crittenden states “there was contrast to periods in Baker’s
S. Joe Crittenden on April 24 Barteaux wrote Crittenden Baker had no principal chief” and thus he term when Baker was out of the
filed a brief in the Cherokee had “assumed the office of to wait until could not be “filling in” for the country and Crittenden was the
Nation’s Supreme Court asking Principal Chief pursuant to Oct. 19, 2011. principal chief as part of the acting principal chief without a
he be ruled eligible for re- Article VII, Section 4, in faithful As such, deputy chief duties. Instead, he modified salary or another oath.
election in 2019. discharge of his duties as S. Joe Crittenden Barteaux states it’s a “partial” term. Crittenden states that if he
The amicus curiae filing Deputy Principal Chief” while ruled “Crittenden did not serve had been administered the
states he’s not a party to any Principal Chief Bill John Baker Crittenden as deputy chief during the oath of deputy chief, and not
lawsuit but has a “strong had to await the results of an had stepped into Baker’s role as first nine weeks of his term as the principal chief oath in 2011
interest in the subject matter.” appeal of the 2011 principal dictated by the deputy chief’s deputy chief, rather he served “he would have begun serving
It follows District Judge Luke chief’s race before taking office. listed duties in the Constitution as Principal Chief. The role his first four-year term as
Barteaux’s April 6 ruling “In case of the absence of the and “completed his first four (4) of deputy chief was filled by deputy chief immediately” and
declaring Principal Chief Bill Principal Chief from office due year term of office four (4) years former Speaker of the Tribal “assumed the role of acting
John Baker eligible for re- to death, resignation, removal later without any loss of time Council, Meredith Frailey for principal chief during the nine-
election but not Crittenden. or inability to discharge the from his term, and is now in his the same nine weeks,” he states. week time frame.”
Attorney General Todd powers and duties of the office, second consecutive four (4) year He also states when he was The April 24 filing also
Hembree has appealed the the same shall devolve upon the term.” sworn into office he was recited supports Hembree’s 2016
Crittenden decision to the Deputy Principal Chief for the Crittenden argues Article VII, the principal chief oath and not opinion that states Baker and
Supreme Court. remaining portion of the four (4) Section 4 wasn’t in effect when that of acting principal chief. Crittenden are eligible for re-
Crittenden declined to year term to which the Principal he was sworn in because the Crittenden states the Supreme election in 2019 because neither
comment on the pending Chief had been elected,” the vacant principal chief position Court ratified his appointment had served a full four-year term
litigation, but his filing states Constitution states. did not become open due to and paid him the principal in 2011.
FReeDMen: PHOenIX:
Federal ruling isn’t a settlement no
restrictions on
A writ of mandamus is an order asserts, would be in the form of tribal
from front page
from a higher court to a lower court services that would be provided to
the at-large
The following day, Hembree stated or to a government official, office Freedmen, who are descendants of
he would not appeal Hogan’s decision. or corporation commanding that a slaves once held by CN citizens.
On Sept. 1, the Supreme Court ordered specified thing be done. Assistant Attorney General Chrissi subscriptions
the CN government and its offices, On Dec. 11, the eight movants filed Nimmo responded that the Tribal
including Registration, to begin a motion to intervene and asked Council doesn’t have a right to question
processing CN citizenship applications the Supreme Court to withdraw the Hembree’s decisions.
of eligible Freedmen descendants. order and direct Hembree to appeal Two legislators, Harley Buzzard and from front page
In its May 16 ruling, the Supreme Hogan’s ruling. On Dec. 29, the CN and David Walkingstick, were among the
Court wrote that Hembree petitioned Hembree filed a special limited entry of eight movants. In court, Nimmo said well as the administration for making
“this court to enter a preliminary appearance and objection to the Dec. 11 Buzzard and Walkingstick filed the case this donation possible.”
order declaring that the memorandum motion to intervene. The Supreme Court against the CN and Hembree as citizens Scott added that there are no
opinion issued by the District Court for heard oral arguments on April 19. but then changed their standing to their restrictions on receiving a subscription
the District of Columbia…on August Broken Arrow attorney Stephen Gray official capacity as legislators. other than living outside the CN
30, 2017, to be valid and binding against represented the movants. He called She said Tribal Councilors don’t have jurisdiction and being a CN citizen.
the Cherokee Nation, its governmental Hembree’s decision not to appeal an the right to sue Hembree and force him Using the fund, at-large CN citizens
branches, and its offices, including the “attack on the Nation’s sovereignty.” to appeal the Freedmen decision. Also, can apply to receive a free one-year
Cherokee Nation Registrar until further “Citizens’ motions and petition have Nimmo reminded the court that on Dec. subscription by visiting, calling or
order of the court.” become necessary because Hembree 11, the Tribal Council indefinitely tabled writing the Cherokee Phoenix office and
Prior to Hembree’s petition, on March argues that he has the sole authority to Walkingstick’s legislation to appeal requesting a subscription.
16, 2009, the Tribal Council passed a appeal or not appeal the D.C. case in his the federal court ruling on Freedmen The Cherokee Phoenix office is
law ratifying the litigation in Cherokee position as attorney general, without receiving tribal citizenship. Nimmo said located in the Annex Building on the
Nation v. Nash and acknowledged that consultation with the council and is that vote “killed” the issue of appealing W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex. The postal
it was “desired” that the federal court protected by sovereign immunity from Hogan’s decision. address is Cherokee Phoenix, P.O. Box
determine Freedmen rights and that the citizens. His argument puts him not Gray argued that the Tribal 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465.
CN “would be bound by the decision of only above the law, but now he is the Council has a right to be involved in To call about the fund, call 918-207-4975
the federal court.” law,” states Gray’s court petition. all “settlements” involving the CN. or email [email protected].
“Cherokee Nation voluntarily entered In his petition Gray also argued However, Nimmo disagreed with calling The Cherokee Phoenix also has a free
this litigation and agreed to be bound that Hembree, without Tribal Council the federal ruling a settlement. website, www.cherokeephoenix.org, that
by the decision, therefore, this court consent, “is negotiating away the “This is an order of the court after posts news seven days a week about the
granted the request of Attorney General Nation’s sovereignty and obligating the years of litigation that the AG chose not Cherokee government, people, history
and entered a preliminary order granted Nation to tens of millions of dollars in to appeal,” she said. “The Council is not and events of interest. The monthly
declaratory action and petition for write liability.” a client of the AG. The Cherokee Nation newspaper is also posted in PDF format
of mandamus,” the May 16 ruling states. Some of that liability, Gray’s petition is his client.” at www.cherokeephoenix.org.
GRAVe:
On April 3, Morrison finally saw where his ancestor is buried
at or whatever happened to her. So that added granite-inscribed markers for the early 1890s, and during the years most
from front page
put some sort of finality to that story for Walkingstick family, which settled the of the headstones that once marked
Eddie,” Gregory said. mountain in 1834. the graves of family members have
until Morrison made acquaintances with
On April 3, Morrison finally saw According to a 2002 Cherokee Phoenix disappeared. According to a 1937 Works
Walkingstick descendant and family
where Minnie is buried. He said he article, the Walkingsticks were Old Progress Association interview on
researcher Michael Gregory on social
felt “exhilarated” for himself and his Settlers, the Cherokees who moved Cherokee cemeteries, the Walkingstick
media. Gregory soon learned Morrison
late grandmother. “I felt happy for my west before the rest of the tribe was Cemetery had about 25 graves with five
was a Walkingstick descendant and was
grandmother, who is passed on. I think forced in 1838 to Indian Territory, now graves being marked at that time.
searching for his great-grandmother’s
she would have been happy because she Oklahoma. James Walkingstick and During their preservation work,
grave. Gregory discovered Minnie’s
always had that question mark of where his wife, Susie, settled on the Arkansas Gregory, Walkingstick and Scraper
death date matched the date on a
her mom was buried.” line before taking settlement on what salvaged six headstones.
headstone he found at the Five Civilized
The Walkingstick Cemetery is in is now Walkingstick Mountain in the Gregory said it was “bittersweet”
Tribes Museum in Muskogee nearly 20
better condition than when Gregory Goingsnake District. Their settlement returning to the cemetery in April after
years before.
first visited in 1999. He said during the became their allotment after their 16 years. He said though it brought him
Gregory said the “charred” cemetery years vandals have stolen and destroyed Dawes Commission enrollment. Like joy to take Morrison to see where his
stone’s words at the museum are in the headstones, making the plots’ boundaries his grandfather, U-da-lv-nu-sti or great-grandmother was buried, he was
Cherokee syllabary, and the description unrecognizable. “When I saw my family’s Walkingstick, James was involved in CN disheartened to learn three headstones
for where it was found read “found on a burial ground in a pile of rocks, you can affairs. He returned east in 1835 to sign had been taken.
mountain four miles north of Stilwell, imagine what that does to you, and I the Red Clay Proclamation denouncing “Sometimes I think our efforts just
Oklahoma.” Gregory knew exactly where thought I am going to make this right.” the Treaty of New Echota. The following made things worse. Other times I think
that was – Walkingstick Mountain. He In 2002, Gregory, Howard February, James accompanied Principal that we bought awareness that this was
said he knew the headstone belonged to Walkingstick, another Walkingstick Chief John Ross to Washington, D.C., to there and needed to be preserved, “ he
a Walkingstick, but was uncertain where descendant, and Joe Scraper, who petition President Andrew Jackson to said. “If I could wish anything, I would
it belonged. After more conversations, worked on Adair County cemeteries, repeal the treaty. He later returned to his wish that the property could be obtained
Gregory said he and Morrison “put two worked together to salvage what was left home in present-day Adair County. by the tribe and set apart as a historical
and two together.” of the cemetery. The Walkingstick homestead has property site.”
“His family had completely lost track They fenced the burial ground to passed to new ownership since the last
of where she was, where she was buried protect the remaining headstones and Walkingstick family lived there in the
2018 Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI NEws • dgZEksf June 2018 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 3
27 Cherokees running for
public offices in Okla.
And a Cherokee is running for a state seat in Missouri.
BY TRAVIS SNELL Democratic primary opponent for Dist.
Assistant Editor 9 but will face a Republican opponent in
November’s general election.
TAHLEQUAH – According to In the Dist. 14 race, Jack Reavis of
Oklahoma Election Board records, 27 Muskogee will face one Democratic
Cherokee Nation citizens are running opponent in the primary, while fellow
for state offices in this year’s election CN citizen Judy Ross Moore of Porum
season, while one CN citizen is running also faces one opponent in the Dist. 15
for a state office in Missouri. Democratic primary.
Oklahoma Election Board records Ken Luttrell of Ponca City will see
show that Amanda Douglas of Broken one Republican opponent in the Dist. 37
Arrow faces four opponents in the race, while fellow Republican Crystal
COURTESY Democratic primary for the U.S. Duncan of Yukon has drawn three
State Question 788 calls for legalizing the licensed use, sale and growth of marijuana in Representative Dist. 1 seat, while Jason opponents for the Dist. 43 primary.
Oklahoma for medicinal purposes. Voters will decide the issue on June 26. Nichols of Tahlequah faces three other Brad Boles of Marlow, a Republican,
Democrats for the U.S. Representative drew no opponents for the Dist. 51 seat,
Oklahomans to vote on 2 Dist. 2 office. Running for the same seat while Republican Joy D. Smith of Geary
is Republican incumbent Markwayne drew one opponent for the Dist. 57 seat.
Mullin of Westville. He faces three In Dist. 74, Republican Mark
opponents in the Republican primary. Vancuren of Owasso drew one opponent
state questions in 2018
Also running for the seat is John for the primary. In the Dist. 79 race,
Foreman of Park Hill, an Independent. Democrat Brian Pingleton of Tulsa
Drawing no opponent for the Dist. 5, drew one opponent in the primary,
Office 4 judgeship is Scott D. Meaders while Republican Mike Osburn of
BY TRAVIS SNELL to the question. of Lawton. Kenneth M. Stoner of Edmond drew two primary opponents
Assistant Editor As for the crime victims issue, Oklahoma City also drew no opponent in the Dist. 81 race.
for the Dist. 7, Office 4 judgeship. Nor Rhonda Cox of Peggs will face one
Fallin had yet to set a date for it as of
did Jefferson D. Sellers of Cleveland for opponent in the Dist. 86 Democratic
TAHLEQUAH – Oklahoma voters will publication.
the Dist. 14, Office 5 judgeship. primary, while CN citizens Rhonda
see state questions this year regarding SQ 794, if passed, would amend the
Three CN citizens also drew no Hopkins of Rose and David Hardin of
medicinal marijuana and amending the state Constitution to guarantee certain
opponents for associate district Stilwell square off against each other
state’s Constitution to guarantee certain rights for crime victims.
judgeships. They are Liz Brown of in the Republican primary for the
rights for crime victims. “These rights would now be protected
Stilwell for Adair County, Josh King of same seat. And in Dist. 87, Democrat
According to the Oklahoma Election in a manner equal to the defendant’s
Hulbert for Cherokee County and Jana Collin Walke of Oklahoma City drew no
Board, Gov. Mary Fallin has set the rights,” the question states. It also states
Wallace of Antlers for Pushmataha opponents for the seat.
medicinal marijuana issue, State the measure would make changes to
County. CN citizen Lisa Shaw of In Missouri, CN citizen Adela
Question 788, for a vote on the June 26 victims rights, including:
Lawton drew one opponent for the Falk of Williamsburg is running as a
primary ballot. · Expanding the court proceedings at
Comanche County associate district Republican for that House’s Dist. 43.
According to the Oklahoma Election which a victim has the right to be heard;
judgeship race. She drew two opponents in the primary.
Board website, the measure, if passed, · Adding a right to reasonable
In the state House races, Democrat All Oklahoma primary contests are
would legalize “the licensed use, sale, protection;
John Myers of Vinita drew one slated for June 26. Missouri’s primaries
and growth of marijuana in Oklahoma · Adding a right to proceedings free
opponent for the Dist. 6 race. For the are set for Aug. 7.
for medicinal purposes.” from unreasonable delay;
Dist. 8 seat, Republican Carl Parson of The Cherokee Phoenix listed only
The question states a license would · Adding a right to talk with the
Inola will face one opponent as well. candidates it could verify as CN citizens
be required for “use and possession prosecutor; and
Clay Layton of Claremore will not face a via CN Registration records.
of marijuana for medicinal purposes · Allowing victims to refuse interview
and must be approved by an Oklahoma requests from the defendant’s attorney
Board Certified Physician.” It also states without a subpoena.
the State Department of Health would “The Oklahoma Constitution
Okla. high court OKs photo ID law
issue medical marijuana licenses if the currently grants victims’ rights to crime
applicant is 18 years or older and an victims and their family members,” the
Oklahoma resident. question states. “This measure would OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The election board, or to cast a provisional
“A special exception will be granted to instead grant these rights to crime Oklahoma Supreme Court on May 8 ballot that would be counted after the
an applicant under the age of eighteen, victims and those directly harmed by backed a state requirement that voters person’s identity is confirmed following
however these applications must be the crime. Victims would no longer provide a photo ID at the polls, the an election.
signed by two physicians and a parent or have a constitutional right to know latest in a battle between voting rights The lawsuit by Delilah Christine
legal guardian,” the question states. “The the defendant’s location following advocates who say the laws suppress Gentges of Tulsa was filed in 2012,
Department will also issue seller, grower, arrest, during prosecution, and while turnout and conservatives who say they alleging it creates a “new barrier.”
packaging, transportation, research sentenced to confinement or probation, are needed to prevent voter fraud. A phone number listed for Gentges
and caregiver licenses. Individual and but would have the right to be notified The court upheld a lower court ruling was disconnected and an attorney
retail businesses must meet minimal of the defendant’s release or escape from 8-0 with one justice recusing. “The for her did not immediately return a
requirements to be licensed to sell custody.” Oklahoma Voter ID Act is a reasonable phone call seeking comment, but had
marijuana to licensees.” According to the question, victims procedural regulation to ensure that previously said he believes the law
According to the question, the would have these rights in both adult and voters meet identity and residency would prevent voters from voting.
punishment for unlicensed possession juvenile proceedings. Victims would also qualifications and does not cause an “Any condition that affects the
of permitted amounts of marijuana for be able to assert these rights in court, undue burden,” states the ruling. right of suffrage is unreasonable in
individuals who can state a medical and the court would be required to act The law, approved by voters in 2010, our minds,” Tulsa attorney William
condition is a fine not exceeding $400. promptly,” it states. took effect in 2011 and requires a voter Thomas, who represents Gentges has
Fees and zoning restrictions would be A “yes” vote would be in favor of to provide a federal or state government said. “It’s a barrier to voting similar to
established, and a 7 percent state tax allowing rights for crime victims, issued ID that includes a photograph the poll tax, which is unconstitutional.”
would be imposed on medical marijuana according to the question. and an expiration date that’s after The ruling acknowledged there’s no
sales, the question states. Visit www.ok.gov/elections/Election_ the election in which a person is evidence of voter fraud in past state
A “yes” vote would be in favor of Info/State_Question_info.html for more attempting to vote. It also allows a voter elections, but said that doesn’t mean the
allowing medicinal marijuana, according information. to present an ID issued by the county potential for fraud can’t be addressed.
Tribal Council amends civil codes to prosecute non-Indians
BY KENLEA HENSON violence criminal jurisdiction over a health care in Native Country, and we civil contempt proceedings, excluding
Reporter non-Indian defendant under certain should be the leader when it comes to the violators from Indian land and other
circumstances, including if the offender safety of our women and children.” appropriate procedures in matters that
TAHLEQUAH – During the May 14 resides or is employed within the CN In conjunction, the Tribal Council also arise within the CN jurisdiction or
Tribal Council meeting, legislators jurisdiction or is a spouse, intimate amended Title 12 of the Code Annotated within CN authority according to law.
unanimously amended titles 21 and 22 of partner or dating partner of a CN citizen regarding the Civil Protective Order Act. In other business, legislators passed
the Cherokee Code Annotated, regarding or Indian who lives within the CN. The amendment gives the District Court the “execution of certain contracts that
the Violence Against Women Act. Tribal Councilor Victoria Vazquez full civil jurisdiction to issue and enforce preserve sovereign immunity,” which
The amendment “authorizes special said the act’s impact on women is the protection orders if an act of domestic allows CN to enter into certain contracts
domestic violence criminal jurisdiction knowledge that women will be valued, violence occurred within the CN more efficiently.
over non-Indians who commit domestic treated with respect and empowered boundaries. However, the amendment Legislators also accepted land
violence, dating violence, or a violation going forward. “I voted for the VAWA to states jurisdiction isn’t authorized over from the Oklahoma Department of
of a protection order.” be enforced because it’s the right thing parties who are both non-Indian. Transportation, which will allow access
The amended Title 22, Section 70 gives to do. Cherokee Nation leads all tribes It also states the District Court has and tribal upkeep of the road entering
the Cherokee Nation special domestic in profitable businesses, education and the authority to enforce any orders by Sequoyah’s Cabin and Museum.
4 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • June 2018 OPINION • Zlsz Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI 2018
Cherokee
Phoenix
June 2018
Volume 42, No. 6
The Cherokee Phoenix is published
monthly by the Cherokee Nation, PO Box
948, Tahlequah, OK 74465.
Application to mail at Periodicals post-
age rates is pending at Tahlequah, OK
74464.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Cherokee Phoenix, PO Box 948, Tahle-
quah, OK 74465
Editorial staff
Brandon Scott
Executive Editor
[email protected]
918-453-5000 ext 7258
Travis Snell
Assistant Editor
[email protected]
918-453-5358
Will Chavez
Assistant Editor
[email protected]
918-207-3961
Mark Dreadfulwater
Multimedia Editor
[email protected]
918-453-5087
Addressing food insecurity for veterans in northeast Oklahoma
Reporters
BY BILL JOHN BAKER is a blessing that we are able to help, and another avenue to reach those in need.
Lindsey Bark
Principal Chief it is the least we can do for those who Food insecurity is a very real issue for
Reporter have done so much for us. families in northeast Oklahoma, and
[email protected] The Cherokee This endeavor will create a quarterly almost 20 percent of the households
918-772-4223 Nation is steadfastly mobile food pantry at the CN Veterans the Food Bank serves has a military
committed to our Center. Fresh produce, bakery items and veteran who resides there and utilizes
Brittney Bennett
military veterans, nonperishable food items are available the program. Additionally, national
Reporter those men and for about 125 veterans or widows of studies show veterans are affected more
[email protected] women who have veterans through the collaboration. The by hunger and food insecurity than the
918-453-5560 sacrificed so much for first time we hosted the food pantry general population. Many struggle to put
our tribe, our country in late May, we distributed more than food on the table because of a myriad of
KenLea Henson
and our collective 10,000 pounds of food. The tribe will issues, from employability after service
Reporter freedoms. Recently, continue to help identify veterans in to mental health and related trauma or an
[email protected] we established a formal partnership need, as well as provide volunteers to unwillingness to seek help.
918-931-9116 with the Community Food Bank of help staff the mobile pantry. Collaborating with the Community
Eastern Oklahoma to help ensure these Today, the CN Veterans Center offers Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma means
Multimedia staff
real-life heroes do not suffer from a wide array of activities for veterans. It we are increasing and expanding its
hunger and food instability. Nobody serves as a place to sign up for benefits, coverage and furthering its mission.
Roger Graham
in Oklahoma, especially a military play bingo or attend other activities, Just like CN, the food bank wants to
Multimedia Producer
veteran, should go hungry. and now we have added the food pantry. provide for our veterans so that they
[email protected] This collaboration, which is the first It is just one more way we can meet the have what they need to prosper.
918-207-3969 time a tribal government has been needs of our people. The CN also offers a food distribution
Administrative staff involved with this local food bank The CN continues to look for ways to program, which some veterans may also
program, means regular access to honor and serve our veteran warriors, qualify for. For more information on the
Dena Tucker healthy and nutritious foods, and that and this partnership with the Community CN Veterans Center and food pantry,
will translate to better and fuller lives. It Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is call 918-772-4166.
Administrative Officer
[email protected]
918-453-5324
Joy Rollice
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
918-453-5269
Samantha Cochran

Advertising Specialist

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2018 Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI COMMuNIty • nv 0nck June 2018 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 5
Aquaponics gardening benefits W.E.B. Tri-Community
BY ROGER GRAHAM a lemon tree over there in the corner.
Media Producer But right now I’m concentrating on
strawberries and tomatoes,” he said.
BRIGGS – Cherokee Nation leaders In the W.E.B. Tri-Community building
and others visited the Welling, Eldon and stands two tall tubular structures that
Briggs Tri-Community on May 7 to learn house lettuce being grown through an
more about aquaponics gardening. aeroponics system, which is the process
Principal Chief Bill John Baker, of growing plants in an air or mist
Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and environment without the use of soil or an
Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. aggregate medium (known as geoponics).
toured the W.E.B. facility’s aquaponics “Aeroponics is what I call gardening
gardening systems. with clean finger nails and a necktie,”
Aquaponics refers to any system that said Sellers. “You don’t get dirty because
combines conventional aquaculture you don’t have to mess with any dirt.
(raising aquatic animals such as snails, You just add water and a spoonful of
fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with nutrients. This will also grow anything
hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) but for cucumbers and tomatoes. You
in a symbiotic environment. need more room to grow (cucumbers and
Brothers and CN citizens John R. and tomatoes) than what we got in here, so
Vernon Sellers met the officials and we only grow small things like lettuce,
spoke about the community’s use of spinach and kale, things like that.”
aquaponics and aeroponics gardening. The community group uses the excess
ROGER GRAHAM/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Vernon said the group began looking vegetables and fruit for lunches it serves
The W.E.B. (Welling, Eldon and Briggs) Tri-Community uses an aquaponics system to grow
into aquaponics in 2015 when some of on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
its members attended a seminar on strawberries and tomatoes in its hothouse in Briggs. Aquaponics refers to a system that As for the science of aquaponics and
the system’s benefits, which allows combines conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. The aeroponics, Vernon said he’s sold.
individuals to garden without tilling. water is under the gravel-like top in the beds. “Man, I’ll tell you what, this is the only
“We live in rough country up here, way to go right here. This (system) would
and it’s really tough to till the ground. So got us started,” he said. “You’re using water tanks hold fish. Minnows and larger especially work for elderly people who
the lady who put on the seminar had a the same water with fish waste, which algae-eating fish resembling small sharks don’t want to get out and fight the tiller,
(garden) bed about waist high,” he said. fertilizes the plants, which purifies the are raised, as well as large goldfish. He pests, varmints or neighbors,” he said.
Vernon said she called her finger her water. You use about one-tenth of the said the goldfish were best because they
SCAN
tiller and used it to draw a line in the soil water you would use on the same size handled changes in temperatures best. He For more
CODE
and planted her seeds. garden…plus you don’t have to deal with said he admits he made mistakes early information about
“Before she could even cover them up, all the outside problems.” such as over-planting, but feels he’s on the TO SEE the W.E.B. Tri-
I said, ‘ma’am, I don’t know what you’re Vernon said the system resides inside right track now. VIDEO Community, call 918-
growing, but I’m in.’ And so that’s what the community’s hothouse where several “It’ll grow anything. We’ve even got ROGER GRAHAM 931-9371.
Community Meetings
June 4 Dewey, 7 p.m. Okay Senior Citizens, Inc. Marble City Nutrition Center The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at
Lost City Community Organization, Call Ann Sheldon 918-333-5632 Okay Senior Building, 3701 E. 75th 711 N. Main Benjamin Wacoche Hall. Please
6 p.m. June 11 Street, 7 p.m. Marble City, Okla. 918-775-2158 RSVP one week ahead of time.
Native American Association Rocky Mountain Cherokee Lyons Switch, 7 p.m. The Marble City Nutrition Center
of Ketchum, 280 East Gregory, Community Organization Karen Fourkiller 918-696-2354 serves hot meals at the Marble City Second Tuesday of each month
Ketchum, 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. June 17 Community Center at 11:30 a.m. Cherokee Artists Association at 202
Belfonte, 6:30 p.m. Call Vicki McLemore 918-696-4965 Rogers County Cherokee Association Meals are free to anyone over 50, E. 5th Street
Sallie Sevenstar 918-427-4237 Brent Community Association [email protected] but a small donation is suggested Tahlequah, Okla. 918-458-0008
Marble City Community 461914 Hwy. 141, Gans, 6 p.m. 539-777-2898 to help with the expense of the Web site: www.
Organization Call 918-774-0655 June 18 program. Gather for fellowship and cherokeeartistsassociation.org
MCCO Building, 7 p.m. [email protected] Neighborhood Association of friendship. Volunteers welcome. The CAA meets at 6 p.m. the second
Eucha Indian Fellowship Fairfield Community Organization, Chewey Tuesday of each month.
First Friday of every month
Eucha Community Building Inc., 6:30 p.m. Chewey Community Building, 7 p.m.
Concho Community Building
8 p.m. Call Jeff Simpson 918-605-0839 June 21 Every Friday of each month
Concho, Okla. 405-422-7622
June 5 Marble City Pantry, 7 p.m. Tri-County (W.E.B.) Association Dance at Tahlequah Senior Citizens
The Indian Art Market invites all
Vian Peace Center Call Clifton Pettit at 918-775-5975 J.R.’s Country Auction, 6 p.m. Center
Indian artist to come and sell/share
604 W. Schley, 5:30 p.m. Oak Hill/Piney, 7 p.m. Orchard Road Community Outreach 230 E. 1st St. in Tahlequah, Okla.
their work.
Muldrow Cherokee Community Call Dude Feather at 918-235-2811 (Stilwell), Turning Point Office, 6 p.m. For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to
Organization June 12 June 25 Year Round 10 p.m.
MCCO Building, 6 p.m. No-We-Ta Cherokee Community Christie, 7 p.m. Will Rogers Memorial Museum Admission is $2.50, includes pot
Call Timothy Laney at 918-427-5440 1003 Lenape Drive, Nowata Call Shelia Rector at 918-778-3423 Claremore, Okla. 918-341-0719 luck dinner
Brushy Cherokee Action Association 6:30 p.m. June 26 The museum honors the Cherokee
465406 E 1010 Rd, 6 p.m. Carol Sonenberg 918-273-5536 Dry Creek, 7 p.m. cowboy, movie start, writer and Every Tuesday of each month
Call Gary Bolin 918-775-6914 Victory Cherokee Organization Call Shawna Ballou 918-457-5023 humorist from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dance at Hat Box Dance Hall
Tulsa Cherokee Community 1025 N. 12th St. Collinsville with nine galleries, three theaters 540 S. 4th St. in Muskogee, Okla.
Tuesdays
Organization, 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m., Ed Phillips 918-371-6688 and a special children’s museum. For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to
Veterans Affairs representatives
Call 805-551-6445 [email protected] Closed on Monday and Tuesday 10 p.m.
Cherokee Nation Veterans Center
[email protected] June 14 from Nov. 11 through February. Admission is $2.50, includes pot
Tahlequah, Okla. 918-772-4166 or
June 7 Stilwell Public Library Friends luck dinner
918-453-5695
Greasy Fellowship Community Society, 5 N. 6th St., Stilwell, 5 p.m. Fourth Thursday of each month
The Veterans Center will host VA
Organization Native American Fellowship Inc. American Indian Chamber of To have an event or meeting listed,
reps for all veterans to speak to
Greasy Community Building 215 Oklahoma St., South Coffeyville Commerce of Oklahoma – Eastern fax information to 918-458-6136
from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.
7 p.m. 6 p.m., Call Bill Davis 620-252-8883 Chapter monthly luncheon at attention: Community Calendar. The
Washington County Cherokee Adair County Resource Center Mondays, Wednesdays and Bacone College deadline for submissions is the 10th
Association, 300 E. Angus Ave., 110 S. 2nd St., Stilwell, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays Muskogee, Okla. 918-230-3759 of each month.
6 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • June 2018 HEAltH • aBk 0sr Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI 2018
CN lauded for hepatitis C elimination effort
just tired all the time.” “It’s a trailblazing project for many addicts turn to the streets tribes for generations.
Federal officials say
But things changed for the entire country,” Ward said. for cheaper and more readily “For Native Americans or any
the Cherokee Nation Anderson, a citizen of the The CN, which operates the available drugs such as heroin, other group that undergoes a
Cherokee Nation, because she largest tribal health care system which is often injected directly lack of nutrition, more violence,
could serve as a took advantage of the tribe’s in the U.S., are shouldering into veins. lack of opportunity — those
aggressive program to test for the cost of the program. The The CN is suing several kind of group experiences can
national model in
and treat hepatitis C. Federal Tahlequah-based tribe is major drug distributors for change the biology of groups
officials say it could serve as also capitalizing on medical what it claims is the companies’ of people to make them more
the fight against the
a national model in the fight advances that have seen the cost failure to prevent the flow of prone to addiction,” said Judy
infection. against the infection. of the antiviral drugs used to illegally prescribed opioids to Grisel, a professor of psychology
The CN, the second-largest treat the disease plummet from its citizens. and neuroscience at Bucknell
TAHLEQUAH (AP) – tribe in the U.S. after the Navajo around $90,000 per patient just a Dr. Jorge Mera, the tribe’s University and a recovering
Recovering addict Judith Nation, started the program few years ago to between $15,000 director of infectious diseases, drug addict and hepatitis C
Anderson figures if she hadn’t three years ago looking to and $20,000. is on the front line of treatment. survivor who has been sober
entered a program that caught screen 80,000 of its 350,000 “We’re running the health “In the last two years, I more than 30 years.
and treated the hepatitis C citizens, mainly targeting system, why not take care of started hearing the word heroin To be sure, the tribe is unique
she contracted after years of those 20 to 65 because of their them early and give them a more and more, every day,” in that it is absorbing the costs
intravenous drug use, she statistically higher chances of much better, longer quality of Mera said in a recent interview of treating its citizens, but
wouldn’t be alive to convince having the disease. More than life?” Principal Chief Bill John at the W.W. Hastings Hospital Ward, the CDC official, said
others to get checked out. half of the target group has Baker said. “It’s less stress later in Tahlequah. “Now we are communities can learn from
The 74-year-old resident of been screened, with more than on by us doing it ... it’s a model seeing a younger population the CN program by “involving
Sallisaw said the potentially 1,300 citizens testing positive, for all the other tribes to be able coming (with hepatitis C) that’s a local champion and setting
fatal liver disease sapped her and a 90 percent cure rate to follow.” predominantly due to IV drug a goal for eliminating the
of energy and “any desire to go among those who have started Hepatitis C is spread through use.” disease.”
anywhere or do anything.” treatment, the tribe says. infected blood, and hundreds In addition to battling the “These efforts can inspire
“It was like living with a CDC official John Ward, tested positive for the disease drug epidemic and statistics a community, help to develop
death sentence,” she said of whose agency is providing in the Cherokee program after that show they are 2.5 times partnerships and encourage
the infection that the U.S. technical assistance to the injecting drugs with unclean more likely to die from hepatitis accountability,” Ward said.
Centers for Disease Control and tribe, said the CN is the first needles. Tribal health officials C, many Native Americans “The Cherokee Nation was
Prevention said in 2016 killed community to set such an blame the nation’s opioid crisis already must contend with successful in part because it
more people than HIV and ambitious goal to eliminate the for the increase in those cases. rampant poverty and high developed strategies to finance
tuberculosis combined. “You’re disease. When prescription pills run out, unemployment that has plagued testing and treatment.”
Puberty drives diet necessities
for children, teens
BY BRITTNEY BENNETT pleasing to eat and look at.”
Reporter Staying hydrated is also important
as children and teenagers begin
SALINA – Proper diets reflecting the participating in sports and other
onset of puberty and growth for children activities. Swim recommends drinking
ages 9-12 and teenagers should be a two, 8-ounce glasses of water two hours
critical focus for parents, said Cherokee before an event, as well as sports drinks
Nation Clinical Dietitian Tonya Swim. during and after an event as a way to
“Encouraging healthy choices to help stay hydrated.
provide adequate energy for growth “Sports drinks provide fluid,
and development should be the focus,” carbohydrates and electrolytes during
Swim said. “There is a change that not extreme exercise,” she said. “This helps
getting adequate nutrients can result in provide fuel for muscles, help maintain
deficiencies, which could lead to loss of blood sugar levels and quench thirst.
KENLEA HENSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
height, osteoporosis and delayed sexual They also help to prevent dehydration.
Cherokee Nation citizen Grant York, 9, takes the official Tahlequah Police Department
maturation.” For specifics on what you or your
oath with TPD Chief Nate King on May 11 during a ceremony before York leaves for
Swim recommends establishing student-athlete need contact a registered
healthy habits early for children, dietitian who is a board-certified the “Dixie Stampede” in Branson, Missouri. Going to the “Dixie Stampede” was York’s
including breakfast. “Having a healthy specialist in sports nutrition.” Butterfly Wish made possible through Physicians Choice Hospice.
breakfast enhances brain function For families on the go to, Swim said
related to memory, testing and school planning is a way to keep eating healthy.
attendance. Having a high-fiber breakfast “Every sporting event has a schedule. Hospice group, community
with protein, fruit and a low-fat dairy is a Take time once a week to map those out
great way to start the day off. An example on a calendar and then sit down with the
of this could be a whole-grain English family to see who can help out where. band together for York
muffin with an egg patty prepared using Also, think about preparing extra on
a cooking spray and sliced avocado – the nights that you can cook. Then you just
perfect quick breakfast sandwich.” need to heat something up. Using the BY KENLEA HENSON program he and his family received
As children mature into teenagers, crockpot can be a lifesaver, then dinner Reporter an all-expense paid trip for him to
Swim said they need diets that provide is ready when you get home.” fulfill that wish.
proper nutrients and fuel. “Many teens For late night events, she said prepare TAHLEQUAH – Family, friends and However, before York and his
will double their weight and can add up sandwiches when possible and keep community members gathered on May family left for Branson, the nurses
to 20 percent in height, and they need to snacks handy such as whole fruit, apples, 11 at the Cherokee Casino Tahlequah surprised him with a special ceremony
make sure and get enough nutrients like bananas, oranges, walnuts, almonds and grounds for a surprise ceremony for that included York’s class at Keys
calcium to support healthy bone growth. skim mozzarella string cheese. 9-year-old Cherokee Nation citizen Elementary School. This was the first
Teens will continue to have growth Swim said parents must also keep in Grant York. time York met his classmates and
spurts, and it’s important for them to mind that males and females mature York suffers from several health teacher in person, Mendenhall said.
remember that their body needs food differently and to alter their diets conditions, including mitochondrial The Tahlequah Police Department also
to help fuel healthy growth, especially accordingly. “Because girls and boys mutation. His mother, Kasie joined the ceremony making York their
if they are an athlete. But food for fuel mature at different ages and their growth Mendenhall, said with mitochondrial first junior officer, and he even took the
is also important for those active with spurts occur at different times, there are mutation he is unable to absorb official TPD oath. He was also presented a
music or art. Their brains are working separate calorie needs. For example, as nutrients and hasn’t been able to eat certificate, T-shirt and badge.
to hardwire their ability to process the girls mature one place to focus would be solid food since he was 3 years old. In “Grant loves police and now he is a
skills needed for all activities.” on getting enough iron. The body uses April, he was admitted to Physicians real police officer,” Mendenhall said.
Parent should keep taste and iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the Choice Hospice. After a photo shoot for the family,
appearance in mind when preparing red blood cells that carry oxygen.” “The last two years have been the TPD gave York a police escort out
meals, Swim said, as they seem to be Swim said multi-grain rice with hard on him. He has spent most of of town. Once they reached Branson,
important factors to teens. “Health and salmon and dark green salads are ways all of it in the hospital,” Mendenhall the Branson police, fire department and
energy needs don’t matter so much to to add iron into meals, but recommends said. “Physicians Choice Hospice Missouri Highway Patrol were waiting
(teens), so as parents we need to provide contacting a pediatrician or registered has allowed Grant to have his pain to escort him into town.
those healthy choices in a way that is dietitian for diet needs. adequately controlled and for him to Mendenhall said she was thankful for
remain home and not in the hospital.” the community’s support her son and
Caring for their patients is not the family received.
only thing PCH nurses do. They also “Seeing our entire community come
Changing diets for 1- to 8-year-olds
grant wishes – Butterfly Wishes. together to support Grant and our
York’s wish was to go to the “Dixie family leaves me speechless. Without
BY STAFF REPORTS then the calories kind of bump up again Stampede” in Branson, Missouri, the support of the community things
at the next range.” and through the Butterfly Wishes like this wouldn’t be possible,” she said.
SALINA – After passing the 1-year- Swim said breakfast is important for
old mark, children’s environments children’s diets as it helps their bodies
play a bigger role in altering diets. and brains gain energy to “focus.”
Tonya Swim, Cherokee Nation clinical “Breakfast is one of the most important
dietitian, said as children reach “school meals of the day for school-aged children.
age” well-rounded meals are important That’s what gives their body and their
for muscle and brain growth. brain the energy to focus. So we want
1 to 5 years to encourage a nutritious breakfast for
Swim said children between 1 and 2 school-aged kids,” she said.
years old eat because of hunger, and at She said it’s important to also have
this time their palates change. Around well-rounded meals and snacks.
the 2-year mark, Swim said their “It’s making sure that those whole
appetites slow down. grains are at every meal. It’s making
“Parents may be concerned at that age sure that they have a variety of fruits and
that their child’s not eating, but that’s vegetables at meals and snacks, the low-
just a normal part of the life stage at that fat dairy so that they get their calcium,
point,” Swim said. their potassium, magnesium. An 8-ounce
Swim said when children hit the 3- to serving of low fat milk at meals is good.
4-year-old mark their environments String cheese, yogurt parfaits, those can
become “bigger” eating pattern be good snack ideas,” she said.
influences. “The only difference is Extra tips
around age 3 or 4 is whenever the Don’t use food for praise or
environment that the child is in starts to punishment, and establish set meal
become a bigger influence on their eating and snack times. “We don’t want to use
patterns rather than that hunger cue, food for praise or punishment because
That’s where setting a good example for that can start to develop a negative
children around that age (is important) relationship with food,” Swim said.
because they’re going to want to eat what Children may develop “picky” eating
we eat.” habits. Introduce foods in small portions
5 to 8 years at the beginning of meals. Physical
In this age group, Swim said is the activity is also important at these ages,
focus is ensuring children eat nutritious she said. “We need to balance the calories
snacks as their calories increase. that are going in our bodies with the
“They’re going to need a little more calories that we expend through exercise
calories than the 1- to 5-year-olds, and to help maintain a healthy weight.”
2018 Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI sERVICEs • nnrpH June 2018 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7
HACN gives 11
Cherokee families
keys to homes
BY STAFF REPORTS
VINITA – Eleven Cherokee families received keys
to their homes on May 11 after participating in the
Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation’s New Home
Construction Program.
The 1,350-square-foot brick homes on Miller
Street each feature a garage, three bedrooms and
two bathrooms. According to Cherokee Nation
Communications, $1.1 million was invested into the
homes and infrastructure and will provide an estimated
$28,000 in impact aid to local schools.
CN citizen Candle Melton and her family received one
of the new homes. The family of three had lived with
her mother, and she said the home is a blessing. BRITTNEY BENNETT/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
“We are so excited to have a brand new house to call Nancy McCause, United Keetoowah Band Housing Department director, right, speaks with a UKB citizen during a
our own. This would not have been possible without housing aid information meeting on May 11 at the Fairfield Community Building in Stilwell. McCause also discussed
Cherokee Nation and the New Home Construction existing and upcoming housing programs, including tiny homes for elders.
Program,” Melton said. “I am definitely proud to be
Cherokee and cannot thank Cherokee Nation enough
for their investments in our communities and for this UKB talks existing, new housing
wonderful opportunity to become the homeowners of a
brand new home.”
Principal Chief Bill John Baker implemented the
BY BRITTNEY BENNETT aid for eligible citizens who are tiny homes for elders.
program in 2012. The Vinita
SCAN Reporter first-time homeowners is available “We’re really excited about
recipients were selected from the
CODE for up to $10,000, while rental help the tiny homes for elders,” she
HACN’s waiting list of applicants
TO SEE STILWELL – The United is available for up to one month of said. “It kind of evolved over our
who do not own land.
VIDEO Keetoowah Band Housing rent or up to $750 towards deposit housing meetings because names
“Helping Cherokees improve
Department and tribal officials met fees for new renters. Eligible full- kept coming up of elders that were
ROGER GRAHAM their lives by establishing
with UKB citizens in the Flint and time college students can also just living in travel trailers and
homeownership is creating
Goingsnake districts to distribute receive up to $1,200 per semester things like that...We’ve already got
stronger communities and healthier families in
housing aid information and for housing costs. about three applicants for it. We’re
northeast Oklahoma,” Baker said. “We took these
assessment surveys on May 11 at For eligible citizens who own getting ready to pick a design and
acres in Vinita and converted them into a desirable
the Fairfield Community Building. homes but need help, the UKB go with it.”
neighborhood of almost a dozen houses.”
“In the past, some things kept offers a rehabilitation program Sean Nordwall, UKB Tribal
Chief of Staff and Vinita native Chuck Hoskin said
people from receiving services or that provides up to $35,000 and an Operations and Federal Programs
the homes were the latest in decades of improvements
they’ve gotten frustrated with the emergency repairs program that executive director, said the UKB
to the area by CN. “In more than 25 years of serving
application process and gathering grants up to $5,000. is also looking at buying land for
the Cherokee people, I’ve witnessed much progress for
documents,” UKB Chief Joe Bunch Weather-related aid is also duplexes and offering lease-to-own
this community. These new homes will have a lasting,
said. “It’s really not that hard, but available. UKB is offering eligible options. “With the lease-to-own,
positive impact.”
sometimes you need guidance.” citizens storm shelter help up to you would work through the tribe,
The HACN recently received a grant from Bank2 for The meeting followed the UKB $2,500, as well as air conditioners so people with not-so-spectacular
the home program, which allows the HACN to keep the Housing Committee’s creation, and help with cooling bills through credit should be able to make it
home recipients’ monthly payment at $350. Councilor Frankie Still said. the Oklahoma Low Income Home work. You just have to come by and
Schools in the area also benefit from the homes “When I first got in office there Energy Assistance Program. it would be a case-by-case basis.
because they receive $2,800 in federal impact aid for was no such thing as a housing UKB Housing Director Nancy We’re trying to make it as easy as
each enrolled student who resides in the homes. committee, so a group of us got McCause said citizens should stop possible for our members to get
“The new Miller Street Housing Addition is a major together to try and see what we by her office for applications even into a good place to live.”
boon for the town of Vinita,” Tribal Councilor Victoria could do to help,” he said. “We’ve if they’ve been previously denied Officials also distributed housing
Vazquez said. “Not only does it help citizens achieve come a long ways in about a year help. “They need to come to our surveys to better know what
homeownership, it’s also going to bring much-needed and four months to detangle all this office and apply. It could be that services are most needed. Officials
revenue to the school system through impact aid mess.” they didn’t fit into one program, said surveys can be picked up
dollars.” Various aid programs were but we can help them decide which and returned to the UKB Federal
Along with the homes, the CN invested more than discussed, including mortgage and way they need to go.” Programs Building until June 29.
$100,000 in infrastructure development on Miller rental, college student rental, storm McCause said other programs For more information, call 918-
Street and within the housing addition. The HACN has shelter and rehabilitation and the tribe will pursue in the 871-2773 or visit the UKB Housing
nearly 100 more homes under construction in the CN emergency repairs. According to upcoming year include Section 184 Department at 18263 W. Keetoowah
jurisdiction. For more information, visit www.hacn.org. distributed information, mortgage Indian Home Loan Guarantees and Circle in Tahlequah.
ARCHIVE
Anthony Pritchett,
Human Services
property
management
technician,
loads a window
air conditioner
into a truck.
The Cherokee
Nation’s Low
Income Home
Energy Assistance
Program provides
window units to
qualifying Native
Americans.
CN LIHEAP helps elderly,
disabled with summer cooling
BY STAFF REPORTS To receive a window unit, Ward said
clients would not had to have received
TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation’s LIHEAP in the winter but would have to
Low Income Home Energy Assistance be LIHEAP-eligible.
Program helps eligible Native Americans Ward said during the winter LIHEAP
with their heating, and in some cases, helped 1,786 clients who were 60 and
cooling sources. older or disabled and 232 who were under
Janet Ward, Family Assistance 60 and not disabled.
manager and LIHEAP coordinator, said “Our elders, sometimes during the
summer cooling aid is eligible to those wintertime and then in the summertime,
who are over 60 or disabled and received they try to cut back because of the
a winter heating payment. high cost of their utility bills, and they
“Our summer cooling program is don’t keep their houses warm as what
only for the elderly and disabled,” she they could,” she said. “If this program
said. “When we say disabled, disabled was not there we would probably have
are those who are actually receiving some elders that would keep their air
a disability check. So if they received conditioners turned down to where they
LIHEAP during the winter from us, really weren’t keeping cool or even in a
like in October or November, then they safe environment. But because we’re able
would be eligible for the summer cooling to give a summer cooling to the elderly
and the supplemental payment that we and disabled then it helps defray the cost
done this year.” that they would have to pay out.”
She said payments are sent to electric Ward said new clients could apply for
providers. “The elders and disabled LIHEAP later this year. It’s available to
that received the winter heating, they citizens of federally recognized tribes
will have gotten a letter in the mail for living within the tribe’s jurisdiction
them to return a mail showing who their who qualify for the benefits. Benefits
electric vender is. And then they get that are calculated based on the number of
information off there with their account people living in a household, the amount
number, and then it will be mailed of income for those over 18 years old and
directly to the vendor.” the home’s energy source. Applicants
She said she hopes to see payments who are 60 and older or disabled will
sent by the end of June or early July. be given top priority. To apply, a client
Ward said in some cases LIHEAP must provide a Social Security card,
provides window air conditioners for Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card,
those 60 and older or disabled. residence verification, heating utility
“The AC units are apart of our LIHEAP account verification, proof of income of
program. It’s a small air conditioning all household members 18 and older and
unit that’s just for a one-room cooling proof of disability if trying to participant
station. They’re (for) the elderly and in the program under that category.
disabled, and they have to have a medical
(statement) that stated that they have to For more information, call 918-453-5327
have refrigerated air,” she said. or email [email protected].
8 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • June 2018 EduCAtION • #n[]Qsd Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI 2018
Bacone College temporarily suspends operations
BY LINDSEY BARK reasons” why the school is on the verge
Reporter of permanently closing, including a lack
of student tuition payments.
MUSKOGEE – Bacone College officials He said though many students adhere
said the school would temporarily to their payment plans, others have been
suspend operations due to lack of “scamming” or “dodging” to complete
funding beginning May 14. their financial work. Willis said student
Outgoing President Frank Willis made tuition equates to about $2 million.
a Facebook live statement to Tulsa’s “Last year we were about $2 million
KJRH Channel 2 on May 8 announcing short of completing the year. The
the suspension of operations. American Baptist Home Mission Society,
The school had an estimated 700 whose missionaries founded this school,
students enrolled in the spring 2018 provided a line of credit of $1 million,
semester with about 100 students and we were able to get $1 million from
graduating at the college’s May 12 other sources, including a loan from me,
commencement ceremonies. that got us through last year,” Willis
“We’ve run out of money, and so we’re said.
temporarily closing as of this coming Willis said he hopes the school is able
Monday,” Willis said. “We’ll complete to get approved for another line of credit
the semester then we’ll lay almost again this year from the ABHMS and
everybody off.” find other sources of money.
He said about 95 full-time and part- Students were given notification
time faculty and staff will be laid off, that they had to be moved out of
with some already receiving notices on their dormitory rooms by May 11 for
May 4. undergraduate students and May 12 for
Willis said the school’s reopening is graduate students, according to a Tulsa
in the hands of incoming President Dr. World article. LINDSEY BARK/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Ferlin Clark, who has been working This caused problems for students Bacone College in Muskogee temporarily closed its doors on May 14. Because of a lack
around the country to obtain funds for who live out-of-state or are international of funding for the college its summer and fall classes are pending. President Frank Willis
Bacone. Willis said Bacone has also students who attend the college. Due to said the college is in need of about $2 million to continue operations.
sought help from tribal nations. The the temporary suspension, students will
Cherokee Phoenix asked the Cherokee not be allowed to use a summer housing fall semester. who started a school in the Cherokee
Nation’s administration if it planned on waiver to continue living on campus. Bacone was founded in 1880 and is Baptist Mission in Tahlequah. Seeing the
giving any funds to the school but had Willis said the school is expected to Oklahoma’s oldest center for higher need to expand, the Creek Nation Tribal
not received a response as of publication. close for three weeks, pending funding, education. It was started by Professor Council granted 160 acres of land in
Willis said there are “a couple of to continue into its summer courses and Almon C. Bacone, a missionary teacher, Muskogee where the school resides.
STUDENT
SPOTLIGHTS
Ashlee Fox Gabe Simpson
BY LINDSEY BARK
Cherokee Nation citizen
Reporter
and Jay High School senior
LONDON, ENGLAND – Cherokee
Nation citizen Ashlee Fox, of Gabe Simpson will attend
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a junior
Oklahoma State University
studying economics at Reed College in
Portland, Oregon.
to play football this fall.
“I decided to study economics
because after taking my first economics BY KENLEA HENSON
class as a freshman at Reed it changed Reporter
the way I thought about the world.
Economics has given me the tools to
COURTESY JAY – Cherokee Nation citizen and
think about policy,
Ed Fields teaches Cherokee language classes online via the Cherokee Nation and Jay High School senior Gabe Simpson,
ask big questions and
19, was recently named a 2018 Gates
Rogers State University’s new partnership that offers classes through RSU Works, a
solve problems with a
Scholar.
continuing-education program.
combination of theory,
The prestigious Gates Scholarship is
math and critical
a highly selective, full-ride scholarship
thinking,” Fox said.
for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority,
CN, RSU offering While at Reed, Fox high school seniors who have shown
won four fellowships
academic excellence, as well as strong
that advanced her
leadership abilities. Simpson is one of
in different areas of
300 high school students out of nearly
Cherokee language classes
economic studies – the
30,000 applicants from across the United
Financial Services, Evan Rose Fund,
States to be awarded the scholarship.
Winter International Travel and the
“I know a lot of people apply for it
via online platform Opportunity fellowships. She also (Gates Scholarship), so I was really
founded American Indians at Reed,
happy when I found out,” Simpson said.
which is a Native student union.
He also said upon graduation in May,
“When I got to Reed, thousands of
he plans to attend Oklahoma State
This is the first time registration for the Nation’s free
miles from home, I knew no Native
University in Stillwater this fall to play
students. It was a steep learning curve.
classes is available through the tribe’s website www. football.
I didn’t want new Reedies to walk on
“There was a lot of Division IIs that
cherokee.org and www.RSUworks.org. campus and have that same experience, wanted me and a few DI schools,” he
so I wanted to create a community for
said. “OSU offered me a preferred walk-
BY STAFF REPORTS the language classes available via RSU Native students at Reed,” she said. on, and I always
Works would be a natural continuation In September she traveled to England wanted to play at a big
CLAREMORE – The Cherokee of the university’s ongoing partnership to begin studying at the London School of powerhouse college
Nation and Rogers State University are with the CN. Economics. like that, so I thought
teaming to connect more CN citizens to “RSU and the Cherokee Nation have “I was placed in the social policy I would give it a shot.”
the Cherokee language through a new long been partners in projects that department at LSE, which has given He said although
online learning platform. advance educational opportunities and me the opportunity to think about how he plays other
RSU Public TV’s enrichment and foster a deeper appreciation for Cherokee policy works, and what doesn’t work, sports such as
continuing-education program, RSU culture,” Rice said. “The Cherokee in the United Kingdom and European basketball, baseball
Works, links students to the tribe’s language courses at RSU Works serve as Union,” she said. “It is an interesting and competitive
online language courses taught by good introduction for the college-level, time to be in the UK, given that the cheerleading, he’s been playing football
instructor Ed Fields. This is the first credit courses RSU offers in Cherokee country is in the midst of Brexit since he was “big enough to play” and
time registration for the Nation’s free language, as well as our degree programs (Britian’s exit from the EU) and facing his “love” for the game is what led him
classes is available through the tribe’s in Native American studies.” a lot of difficult questions.” to want to play in college.
website www.cherokee.org and www. Around 3,000 students of all ages While in London, Fox has involved As for a career choice, he said he
RSUworks.org. across the world take the CN’s online herself with the nonprofit agency hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy or
“This is just the first phase of the language courses each year. Classes FoodCycle, which takes would-be physical therapy.
partnership with RSU,” CN Cherokee are offered live and archived videos food wasted from grocery stores and “Pharmacy is because I love math
Language Program Manager Roy Boney and materials are also posted online for restaurants and turns it into meals for and science, and it’s a lot of that like
Jr. said. “Our larger goals are to expand those who have conflicting schedules. those in need. She said this also helps her chemistry. And physical therapy is
our online class offerings, including “At this time, enrollment in Cherokee understand food and agriculture policy because I love sports, and they work
adding a self-guided online language language classes via RSU Works does in the UK. with a lot of athletes through that,” he
class that will feature pre-recorded not directly link to college credit Also, Fox was recently named a 2018 said.
videos and interactive lesson modules. courses. However, enrolling in and Truman Scholar. The scholarship is Simpson’s words of advice to other
We also are working on offering online completing Fields’ online classes for aspiring public service leaders in students thinking about applying
language classes for college credit. These could enhance students’ success in the United States. Fox was one of 59 for the Gates Scholarship is to “start
will be taught by instructors certified by college-level credit language classes,” students selected and will receive up to young because there’s a lot of people
our Cherokee Language Program.” RSU TV General Manager Royal Aills $30,000 for graduate study. who slack off during freshman and
Boney and Tribal Councilor Keith said. “Fields’ teaching approach could “I’m humbled and deeply honored sophomore year, and when they realize
Austin worked with Principal Chief Bill serve as a prep, refresher and learning to represent Oklahoma as this year’s they want to go to college their grades
John Baker, Secretary of State Chuck resource for anyone wanting to pursue Truman Scholar, and the scholarship has weren’t as good to apply. But also,
Hoskin Jr., CN Education Services Cherokee I or Cherokee II at RSU on undoubtedly changed my life. I figured apply for as many scholarships as you
Executive Director Ron Etheridge and the Pryor and Claremore campuses this out a long time ago that I wanted to can.”
leaders at RSU to develop the partnership. fall. The addition of the free Cherokee pursue public services. I started working
“RSU’s great traditional programs language classes to our RSU Works on campaigns in high school, from Tribal
reach Cherokee Nation citizens course catalog reflects our ongoing Council campaigns to congressional A Student Spotlight is a feature
in Rogers, Mayes and Washington commitment to address this historical campaigns, and I led a political on a Cherokee Nation, United
counties. The innovative RSU Works and culturally significant demographic organization. I was fired up to create
Keetoowah Band or Eastern
programs allow the university to reach within our service region.” change and I decided politics was the way
virtually anywhere in the world with The CN’s spring Cherokee language to do it,” Fox said. Band of Cherokee Indians
internet connection,” Austin said. “This class began April 9 with participants Upon graduation from Reed, Fox said
citizen who is a student, whether
is a prime example of how the university gathering online one hour per day, two she would pursue a master’s degree in
continues to be a great partner with the days a week. Courses are available for public policy, a law degree and wants in grades kindergarten through
Cherokee Nation. RSU is reinforcing beginning, intermediate and advanced a career in federal Indian law and 12 or higher education, excelling
its commitment to helping Cherokee learners. policy. “I strongly believe that tribal
Nation ensure our native traditions To view the class schedule and to sovereignty is at the heart of every in school or doing something
survive. I’m excited to see the positive register through RSU Works, visit www. good policy in Indian Country. Tribal extraordinary. To recommend
impact this will have on the future of RSUworks.org and enter “Cherokee sovereignty is a fundamental right of
a student, email travis-snell@
our language.” language” in the search field, then click nationhood, but too many policymakers
RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said on “See Detail.” on Capitol Hill don’t understand that.” cherokee.org.
2018 Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI MONEy • a[w June 2018 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 9
Larry’s Bait and Tackle offers customers fishing wisdom
come see me because they learn from
Cherokee Nation citizen
me.”
Larry Fulton donates a Fulton recommends Bucktail Jigs,
Rooster Tail Inline Spinners and silver
custom 12-foot fishing pole spoons for anyone eager to catch sand
bass, while catfish are best caught with
for the Cherokee Phoenix’s
smaller bait. “If you want to get into the
catfishing, we have the live and frozen
quarterly giveaway.
baits. Worms also work really good. Most
BY BRITTNEY BENNETT people want to use shad. Minnows are
Reporter good for catching catfish, too, because
catfish eat small bait.”
FORT GIBSON – When customers When not giving fishing advice, Fulton
stop at Larry’s Bait and Tackle on their can be found repairing rods and reels.
way to the Grand-Neosho River or Fort One rod can take him 40 hours to strip
Gibson Dam, they can walk away with and refinish before securing new line
fishing wisdom that goes beyond worms guides and thread, which he does by
and bobbers. hand.
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve enjoyed “I like taking rods and stripping them
fishing, and I’ve developed different down and fixing them,” he said. “I make
techniques and different ways of fishing the thread, and you can’t buy the thread
that I can relay to my customers when like that. I sit and what I do is I attach
they come in,” Larry Fulton, who has PHOTOS BY BRITTNEY BENNETT/CHEROKEE PHOENIX the thread to the rod and then I sit here
owned and operated the business for 22 Cherokee Nation citizen Larry Fulton has owned and operated Larry’s Bait and Tackle in and spin thread all around and wrap it
years, said. Fort Gibson for 22 years. He offers various bait and tackle options, including slip float around. I don’t have a machine. Most of
The Cherokee Nation citizen has bobbers used for catching sand bass and catfish. it is just eyesight. No one does that. It’s
compiled fishing knowledge extending unique to the rod.”
back to the 1960s and is happy to share Fulton said he gets customers as far
it. “I relay to customers how to fish away as Arkansas and Texas asking him
during certain times of the year. There’s to rewrap their rods and give them some
different ways in the springtime and in customized flair. “If they want something
the fall, and when they’re running water different, I have them pick out the rope
and when they’re not running water at wrap they want and we’ll match the color
the dam. I spent a lot of time learning of the thread. I can’t tell you how many
and knowing about fish.” rods I’ve done that look like junk. Then
Fish are more active depending on when I give it back to them the look on
water temperature, he said. “Mother their face and the joy, their attitude after
Nature, her way of letting the fish know they come and see the rod is just great.”
about the different seasons is through Fulton has been rewrapping rods for
water temperature. That’s what fish have more than 12 years and has created a
to go by, is water temperature, for them custom-wrapped rod as the prize for
to do their active things. Once that water Cherokee Phoenix’s second quarter
Larry’s Bait and Tackle is located near the Larry’s Bait and Tackle is located at 22544
temperature gets warmer and starts giveaway. The 12-foot, two-piece fishing
coming up, you’ll see more activity in the Grand-Neosho River and Fort Gibson Dam, Highway 80 in Fort Gibson, one mile south pole features custom finishes and red,
water.” giving customers a convenient location to of Fort Gibson Dam. Owner Larry Fulton grey, blue, black and gold-colored thread.
Fulton said understanding fishing stop in and gather fishing supplies before says he’s compiled fishing knowledge To enter the giveaway, donate to the
mechanics isn’t enough to guarantee a day out on the water. extending back to the 1960s. Cherokee Phoenix’s Elder/Veteran
a huge catch. “A lot of people and kids Subscription Fund or purchase a
have been taught that all you have to Known most widely for his crappie wanting to catch, and you have to adapt newspaper subscription or merchandise.
do is grab a rod and reel, make sure it fishing, Fulton has caught everything to increase your chances,” he said. One entry is given for every $10 spent.
has line on it, grab a hook, a bobber or from spoonbills to stripers during his “You can go to Wal-Mart and go to the Drawing will be held July 2. For more
some bait and it’s fishing. It’s fishing, but time and adapted his techniques to the sporting goods department and try to ask information, call Justin Smith at 918-207-
there’s a difference in just going fishing intended catch. somebody there for advice, and they’re 4975 or email [email protected].
and catching fish. You may catch a few “A lot of people don’t know to choose just there to get you in and check you Find Larry’s Bait and Tackle on
fish, but there’s something to that.” bait or a lure to the fish that they’re out. Here, I have a lot of people say they Facebook or call 918-478-3225.
TERO-certified Fourkiller Lawn
Solutions continues to grow
BY KENLEA HENSON more commercial accounts, including the city of
Reporter Stilwell and Historic Cain Hill in Arkansas.
He also said his business has provided
STILWELL – It started as a summer job services to CN’s Three Rivers Health Clinic in
in high school to make extra money. Today Muskogee and a couple of the Cherokee casinos
24-year-old Tyler Fourkiller has a growing lawn thanks to being a certified vendor with CN
and landscaping business called Fourkiller Tribal Employment Rights Office.
Lawn Solutions that manages more than 140 “It’s really helped our business with the
residential and commercial accounts in eastern Cherokee Nation. Last year we picked up a
Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. couple of accounts with them, and now we have
The Cherokee Nation citizen started mowing a few more this year,” he said.
KENLEA HENSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX
lawns as a teenager, looking for a way to make With the success Fourkiller has seen, he’s
cash to buy hunting gear. He started out with been able to go from a one-mower lawn care Cherokee Nation citizen Tyler Fourkiller, owner of Fourkiller Lawn
a used zero-turn mower his father bought service to a full-service landscaping business Solutions, is a certified vendor for the CN’s Tribal Employment Rights
him and a push mower he borrowed from his with five mowers, three trucks, a skid loader Office. He provides lawn and landscape services for CN entities and for
grandfather. He hauled the mowers around on a and two full-time mowing crews. He said 75 customers in eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.
small trailer and began mowing five residential percent of his employees are CN citizens.
lawns. By the next summer, he had a couple “It’s cool to represent my Nation in a positive
more lawns to mow, and by the third summer he way and keep other Cherokees employed. That’s
gained a few more lawns and was able to save up definitely something we can look at and smile
enough money to buy his own mower. about,” he said.
After high school, he went to college to play As a full-service landscaping business,
baseball, and his summer lawn work slowed Fourkiller Lawn Solutions provide services
down. It wasn’t until after he graduated from such as commercial and residential mowing,
college that things started to “snowball” for him. landscaping, spraying, leaf, snow and brush
With a degree in environmental and safety removal, skid loader services and sod
management, Fourkiller wanted to go into the installation.
oil and gas field, but the industry wasn’t doing Fourkiller said he hopes his business grows
great at the time, so he decided to start a full- every year. “Any money I make I invest back
time lawn business. into my company as far as getting new accounts,
“I was like I’m just going to run with it and see investing in getting new equipment and more
what happens,” he said. equipment. I think that would be a goal for
Since making that leap three years ago, me just to branch out more and have more
Fourkiller has doubled his clientele and his employees, more mowers and more trucks.”
profits every year. He said while his business For more information, call 918-905-0362 or COURTESY
has a lot residential accounts he is gaining email [email protected]. Fourkiller Lawn Solutions employees work on a landscaping project.
10 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • June 2018 PEOPlE • xW Ewf #>hAmh • [UMI 2018
Research shows

Q & A: EBCI ‘Remember the Removal’ participants
‘RTR’ ride benefits
participants
Eight cyclists from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will join the
Cherokee Nation’s riders for the 2018 “Remember the Removal” bike ride. BY WILL CHAVEZ
Assistant Editor
BY KENLEA HENSON
Reporter TAHLEQUAH – Research is ongoing on
how the “Remember the Removal” bicycle
CHEROKEE, N.C. – Since 2011, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizens have joined rides benefit participants, and during an
Cherokee Nation citizens to retrace the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears as part of the April discussion at Northeastern State
nearly 1,000-mile “Remember the Removal” bicycle ride. University, some past cyclists shared how
Although both tribes have a similar application process, as well as the same goal of it has benefitted them.
historical and cultural awareness, the EBCI ride is coordinated through the tribe’s Cherokee The ride groups Cherokee Nation and
Choices program, which is geared to improving health among its citizens from ages 15 to 65. The EBCI Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizens
riders were expected to initially meet the CN participants on May 31 in Cherokee before the combined for a three-week, 950-mile ride from New
group makes its way from New Echota, Georgia, to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, beginning June 3. Echota, Georgia, to Tahlequah, retracing
The Cherokee Phoenix caught up to the EBCI participants to learn more about them. a Trail of Tears route to Oklahoma.
Approximately 4,000 Cherokees died in the
Name: Nolan Arkansas Lambert: It’s been a challenge for us all, came from. The history class helped me to roundups, incarceration and removals, as
Age: 18 but we’ve become one hell of a group. The understand why our people became divided well as after the journey.
Hometown: Cherokee classes were great. and some removed. The syllabary class Dr. Melissa Lewis, of the University
School: Yale University helped me to understand the sounds of the of Missouri, began her research in 2013
Name: Lori Owle characters and how valuable our language and started using focus groups in 2015.
CP: Why did you apply? Age: 47 is. Those who are fortunate to be fluent Riders from the 1984 and 2015 rides were
Arkansas: I decided Hometown: Cherokee speakers are treasures of our tribes. The interviewed and their answers compared.
to apply for RTR Occupation: Cherokee classes have taught me my Cherokee identity. In 2017, Lewis began using surveys
after watching a short Indian Hospital They have answered my many questions of focusing on social, physical, emotional
documentary about the ride. Cherokee Satellite Clinic why things are. and cultural health and feelings before
and during training, after the ride and six
people, whether from EBCI or Cherokee manager
months later.
Nation, had such a unique perspective Name: Ahli-sha
“People told us they lost weight and
on what it means to be Cherokee. They CP: Why did you Stephens
had improved their eating habits, had
were excited, emotional and ecstatic to be apply? Age: 33
decreased stress, had increased feelings
a member of a tribe with such rich and Owle: I was very fortunate to come from a Hometown: Cherokee
of a connection to peers and a stronger
resilient history. I wanted to be a part of strong, loving family. Family is everything. Occupation: Cherokee
connection to Cherokee culture,” she said.
that. I have always looked for opportunities Elementary School
Lewis also studied Native-specific
CP: What do you hope to take away from to improve myself personally and administration
measures, including micro aggressions
this experience? professionally. I was a teenage mother and
or “everyday subtle discriminatory
Arkansas: With this biking experience, I always had limits to what I was able to do CP: Why did you experiences;” discrimination and
hope to mend my own gaps of knowledge due to my parental responsibilities along apply? historical trauma such as losses of land,
about the Trail of Tears and Cherokee with many struggles, but what I wanted to be Stephens: My husband, Jake Stephens, culture, people in their families; and
history in general. I hope to walk away from was a positive role model for my daughter. rode in 2015, and I loved hearing about things related to the effects of colonization
this ride knowing that I have experienced Family is what we are about as a tribe. This his experience. I wanted to have my own and how often people think about those
just a fraction of what my ancestors is an opportunity to grow myself physically, experience. I wanted to see, feel and things. “We know that all three of those
experienced, and I want to be sure I am mentally and emotionally while learning experience what our ancestors seen, felt particular things – micro aggressions,
motivated to act and live in a way that about Cherokee history and the removal and and experienced. I want to honor them and discrimination and historical trauma –
honors them. how it impacted my family years ago. what they went through. This will not only relate to worsening mental and physical
CP: How has the training and history CP: What do you hope to take away from be a physical challenge but also a mental health, so that’s why we took a look at
and language classes been so far? this experience? challenge. those things,” she said.
Arkansas: The syllabary classes have been Owle: I hope this experience makes me CP: What do you hope to take away from Lewis said results show the riders’
hassles at first “were significant,” but
a great way for our members to become into a strong Cherokee woman like my this experience?
after the ride their stress and anxiety
more of a team. Even a small step towards grandmother Leola. I experienced a great Stephens: A new outlook of myself and my
improved, and this improvement
language reclamation has helped us form loss and never felt I was able to overcome strength. Our Cherokee people were tough
continued six months later. It also helped
a stronger crew mentality. As for training, the heartbreak of losing my dad at a young and even though my journey will be easier
those dealing with depression, and this
everyone varies in ability and speed, but age. My grandmother Leola had lost two than theirs I want to experience as much of
got even better six months later, she said.
we are still able to train together, which is sons, and even though she grieved she kept this journey as I can, the good and the bad.
Also, after six months, participants had
rewarding not only because we ourselves her focus on our family and she was a loving I want to return home and share my story
less anger and micro aggressions.
improve, but because we have seen hard worker, and her life was about family and more importantly, their story. I hope to
Two areas Lewis said were concerning
improvements in our teammates. and she is a great role model. Being able to return home a different type of Cherokee
were post traumatic stress disorder
retrace the route that our ancestors took woman. and historical trauma. Right after the
Name: Brooke during the removal will give me the sense CP: How has the training and history ride, those numbers were “statistically
Coggins of understanding of knowing we may not and language classes been so far? significant” and had increased. She said a
Age: 23 be able to control events in our life, but we Stephens: Amazing! I learned so much. The likely contributor was constantly visiting
Hometown: Bryson have to appreciate and respect who we are genealogy classes were the most interesting. or seeing gravesites of Cherokee people
City and how strong we are and not let these To learn about your family and the roles they lost during the removals or reading about
School: Western experiences define us but be able to navigate played in our history is valuable information the removal in a journal written by an
Carolina University our lives in a more positive way. I want to be I will cherish forever. Yonaguska, Junaluska eyewitness who traveled with Cherokees.
a leader for our tribe by being an emotionally and Tsali were on my family lineage as “It doesn’t seem there are many days
CP: Why did you intelligent leader by having compassion for grandparents four generations back. Each that go buy where you all don’t see graves,
apply? others and be an advocate for the tribe and history and language class I soaked up as and so these thoughts about historical
Coggins: I wanted to feel closer to my show pride in who we are. much information as I could, I look forward loss, it’s not surprising that they went up,”
community and have a better understanding CP: How has the training and history to doing the same on the ride. Lewis said. “As the peak of knowledge
happens…they felt sad and angry and
of where our resilience as a people stemmed and language classes been so far?
frustrated, but the cultural pieces are
from. Owle: The training was physically and Name: James Bo
so strong, that’s what the riders are left
CP: What do you hope to take away from emotionally hard for me. I was not in the Taylor
with. They’re not left with thinking about
this experience? best physical shape and that made the Age: 48
graves every day.”
Coggins: Insight to our people’s strength training emotionally and mentally hard Hometown: Cherokee
Billy Flint, a CN rider, said the history
and a direction of how to bring back my knowing I could do better, but I had physical Occupation: Museum
he learned in 2015 made him stronger.
experience to help better the growth in our struggles. I was part of a team and I had of the Cherokee Indian
“I had a photograph of my third great-
community. a team counting on me, so I had to do the director
grandmother who was a child during the
CP: How has the training and history best I could. The history and language removal, and I carried that with me on
and language classes been so far? classes would always bring me back to why I CP: Why did you the ride. And for someone who has dealt
Coggins: I have learned so much about was doing this, and the physical part was not apply? with issues of self-esteem and self-doubt
Cherokee history, culture and my personal the focus of why I was doing this journey, Taylor: I applied because of the stories that for a good chunk of their life…the ride was
family’s history. It has been at times difficult the education of Cherokee history was. The I heard from the alumni from the past. I truly a godsend in my life. I’m a stronger
but equally a rewarding journey, especially as classes were very rewarding, and we had heard that it was a life changing experience person. I’m a more socially conscious
it’s almost time to begin our ride. the best people leading the classes who had and I wanted to experience that for myself. person than I was before. I realize I can do
wealth of knowledge that I still learn more Be careful what you wish for. I wanted to anything.”
Name: Seth David everyday about our history and language. challenge myself and I really did not know Raven Girty, a 2017 CN cyclist, said she
Ledford what to expect. But now that this is my believes the PTSD and historical trauma can
Age: 18 Name: Jan Smith second attempt, I feel I have unfinished be attributed to seeing people’s graves and
Hometown: Cherokee Age: 62 business that I need to finish. I need to learning what happened to them. “You don’t
School: Smokey Hometown: Cherokee complete this journey or at least give it my come out of the ride the same as you were
before the ride. You are going to change
Mountain High School Occupation: Retired all. I want my girls to know that it is not ok
in some way. And what she (Lewis) was
educator to quit. I have always said that Cherokees
talking about with the PTSD and historical
CP: Why did you always get up and do what they are supposed
trauma, you see things that will break your
apply? CP: Why did you to do. I made a commitment to my God,
heart. You see fields and fields of mass
Ledford: Because I feel I need to feel what apply? family and my people to do my best. So that
burials. You pass by areas that will have
my ancestors went through, and I need to Smith: I have wanted is why I am back to finish what I started.
plaques that will tell you who passed away
get closer to my heritage. to apply for the ride for a long time. I see CP: What do you hope to take away from
there. You learn stuff you had never been
CP: What do you hope to take away from the alumni riders giving back to the ride this experience?
taught before, and it really hits home.”
this experience? and their community and I wanted to be a Taylor: It has been probably the toughest However, Lewis’ research shows the
Ledford: I hope that I come back a better part of it. Honoring our people who went thing I have ever attempted. It has biggest impact is to physical health.
person with a different look on life. before us who struggled but through their challenged me mentally, physically and J.D. Arch, a 2016 EBCI rider, said he
CP: How has the training and history resiliency maintained our strong cultural spiritually. I hope to have an experience that weighed 270 pounds when he started
and language classes been so far? identity. I want our people and the pain they will make me a better person than when I training and about 245 pounds when
Ledford: I found the history and language endured to never be forgotten. Remember started. I hope to gain life long friends and finished with the ride. He said he’s stayed
classes very helpful and interesting. The the Removal is a way to honor them to walk family. To gain a better sense of what my at that weight thanks to eating better and
training has been good. It’s hard, but I where they walked and feel their pain. It’s a ancestors went through. It was an honor cutting sugary drinks.
expected that with the journey ahead. small way for me to show that I am strong to be chosen to be a rider. I am humbled KenLea Henson, a 2017 CN rider, said
and resilient because of them. by the experience. I am not sure what will training and the ride taught her to eat
Name: Darius Ian CP: What do you hope to take away from happen with the ride, but I do have great healthier and that she continues that.
Lambert this experience? expectations that the Creator will make “During the training period I really
Age: 17 Smith: A feeling that I have honored our things happen and that we as a team will all wanted to eat better because every time I
ate better, I felt better. So to get through
Hometown: Cherokee removal ancestors and also the struggles be enriched by the journey.
those really long rides, I had to make sure
School: Cherokee of those left behind. To learn more of CP: How has the training and history
I was fueled with really healthy foods to
Central Schools the Cherokee history, to create lifelong and language classes been so far?
help me keep going. So now, to feel better,
friendships and establish a bond between Taylor: The trainings on history and culture
I eat vegetables and fruits and no fast food
CP: Why did you our western Cherokee brother and sisters have been extremely fun and educational.
and just drink water.”
apply? and my eastern rider family. To be a part of I love that it has been a communal effort
Trey Pritchett, a 2017 CN rider, said the
Lambert: I applied to this ride to learn a team to achieve a significant goal, which made up of volunteers, past alumni and
ride made him conscious of his physical
more about my ancestors who walked the is RTR. Appreciate what I have – Cherokee the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Even
health. “When I graduated high school,
Trail of Tears, but also to challenge myself history, culture, values and many benefits through history and culture is my profession
I wasn’t playing sports anymore, so I
mentally and physically. that I did not earn but received because of I have gained great insight by getting others thought there’s no need to be working out
CP: What do you hope to take away from our ancestors. prospective. I think it is essential to have the way I did because I’m not competing
this experience? CP: How has the training and history this as part of the ride. Otherwise, it is just anymore, so I just kind of let myself go.
Lambert: I hope to have more knowledge and language classes been so far? a sporting initiative. RTR is the link to our Throughout the course of this training I
and a better perspective of life. Smith: I love all the classes we have had. past, but also our future. I only wish more actually realized how important it is to
CP: How has the training and history The genealogy class helped me to discover people could experience it for themselves. actually be healthy and to stay fit whether
and language classes been so far? my Cherokee roots and generations that I you compete or not.”