Brushy Cherokee Community and Stites Among Those to Be Honored

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks at the 2017 Cherokee National Holiday awards banquet. The tribe annually recognizes its citizens who make significant contributions for culture, statesmanship, patriotism, community leadership and devotion to the Cherokee Nation.

Four Cherokee Nation citizens will receive the distinction of Cherokee National Treasure during the 66th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Awards Banquet later this month.

Also among those to be honored are Tom Stites and the Brushy Cherokee Community Organization.

Cherokee National Treasure is an honor given by the tribe to individuals who are keeping the art, language and culture alive through their crafts and work.

Loretta Shade of Hulbert, Troy Jackson of Tahlequah, and Lisa Rutherford of Tahlequah were selected as this year’s recipients as well as Annie Wildcat of Park Hill who was selected to receive the award posthumously.

“The distinction of Cherokee National Treasure is an honor reserved for individuals who dedicate themselves to the preservation of Cherokee language, art and culture,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said. “This year’s four recipients have truly set themselves apart for their commitment, and we are proud to recognize their lifelong efforts to educate the public about our Cherokee traditions. Their commitment to the conservation of Cherokee heritage will positively impact our future generations.”

The Cherokee Nation will also honor tribal citizens and organizations that made significant contributions for statesmanship, patriotism, community leadership and devotion to the Cherokee Nation at the 66th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Awards Banquet. 

Award recipients will be recognized during the special ceremony held on Aug. 30 and include:

Statesmen Award

Harley Terrell

Marilyn Vann

Lee Paden

John Sparks

Patriotism Award

Chyanne Smith

Dr. Ricky Robinson

Tom Stites

Community Leadership Award –Individual

Polly Teehee

David Benham

Sarah Holcomb

Diane Kelley

Becky Switzer

John Young

John Gritts

Community Leadership Award – Organization

Cherokee Indian Baptist Choir

Brushy Cherokee Community Center

Oakhill-Piney Community Organization

Mid-County Community Organization

Cherokee Citizens League of Southeast Texas

Jack and Betty Kingfisher Family

Samuel Worchester Award for devotion to Cherokee Nation

Dr. Bob Blackburn

Glenna Smith

Doug Evans

Governor David Walters 

For photos and video of the 66th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Awards Banquet on Aug. 30, follow Cherokee Nation on Facebook and Twitter.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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