# LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3Aec61af73ebb5f7d0 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS October 2025 UKB Housing program gives tribal UKB Celebrates Renewal of IHS member a place to call home Funding for PRC Program Beverly Robison receives key to her home under the Lease to Purchase program Housing Director Roxana Wilden presents Beverly Robison with keys to her new home along with Goingsnake District Rep Willie Christie. Roxana Wilden, Ashlea Kingfisher, Beverly Robison and Willie Christie stands in front of the new home in Kansas. LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter Pictured L-R: Roxana Wilden, Beverly Robison and Willie Christie since 2019 before receiving her new home for her family. KANSAS, Okla- The United Kee“We appreciate her patience with toowah Band Housing Department us, because it’s really hard to find a Lease to Purchase program proudly two-bedroom home that she qualified presented UKB Member, Beverly Robfor in Kansas, Ok,” Wilden and UKB ison a new home. Assistant Housing Director Richard The Lease to Purchase program Vann said. is to help tribal members become In September, the UKB Housing homeowners. Some of the requireDepartment gladly met with Robison ments are as follows: to present her with keys to her new -Must be a UKB member -Must not be on any public or Indi- home. “It’s an amazing experience to an Housing program actually be able to give somebody a -Never been a homeowner home that they have been waiting -Must not be a convicted sex offor,” Wilden said. fender or drug offender “It was hard to find one in the -Must not owe any debt area that she wanted,” Vann added. “With this program we prioritize “We found a house that was closer our families and elders with famito her relatives, so that made a huge lies,” UKB Housing Director Roxana difference for her and her family. So Wilden said. “We’re trying to help people that can take responsibility of that was a good feeling that we could get where she wanted, where she is their home.” more comfortable with family.” This includes younger families Many of these applicants come too, as many homes UKB Housing from Delaware, Goingsnake, Flint has purchased are three bedrooms it’s about providing stability and keeping and Tahlequah district. UKB Housing Department stresses on everything those involved with the tribe. The starts with an application when it housing department goes out into comes to their programs. If you have the districts to look for houses to already put an application in with the purchase for tribal members on the department, you must update inforwaiting list or who have put in an application for this specific program. mation every year. For more information contact Robison was on the waiting list UKB Housing at 918-871-2773. The UKB has announced the renewal of critical funding from the Indian Health Service for its Purchased and Referred Care Program. The renewal of program funding is a testament to the Tribe’s need for its own PRC funding and significant initial success of the program. This news comes one year after the Tribe first secured IHS funding for the UKB’s PRC program and coincides with the program celebrating service of its 1,000th patient. “Announcing the renewal of PRC funding and celebrating serving the 1,000th patient are moments of pride and of a promise that we are building something lasting,” said Jennifer Leep, Director of Echota Behavioral Health. “With PRC in place and a growing health team, we’re making real, tangible progress toward a healthier Tribe. The future for the UKB is brighter and healthier because of the PRC funding.” Chief Jeff Wacoche highlighted the deeper meaning of the achievement. “This is a reflection of the trust our people place in us and the hard work our entire health team puts in every day. Together, we’re expanding the UKB healthcare system to support our people today and to strengthen the collective UKB wellbeing for future generations.” Launched on January 1, 2025, with IHS funding, the PRC Program provides UKB Members access to vital health services not available through IHS or Tribally operated clinics. These include hospital care, dental and optometry services, emergency treatment, specialty care, and patient travel reimbursement. As the payer of last resort, the program serves UKB Members living within a 14-county service area in Oklahoma. The PRC Program is part of a larger network of UKB health initiatives, which include Echota Behavioral Health and the UKB Wellness Center. Over the past 13 months, the Tribe has secured more than $11.5 million in federal healthcare funding to expand and strengthen its services. “Securing $11.5 million in healthcare funding over the last 13 months is a significant milestone for the UKB. This ensures Tribal Members are able to access the care that they need. This program renewal strengthens services for our Members and reinforces our sovereignty,” said Bryan Shade, UKB Member, Tribal Attorney, and Partner at Lippes Mathias. Despite challenges from the CNO, the UKB’s ability to both secure and re-secure federal healthcare funding affirms UKB’s sovereign right to administer its own programs to its people. The UKB is unwavering in its commitment to quality and accessible health care for UKB Members. UKB Calls for Action: Oppose Mullin Legislative Language TAKE ACTION NOW ! Defend UKB Rights! PROTECT OUR RIGHTS, LAND AND FUTURE The UKB is asking Tribal Members and supporters to take immediate action against proposed legislative language — secretly advanced by Senator Markwayne Mullin at the request of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma — that would terminate UKB land and economic development rights within the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. The provision, revealed only after a Freedom of Information Act request, would strip the UKB of its ability to place land into trust undermining sovereignty, identity, and the tribe’s legal standing. “This is a deliberate act of termination,” said UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche. “It is a betrayal of the federal government’s trust responsibility and a direct attack on our sovereignty. If our rights did not exist, there would be no need to erase them through legislation.” Senator Mullin Must Be Held Accountable To date, Sen. Mullin has not publicly commented on this language. The UKB is calling on him to explain why such a provision was drafted in secret, and to meet publicly with UKB leadership to withdraw his UKB termination provision. What Members Can Do A secret provision drafted by Senator Markwayne Mullin, coordinated by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO), threatens to strip the UKB of trust land rights and future economic development opportunities. This is a direct attack on our UKB has launched a letter-writing campaign that makes it quick and easy to send a message directly to Senator Mullin and Congressional leaders. By visiting ukb-nsn.gov/DefendUKBRights, Members and allies can join together in demanding that the draft language be withdrawn and that UKB rights be respected and upheld. GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS Assistant Chief Amos Ketcher aketcher@ ukb-nsn.gov Secretary Caleb Grimmett-Smith csmith@ ukb-nsn.gov Treasurer Sonja Gourd sgourd@ ukb-nsn.gov Cooweescoowee Dist. Clifford Wofford 918-822-1953 Delaware Dist. Tishaleta Smith-Guevara 918-718-4366 tguevara@ ukb-nsn.gov Flint Dist. Frankie Still 918-507-1822 Goingsnake Dist. Willie Christie 918-822-3803 Illinois Dist. Janelle Adair 918-457-7067 Saline Dist. Charles Smoke 918-457-7071 Sequoyah Dist. Donald Adair 918-931-0941 Tahlequah Dist. Sammy Allen 918-931-0177 Siyo UKB Family, When we face challenges, we unite as Keetoowahs. I am grateful to Members who are defending UKB rights and have spoken out against Sen. Mullin’s draft legislative provision that would strip UKB of rights. In addition to updating you on our united stand against Senator Mullin’s legislative language, we are grateful to enjoy a wonderful UKB Celebration – providing fellowship and a proud display of UKB history, rights and sovereignty. We also celebrate the 1st anniversary of our UKB Courthouse – a symbol of UKB rights, sovereignty and justice for our people. Defending Sovereignty October Edition Chief's Corner JEFF WACOCHE Principal Chief jwacoche@ukb-nsn.gov nomic development rights within the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. We must not stay silent. I am asking every UKB Member to stand with us by visiting our website, where we have launched a letter-writing campaign that makes it easy to send a message of opposition directly to Senator Mullin and other leaders. Your voice matters, and together we can make sure they hear us loudly. https:// www.ukb-nsn.gov/defendukbrights I know many of you are following Celebration the issue with Senator Mullin’s draft I want to thank everyone for legislative language in Congress. This attending Celebration. Celebrating draft legislation – coordinated by the October 3, 1950, ratification of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma – the UKB constitution is a testament would terminate UKB land and eco- OCTOBER 2025 to our history, resilience, and unity as Keetoowahs. As we come together to share songs, food, and fellowship, we also show our Cherokee Reservation community who we are and our progress as a Tribe. Marking a UKB Judicial System Milestone We are marking the first anniversary of our UKB Courthouse. This is more than just a building – it is a symbol of our sovereignty and our ability to provide justice for our people on our land. Over the past year, the Courthouse has stood as a place of fairness and accountability, and it will continue to serve as a cornerstone of Tribal justice at work. Wado for your continued support and engagement. In times of challenge, I call on all UKB Members to stand together. Voice your opposition to Sen. Mullin’s ugly legislative provision. Chief Jeff Wacoche Voter participation over 45 percent for EBCI General Election CHEROKEE, N.C. – Over 45 percent of the registered voters of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cast a ballot in the General Election held Thursday, Sept. 4. According to information from the EBCI Board of Elections, 3,031 of the 6,702 registered voters cast a ballot for a voter participation of 45.23 percent. That percentage is up from the 31.97 percent voter participation rate for the July Primary Election. The number of registered voters also increased from the 4,285 registered by the Primary. The results given below are unofficial until they are certified. According to Cherokee Code Sec. 161-16.1(a), “At the meeting of Tribal Council on the first Monday of October following a general election, or after the first meeting of the Tribal Council following a special or primary election, the Board of Elections shall certify the election to the Tribal Council.” Following are the unofficial results, per the EBCI Board of Elections, for the Sept. 4 General Election: Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Kolanvyi (Big Cove) Lavita Hill 214 (32.72 percent) Venita K. Wolfe 188 (28.75 percent) Perry Shell 132 (20.18 percent) Richard French 120 (18.35 percent) Joi Owle 183 (12.23 percent) Aniwodihi (Painttown) Sean Michael Stamper 273 (38.40 percent) Shannon Swimmer 166 (23.35 percent) Jeff Thompson 163 (22.93 percent) Bill Taylor 109 (15.33 percent) Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/ Cherokee County) Adam Wachacha 213 (28.59 percent) Michael Smoker 185 (24.83 percent) Bucky Brown 174 (23.36 percent) Janell Rattler 173 (23.22 percent) Wayohi (Wolftown) Bo Crowe 505 (39.00 percent) Mike Parker 328 (25.33 percent) Joey Owle 320 (24.71 percent) Glenn Bradley 142 (10.97 percent) Elawodi (Yellowhill) David Wolfe 204 (29.91 percent) Shennelle Feather 185 (27.13 percent) Tom Wahnetah 170 (24.93 percent) Chris Reed 123 (18.04 percent) Gloria “Punkin” Griffin 355 (46.04 percent) Following is a breakdown of voter participation by community: Kolanvyi (Big Cove) – Registered voters: 759; Voters casting ballots: 346; Voter participation: 45.59 percent Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) – Registered voters: 1,711; Voters casting ballots: 812; Voter participation: 47.46 percent Tsalagi Gadugi (Cherokee County) – Registered voters: 384; Voters casting ballots: 130; Voter participation: 33.85 percent Tutiyi (Snowbird) – Registered voters: 520; Voters casting ballots: 285; Voter participation: 54.81 percent Elawodi (Yellowhill) – Registered voters: 911; Voters casting ballots: 374; Voter participation: 41.05 percent Aniwodihi (Painttown) – Registered voters: 813; Voters casting ballots: 389; Voter participation: 47.85 ******************************** percent Wayohi/Widagalinidisgv (Wolftown/Big Y) School Board Berdie Toineeta 319 (60.76 percent) Timmy Ray Smith 206 (39.24 percent) Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) School Board Jim Owle 471 (31.48 percent) Melanie Lambert 416 (53.96 perBoyd Owle 425 (28.41 percent) cent) Patrick Lambert 417 (27.87 percent) Wayohi (Wolftown) – Registered voters: 1,223; Voters casting ballots: 539; Voter participation: 44.07 percent Widagalinidisgv (Big Y) – Registered voters: 381; Voters casting ballots: 156; Voter participation: 40.94 percent OCTOBER 2025 GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS September 9, 2025 United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians PO Box 746 Tahlequah, OK 74465 (918) 871-2836 These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. To all interested Agencies, Groups and Persons: REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about September 24, 2025 the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians will authorize its Housing Department to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Southern Plains Office of Native American Programs, for the release of funds in the amount of $800,000 Indian Community Development Block Grant #22RP4015820 under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) to undertake a project known as Development of a Facilities Storage Shed to warehouse maintenance equipment, surplus property and supplies of the Department that are used in support of low-income housing activities. The legal description for location of the project is: Part of the S/2 SE/4 NW/4 NW/4, Section 8, Township 16 North, Range 22 East, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, consisting of 5 acres, more or less. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the office of the United Keetoowah Band Housing Department, 18263 West Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 74464, and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determi- nation or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to Mr. Jeff Wacoche, Chief, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465. All comments received by September 24, 2025, will be considered by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians prior to submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. RELEASE OF FUNDS The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Jeff Wacoche, in his capacity as Chief, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce the responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s acceptance of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and allows the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians to use funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will accept objections to its release of funds and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indian’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians; (b) the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD Regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (d) another Federal Agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required Procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Southern Plains Office of Native American Programs, 301 N.W. 6th Street, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102. Potential objectors should contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Jeff Wacoche, Chief United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians UKB Tribal Enrollment 18300 W. Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464 Open Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As with other federally recognized tribes, the United Keetoowah Band has its unique process to determine membership. Visit ukb-nsn.gov/membership for Enrollment documents and a brief FAQ section of the most common questions about UKB membership. Find forms for Membership Applicaitions, CDIB Instructions, Update Your Information and UKB Relinquishment. For additional questions, or if you are a member who has lost your en-rollment card, call the UKB Enrollment Office Registrar Amanda Stopp at 918-871-2797. Questions concerning history, cultural practices, cloth-ing, language or ceremonies are better suited for our John Hair Cultural Center and Museum. Visit ukb-nsn.gov/john-haircultural-center-muse-um or call 918-871-2866. GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS OCTOBER 2025 Cherokee Growing Readers Unite for Literacy program begins book garden initiative BROOKLYN BROWN, One Feather Reporter CHEROKEE, N.C. – During Reports to Council on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3, Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Superintendent Consuela Girty, Center for Native Health (CNH) Relational Health Program Director and Growing Reader Associate Kristina Hyatt, and Hope Center Director Michele Galloway, presented the Cherokee Growing Readers initiative through Unite for Literacy, which will include book gardens and a community writer’s workshop. “Cherokee Growing Readers is an initiative that puts books into the hands of Cherokee children and families through free book gardens, nurturing a lifelong love of reading and connection,” Hyatt said. “This reading initiative made possible through a partnership between Unite for Literacy, National Center for Families Learning, and Cherokee Central Schools, is planting the seeds of literacy across the Qualla Boundary.” Free book gardens are available at Cherokee Central Schools, Qualla Boundary Head Start, Qualla Boundary Public Library, the Cherokee Dental Clinic, the Center for Native Health Mothers’ Gatherings, and Nurse-Family Partnership. Hyatt also shared that the initiative is working to partner with other organizations like the Cherokee Boys Club to place free book boxes on the school buses. The initiative will also include a writer’s workshop on Oct. 29, details to be announced, for Cherokee community members to produce 9-page books that will be distributed in the book gardens. Girty said the writer’s workshop is important for representation. “The writer’s workshop is to get more Cherokee people involved and creating more books so that they are Cherokee driven…Our kids will be able to see themselves in these pictures, they will see our local community. I believe in the quote, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’” There is also a free subscription of books that can be mailed to your home by signing up at www.uniteforliteracy.com/register/cherokee Schon Duncan, Regina McLemore named 2025 Tradition Keepers tion. They each received a plaque, a personalized display banner and a check for $250. TAHLEQUAH - The UKB Tradition Keepers Since 2005, the United Keetoowah Band has named the newest recipients of the 2025 Tradition honored Keetoowah artists, artisans, and others Keepers Awards. Exclusive members Schon Duncan who continue the traditions and their efforts to from the Goingsnake district and Regina McLemkeep Keetoowah arts, crafts, and language alive in ore from the Tahlequah district were officially recognized at the 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebra- Keetoowah families and communities. Schon Duncan is a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, a Keetoowah language teacher, filmmaker, and community advocate dedicated to the revitalization of the Cherokee language. He currently teaches Cherokee at the University of Oklahoma, where his courses consist of conversation and the cultural history of the Cherokee peoples. Duncan co-directed an award-winning documentary, ᏓᏗᏬᏂᏏ We Will Speak, which follows Cherokee speakers and learners in their efforts to sustain the language. He has also contributed to Cherokee-language media through ᎢᎾᎨᎢ Inage’I, a children’s television series, and ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩ Anvdvnelisgi, a compilation album of Cherokee songs across multiple genres. As a 2024 Forge Project Fellow and 2025 Rooted Future Fund recipient, Duncan continues to create Cherokee language films and resources that connect traditional knowledge with future generations. His teaching, scholarship, and creative practice all seek to sustain and expand spaces for Cherokee language, identity, and futures. Regina McLemore is a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and resides in Tahlequah. Regina is a seamstress and quilter who learned how to sew by making doll clothes Regina is a seamstress and quilter who learned how to with her granny. She worked for Mr. Hendricks at sew by making doll clothes with her granny. the sewing factory in Tahlequah, where she sewed Marilyn Craig, Museum Marketing Coordinator Schon is a Keetoowah language teacher, filmmaker, and community advocate dedicated to the revitalization of the Cherokee language. clothing and taught people how to sew. She has sewn traditional clothing including tear dresses, ribbon shirts, wrap skirts and trade shirts and also does quilting. She has made clothing for the UKB Youth Choir. Regina is passing on this skill by teaching her children and grandchildren how to sew. These two new Tradition Keepers will join a group of thirty-five tribal members who have received the honor in past years. For more information, visit the museum’s, tribe’s or Tradition Keepers’ Facebook pages, go to ukb-nsn.gov., or call the museum at (918) 871-2866. 75TH Annual Keetoowah Celebration presents: River Cane Blowgun Competition TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebration is among us, and as part of this fun-filled holiday is the Keetoowah River Cane Blowgun Competition. This event will take place at the Northwest corner of the UKB Pavilion on the celebration grounds. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This is a free event. There will be categories for males: youth, adult and elder. Female categories youth, adult and elder. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places receive trophies and t-shirts. Come check out your target skills. Contact Roger Cain at 918-871-2826. UKB HP Director Roger Cain explains to Senior Reporter Lani Hansen about blowguns and what the materials are made of. Trophies for the blowgun competition. LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter OCTOBER 2025 GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post Troy Morrow served for 15 years, over 10,000 hours, at the VA Medical Center in Ashville, N.C. which CHEROKEE, N.C. – A new phowas renamed the Charles George VA to of PFC Charles George, Medal of Medical Center after his retirement. Honor recipient, has surfaced. The Along with the photo, Doug Morrow photo, which shows PFC George donated several pieces of his father’s with his unit during the Korean War, Army memorabilia including a Drill was donated to the Steve Youngdeer Sergeant parade helmet, dog tags, American Legion Post 143 for its photos, his Combat Infantryman’s museum during a meeting at Post Badge, and an Ambassador of Peace Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on medal. the evening of Monday, Aug. 18. Commander Dupree told Doug PFC George, a member of the Morrow, “Thank you for your kindEastern Band of Cherokee Indians ness. Your father’s memory will live (EBCI), received the Medal of Honor on with Charles George.” posthumously after throwing himOn the same evening, Joey Owle, self on a grenade to save two fellow an EBCI tribal member from Wayohi soldiers during the Korean War. He passed away from his injuries on Nov. (Wolftown), donated a U.S. Navy 30, 1952 near Songnae-dong, Korea. peacoat that belonged to his grand“This is a never-before-seen pho- father, James Driver Jacobs, who was also an EBCI tribal member. tograph of Charles George,” Warren Owle noted, “He enlisted into the Dupree, Post 143 commander, told United States Navy on June 11, 1946. the crowd. “This was probably taken The highest rank he attained was right before he was killed in 1952. He seaman, a construction recruit, as I’ve is the young man right at the center come to find out. He was discharged and he looks like a seasoned warat the United States National Acadrior – bad to the bone, hard. This is emy of Sciences in Jacksonville, Fla. amazing.” on the fifth of May, 1948.” The photo was donated by Doug He added, “I came here last year Morrow whose father, Troy Morrow, for the Veteran’s Day honoring, in this served with PFC George in the U.S. room, and I was looking around at Army’s 179th Regiment, 3rd Battalion. Both served in a unit nicknamed all the wonderful memorabilia that represent members of the Eastern the “Pagan Raiders”. Band of Cherokee Indians that have Doug Morrow commented, “It served. So, this is his peacoat. I’m was a nickname because there was very amazed at the quality of it, made a core group of guys within the 179th and 3rd battalion, that Charles in the United States…my grandma kept mothballs and everything so George was in and my dad was in, all the clothes that we have are very that were picked to do nighttime raids into the North Korean trenches well-preserved and nothing is eaten up. But, I would like to donate it to and the Chinese trenches to bring the American Legion for display.” back prisoners. So, if you read the Commander Dupree said, “This is citation, it states that.” SCOTT MCKIE B.P., One Feather Asst. Editor Warren Dupree, left, Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 commander, holds a never-before-seen photo of PFC Charles George which was donated by Doug Morrow, right, whose father served with PFC George in the Korean War. The photograph was donated to the Post 143 Museum during an event at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./ One Feather photos) a very rare item, indeed. What we are going to do is we will have a mannequin with this on…as we expand our museum and build on it, this will be in it…This way his memory will live on. To be in the closet with nobody watching, nobody looking, that’s when we disappear from everything. This way, he will live on forever.” Gerard Ball, EBCI tribal veterans service officer, helped facilitate both donations. “I’m extremely glad that the office was able to coordinate with Joey and Doug and to be able to make these connections and bring these items to the Post to be displayed for our community.” Doug Morrow contacted Ball and texted the photo of PFC George to him as they began discussing the logistics of the donation. “As soon as I saw that picture I was like, ‘wow, that is an amazing story’.” Ball went on to say, “This is prob- This is a never-before-seen photo of PFC Charles George which was donated by Doug Morrow whose father served with PFC George in the Korean War. Joey Owle, left, donates a U.S. Navy peacoat that belonged to his late grandfather, James Driver Jacobs. A photo, taken after the presentations, shows, left to right, Joey Owle, Gerard Ball, Doug Morrow, and Warren Dupree. ably a once in a very seldom opportunity to get two pieces of our military history in great shape and with a story…both of these items are where they’re meant to be.” One Feather reporter attends Indigenous Media Conference Cherokee One Feather collaboration with the Qualla Boundary Historical Society to document the ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Indigenous Jourstories of our community through video and audio nalists Association (IJA) held the 2025 Indigenous recordings paired with written articles. Media Conference (IMC) in Albuquerque, N.M. at Throughout the conference, I networked with the Isleta Pueblo Resort & Casino from Aug. 13-15. several Indigenous media outlets including the I, Brooklyn Brown, One Feather reporter, attended Cherokee Phoenix, Smoke Signals from the Conthe conference to speak on a panel titled, “Reportfederated Tribes of Grande Rhode, Buffalo’s Fire ing on MMIP,” held by the International Women’s out of North Dakota, and more. Media Foundation (IWMF) Fund for Indigenous I was also able to network with vendors such Journalists Reporting on Missing and Murdered as the Kewa Shop owned by Mary V. Rosetta from Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People the Kewa Pueblo in New Mexico, and 19Twelve (MMIWG2S). Clothing Co. founded by Fred Franco. The panel was held on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m., with The conference ended with the IMC Awards IWMF grantees participating in breakout group Banquet, where I received second place in Excelsessions. I discussed my coverage of MMIW on the lence in Beat Reporting for my coverage of MMIW Qualla Boundary through the grant, noting the imon in the Qualla Boundary. Troy Littledeer, a memportance of taking a family-centered approach to ber of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee this type of reporting, patterns of intimate partner Indians, received the Tim Giago Free Press Award. violence in the cases, and highlighting the work of Throughout the week I was able to explore the Qualla Boundary MMIW grass roots organizaOne Feather Reporter Brooklyn Brown is shown with her the ancient homelands of the Isleta Pueblo, visit tion and the We Are Resilient Podcast in bringing historic Old Town, and even discover a Cherokee award from the Indigenous Journalists Association. She awareness to the movement in Cherokee. wall-hanging basket signed by Alyne Driver in an took second place in Excellence in Beat Reporting for her I also attended the opening night reception antique store in Old Town. coverage of MMIW on in the Qualla Boundary. (Photo by on Aug. 13 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Overall, the conference was a significant opCody Hammer, Osiyo TV) which featured an art exhibit by Eastern Band of portunity for the Cherokee One Feather to share “Preserving Our Stories in Real Time,” led by the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) artist Skye Tafoya. The our work with Indian Country, network with other opening night reception included traditional Pueb- Sequoyah National Research Center from the UniIndigenous media outlets, and explore future colversity of Arkansas. I attended the session to learn lo foods and dancing. laborations with media institutions. more about oral history archiving for a potential I then attended a session on Aug. 14 titled, BROOKLYN BROWN, One Feather Reporter UKB Veteran McIntosh and Veteran Phillips took the Gold Medals home LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH, Okla- His name and face might sound familiar within the tribe, as Seneca McIntosh serves on the United Keetoowah Band Honor Guard but his extracurricular activity playing billiards – 8 ball is taking him places. Back in September, McIntosh and his partner Sharon Phillips played in the Oklahoma State senior games billiards – 8 ball tournament at Magoo’s in Tulsa. The senior games help Oklahomans ages 50 and over build recreational sport skills, discover new physical pursuits and boost participation. The OK State senior’s games hosted 34 games in different sports. The billiards tournament had men and women singles, plus Scotch doubles. The participants in the singles played for gold, silver and bronze medals. “Sharon and I never played together in scotch doubles” McIntosh said. “We didn’t know this, but we were the final team playing and Sharon made the final shot for us to win the gold medal in this event.” Sharon, has only been a pool player for two years she was a farmers daughter. She didn’t get into pool playing until she met McIntosh. “When we signed up for the Oklahoma State senior games, we only went for the singles not knowing we could play as a team in the Scotch doubles,” Phillips said. “Seneca played in the men’s singles and placed third, well they needed more people in the Scotch doubles, so we decided to play.” They went up against teams who have won gold medals and silver medals. “I was shocked that we won the gold medal in the Scotch doubles,” Phillips said. McIntosh placed third in the men’s singles, and in the Scotch doubles with Phillips they placed first. Both will appear at the Celebration of Athletes on November 22nd in Broken Arrow, OK along with all the Oklahoma State senior games participants. Sharon Phillips on the left and Seneca McIntosh on the right Phillips and McIntosh proudly show off their medals. GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS OCTOBER 2025 OCTOBER 2025 GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS TAKE ACTION NOW ! Defend UKB Rights! PROTECT OUR RIGHTS, LAND AND FUTURE A secret provision drafted by Senator Markwayne Mullin, coordinated by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO), threatens to strip the UKB of trust land rights and future economic development opportunities. This is a direct attack on our sovereignty, our identity, and our treaty-protected relationship with the United States. UKB Affirmation of Rights is clear: Congress’ Confirmation of Rights: Keetoowah Status Act – 1946. Courts Confirmation of Rights: The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld UKB trust land rights. The Supreme Court left that decision intact. Cherokee Nation v. Bernhardt, 946 F.3d 1222 (10th Cir. 2019), cert denied. Executive Branch Confirmation of Rights: In 2025, the Department of the Interior reaffirmed that the UKB and the CNO share equal rights over the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. SEND CONGRESS A MESSAGE NOW! Raise your voice and protect our treaty rights. It only takes a minute. Scan the QR code or visit ukb-nsn.gov/DefendUKBRights to demand your representatives defend UKB rights. UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND of CHEROKEE INDIANS in OKLAHOMA UKB-NSN.GOV/DEFENDUKBRIGHTS GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS OCTOBER 2025 OCTOBER 2025 GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS OCTOBER 2025 We proudly offer specialized burial contracts for members of the United Keetoowah Band of the Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Services We Offer: • Traditional Burial Services • Cremation Options • Personalization • Veterans Services • Pre-Planning Arrangements JASON GANN FuneralAssistant Call Now to Schedule a Tour or Consultation: (918) 456-8823 1506 N.Grand Ave. • Tahlequah,OK 74464 (918) 456-8823 • Tahlequah.hartfuneralhome.net --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3Aec61af73ebb5f7d0. Public record. Not legal advice.