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Emma Sherron donates a loom woven wall hanging with a diamond pattern. CULTURE, 12

SLOWLY REOPENINGAFTER THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIXFord Hair Co. owner and Cherokee Nation citizen Cassie Ford gives her husband, Shane, a haircut in her salon in Stilwell in this 2019 photo. Ford took advantage of the fi rst reopening wave in April for specifi c personal care-related businesses.

COURTESYStaff and helpers at Robin’s Nest Flowers and Gifts in Pryor celebrate a successful Mother’s Day weekend after reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owners rely on delivery, curbside service and government assistance during storefront closures.BY CHAD HUNTERReporter

PARK HILL – Chero-kee-owned businesses in Oklahoma are

cautiously opening their doors to the public, but many found ways to survive during the COVID-19 lock-down.

“I’ve had a lot of people who want to come and dine in, but we have been open for to-go orders only,” Nan-cy’s Homemade Pies and Cafe owner Nancy Bryan said. “After the week and a half we were closed, we started doing curbside service. Everybody wore masks and everything.”

The Park Hill cafe, which opened in 2017, reopened to dine-in customers in mid-May under social-distancing

guidelines, as allowed by the state’s Open Up & Recover Safely three-phase plan.

“We don’t have a whole lot of people dining in,” Bryan said. “Just a few at a time because we’re a smaller place. We can’t let a lot of people in our place all at one time. But it’s going good. We’re staying super busy.”

In Pryor, flower shop owner and Cherokee Na-tion citizen Robin Gordon weathered her storefront’s closure with deliveries.

“We closed for two and a half days then we got the OK that we could actual-ly still deliver to funeral homes and homes doing contactless delivery,” said Gordon, who runs Robin’s Nest Flowers and Gifts. “But for the end of March

and the month of April, we had about a sixteenth of what we usually do. What really hit me was we couldn’t really do funerals. That’s what really kind of sustains us honestly.”

Gordon’s flower business was also affected by can-celled proms and gradua-tions.

“But we had one heck of a Mother’s Day because nobody could go visit their moms,” she said. “That kind of helped out a lot.”

Gordon reopened her doors to the public in early May, but to stay afloat she is relying on the govern-ment’s Paycheck Protection Program, which helps small businesses keep their work-force employed during the

SEE OPEN, 2

BY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

HULBERT – With construction recently finished, eight single-efficiency detached residences are being offered by the Cherokee Nation to eligible tenants, and applications are being accepted.

Sited in the Shade Addition, the houses will be rental units for tribal elders meeting income guidelines. Construction on the homes began in November.

“In times like these, it is important that our Cherokee Nation elders have a place they can call home,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Programs like these ensure that we provide housing so our most vulnerable citizens can continue to social distance. This is the type of innovative approach to housing that we need across all of Cherokee Nation.”

Each of the units is one-bedroom, accessible and covers 720 square feet with a living area, kitchen and bathroom. Parks, the post office and the senior citizens center are short walks from the addition.

“I applaud the administration and the

BY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

TULSA – Cherokee Nation Businesses officials on May 18 announced a set of strategies titled “Responsible Hospitality” to offer a safe environment for guests and employees at its entertainment properties.

“How we move forward from this pandemic will be a part of our legacy,” CNB CEO Chuck Garrett said. “We intend to emerge confident in the knowledge that we did all we could to implement industry-leading protocols that promote the health and safety of our team

COURTESYOne of eight new effi ciency homes in the Shade Addition for Cherokee elders.

Construction complete on 8 elder e� ciency homes

CNB outlines commitment to safely reopen casinos

A home covers 720 square feet with a bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom.

“Responsible Hospitality” places emphasis on safety for employees and guests.

SEE HOMES, 4

SEE CNB, 2

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation 2020 “Remember the Removal” Bike Ride has been cancelled and will resume in 2021, CN officials said on May 14.

The announcement comes as the tribe deals with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on CN services and programs.

“The ‘Remember the Removal’ Bike Ride is a tremendously important program for our Cherokee youth to learn the history and honor the legacy of their ancestors who endured some of the worst tragedy in the history of the great Cherokee Nation. There is not another life-changing opportunity like this ride,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.

“However, this year, with the threat of COVID-19, we simply cannot jeopardize the riders’ health and safety, nor that of our coordinators and all the volunteers who meet us along the Trail of Tears route. We understand this is disappointing, as our cyclists have spent months training both physically and mentally. They committed themselves to continuing this program’s legacy, and it is our hope that each one is able to participate next year. Our riders will be given first preference in 2021.”

The RTR ride is a youth leadership program that retraces the Northern

Route of the Trail of Tears from New Echota, Georgia, to Tahlequah.

The nearly 950-mile trek spans seven states: Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Participants retrace the path Cherokee ancestors were forced to walk more than 180 years ago on the Trail of Tears. The ride was

scheduled to begin June 1, according to the announcement.

The ride was created in 1984 as a youth leadership program. It was restarted in 2009, and in 2011 began to include cyclists from both the CN and the Eastern Band of

Cherokee Indians. The nine cyclists to participate were

announced in March and had been training since December for the annual ride. When the pandemic forced closures and social distancing, riders began training individually.

The 2020 riders are Shace Duncan, 17, of Westville; Tyrus Goodrich, 24, of Tahlequah; Whitney Roach, 21, of Tahlequah; Kaylee Smith, 19, of Tahlequah; Natasia Wacoche, 19, of Hulbert; mentor rider Tracie Asbill, 38, of Tahlequah; Heather True, 19, of Pryor; Madison Whitekiller, 21, of Claremore; and Melanie Giang, 20, of Tulsa.

Although the 2020 ride has been canceled, this year’s cyclists will have first priority to participate in the 2021 program.

‘Remember � e Removal’ ride canceled due to pandemicThe annual event is canceled until 2021, but this year’s riders will be given fi rst preference.

2 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020NEWS • ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

BY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leaders for the Comanche and Otoe-Missouria tribes on May 13 defended their gambling compact agreements with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and called on the U.S. Department of the Interior to approve them.

The tribal chairmen offered their positions in a 10-page memo to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. The memo was written in response to Attorney General Mike Hunter’s May 5 opinion that states Stitt exceeded his authority when agreeing to forms of gambling, such as sportsbook wagering, which have never been approved by the Oklahoma Legislature.

“The compacts are the product of good-faith negotiations with the state,” states the memo, written by Comanche Nation Chairman William Nelson Sr. and Otoe-Missouria Tribe Chairman John Shotton. “They comply entirely with federal and state law, and they should be approved.”

The memo cites examples of compacts approved by DOI that address gambling types not allowed under state law.

“It is entirely appropriate for a compact to include provisions regarding forms of gaming that are not yet legal, but may be in the future,” the memo stated.

Nelson and Shotton said failure to uphold the compacts could make it more difficult for Oklahoma to settle its dispute with other tribes about their respective compacts.

“The complaints from our fellow tribes have no legitimate legal basis, as the compacts are legal, were negotiated in good faith, and should be approved,” Shotton said. “These compacts are the product of the most fundamental aspects of tribal sovereignty.”

The Chickasaw Nation, Quapaw Nation and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have also written the DOI asking that the Bureau of Indian Affairs reject the Comanche and Otoe-Missouria gaming

compacts. Stephen Greetham, senior counsel for the Chickasaw Nation, said bypassing a universal casino revenue sharing agreement for all Oklahoma tribes was “a profound disrespect for Tribes and Tribal sovereignty.” The DOI must make a decision by June 8.

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association on May 7 suspended the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation through the end of 2020.

Stitt announced on April 21 that the two tribes had entered into new compacts with the state. Hunter later sent a letter to Bernhardt asking him to reject the compacts.

The compacts, if approved, would authorize the Otoe-Missouria and Comanche tribes to offer sportsbook betting, with the state taking 1.1% of the handle. Exclusivity fees paid to the state would be 4.5% to 6% of net revenue at existing casinos, but the state’s cut would increase to as much as 13% at any new casinos opened by the two tribes.

The Otoe-Missouria and Comanche were party to a lawsuit initially filed by the Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw

nations on Dec. 31 that was subsequently joined by other tribes.

In a joint statement after the suspension, the Comanche and Otoe-Missouria tribes said: “Our compacts are legal and were negotiated in good faith. The political fight between the governor and the attorney general over sports betting is not our concern and does not impact the legality of the compacts.”

The litigating tribes want a legal interpretation of the gaming compacts, which they believe automatically renewed at the start of 2020. Stitt’s office claims the compacts expired and must be renegotiated. The legal impasse was in mediation as of publication.

Under the compacts, the tribes pay the state 4% to 10% of revenue to exclusively offer Class III gaming, which includes slot machines, craps and roulette. The state collected $150 million from the fees in 2019, but Stitt says Oklahoma tribes pay too little for gaming in contrast to agreements made by other states.

Mediation is scheduled to end May 31 after being extended two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 tribal leaders defend gaming compactsAfter signing compacts with the state, the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe ask for federal approval.

BY CHAD HUNTERReporter

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation says it’s been granted permission to intervene in a court case between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina and the federal government over land that was placed in trust for a South Carolina tribe’s casino.

The EBCI filed sued against the U.S. Department of Interior in March after the federal agency approved an application from the Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina to place approximately 17 acres of land near Charlotte, North Carolina, into trust for gaming. According to the EBCI, the DOI’s decision was “illegal and corrupt.”

“The federal government has no right or authority to create a new reservation for the Catawba Nation across state lines, into Cherokee historical territory, just to build a casino,” EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed said.

According to the CN, which has a shared history with the EBCI, the U.S. government is required to consult with the CN on federal agency actions that “potentially impact cultural grounds within the Cherokee Nation’s historic treaty territory.”

“The Cherokee Nation was never notified of the proposed trust acquisition and has intervened to assert consultation rights under federal law,” a news release from the CN states.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said records from the CN Tribal Historic Preservation Office indicate that cultural resources could be located in the area in question.

“The Cherokee Nation intervention complaint filed with the court seeks to prevent the Department of Interior from approving the trust acquisition until it properly consults with the Cherokee Nation as an interested party,” he said, “and conducts a cultural resource survey to ensure that historic resources are not located on the property.”

Hoskin added that he’s “proud to join the Eastern Band in this common objective to ensure the federal government complies with the spirit and letter of the law.”

“As principal chief, I’m committed to protecting the integrity of our cultural resources and I expect the federal government to respect our history and treaty territories,” he said.

According to court documents, the Catawba tribe, “seeking to improve its economic prospects,” asked the government to take the land into trust in September 2018. The tribe’s plan is to build a casino in the community of Kings Mountain in Cleveland County, North Carolina, and it expects to bring 5,000 construction and 4,000 permanent jobs to the area.

“This is a monumental economic opportunity, not only for the community of Kings Mountain, but for every citizen of the Catawba Indian Nation,” a Catawba news release states.

Catawba Chief Bill Harris called the EBCI’s lawsuit “unfortunate.”

“The Catawba Nation has reached out many times to the leadership of EBCI to try to work together,” he said. “In the past, Chief Sneed has asserted that he isn’t against federally recognized tribes going into the gaming industry, but he wants all tribes to follow the DOI established regulations. In Catawba’s decision letter from the Department of Interior, it clearly outlines that Catawba followed the process from beginning to end, and the decision also demonstrates our cultural and historical ties to this area.”

According to the EBCI, the DOI’s decision “creates a dangerous precedent” for all federally recognized tribes.

“The Bureau of Indian Affairs has acknowledged that there is a possibility that archaeological artifacts and resources could be discovered during construction on the site, which is located squarely within Cherokee historical territory,” an EBCI news release states. “Still, to date, the BIA has not consulted with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on cultural protection measures. Development of a casino on historic Cherokee land without consulting with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on the proposal violates federal law, specifically the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Protection Act.”

CN joins EBCI’s fight over trust land for casinoThe Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina seeks a casino in neighboring North Carolina.

OPEN: The Cherokee Nation announced on May 8 its five-phased plan to reopen its government offices.

CNB: The plan addresses operations such as casino gaming, food and beverage service, hotel, retail, golf and live entertainment.

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pandemic. Without it, “My doors would probably not be open today,” she said.

“I’m thankful for the PPP, and I’m thankful that we had a fantastic Moth-er’s Day,” she said. “Without those two things, we would be in the dog house.”

Stilwell salon owner Cassie Ford took advantage of the first reopening wave in late April for specific personal care-related businesses. She’s since been “super busy” and “trying to catch

up.” As far as the salon’s stricter safety guidelines, “Everyone has been very un-derstanding,” she said.

The Cherokee Nation announced on May 8 its five-phased plan to reopen its government offices, including the open-ing of many of its tribal facilities on June 1. The fifth phase is a return to normal operations for the Cherokee Nation and will begin no earlier than Sept. 7.

members and guests. While the guest experience will be different than before, we will continue to deliver the same first-class hospitality and entertainment our guests have come to know and love.”

The plan addresses operations such as casino gaming, food and beverage service, hotel, retail, golf and live entertainment. It outlines procedures for maintaining physical distance, enhanced cleaning and sanitization, and noninvasive temperature screenings for employees and guests. Those with a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed entry.

Further safety protocols include fewer operating hours, occupancy limits and the requirement that all in the buildings, including guests, wear masks. Guests are asked to bring masks covering the nose and mouth but not the full face. The Centers for Disease Control advises that non-medical cloth masks still help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The ‘Responsible Hospitality’ plan was designed to be a fluid, evolving program that addresses the needs of now, while working toward the future,” Mark Fulton, Cherokee Nation Entertainment chief operating officer, said. “We look forward to revising, streamlining and implementing improved measures as we progress toward a more resilient future and returning our properties, amenities and services to full operation.”

Food and beverage offerings will be made available, but with further safety measures practiced. Buffet-style venues and banqueted events remain suspended.

“I’m proud of CNB’s leadership team for prioritizing the health and safety of our business employees and customers,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Cherokee Nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has set a high standard and this phased reopening plan is an extension of that standard.”

Many CN offices remain closed. Essential CN workers continue to come into their respective places of employment, but employees on administrative leave or working from home have been sheltering in place.

The CN on May 8 announced the phases of its government reopening. The phases have target dates, but are not rigid. The status of public health in the CN jurisdiction and Oklahoma must be conducive to reopening, and

the dates can be delayed. CN officials do not anticipate any phases being enacted earlier than the target dates.

Phase 1 began May 18 and involved a semi-opening of offices to employees on alternating schedules. Those offices are still closed to the public. Employees 65 or older, or with underlying health conditions that increase risk, will be required to work from home or stay on administrative leave.

Phase 2, beginning no earlier than June 1, will have returning employees divided into two teams and alternating workdays in an effort to reduce person-to-person contact. High-risk employees must remain at home.

Phase 3, beginning no earlier than July 6, will end the alternating workdays. High-risk employees will still be required to stay home.

Phase 4, starting no earlier than Aug. 4, will allow all employees to return to the office, though high-risk employees can request arrangements to work from home or administrative leave. Employees making the request will be expected to shelter in place, and be available at home during regular business hours.

Phase 5, which begins no earlier than Sept. 7, is when all employees will be expected to return to work in their respective offices.

The final phase is slated to begin on Labor Day, which is the weekend of the Cherokee National Holiday. The CN has not yet announced plans to adjust the holiday schedule as part of a COVID-19 response.

The CN will apply an array of safety measures to prepare for June 1, including partitions in areas of client interaction, increased distance between work spaces, increased cleaning systems, use of masks and waiting areas contained to 10 or fewer people.

CN citizens are encouraged to use online tag renewals, though tag offices will begin curbside services June 1.

Health experts say with no vaccine available, epidemiology demands impeding the spread by applying social distancing. Staying home, limiting contact with others, and wearing masks when out of the house helps prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Updated information on CN measures against COVID-19 are available at cherokee.org, on the CN Facebook page and by calling the COVID-19 call center at 1-833-528-0063.

CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

The Cherokee Nation’s new casino in Tahlequah,

seen March 20, and other tribal casinos are

closed due to the threat of COVID-19. However,

Cherokee Nation Businesses officials have

set safety strategies for reopening casino

properties.

CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG

JUNE 1, 2020 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 3 ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ NEWS • ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

BY CHAD HUNTERReporter

TAHLEQUAH – Like many whose lives were upended by the pandemic, Sarah Gossett was inspired to use her newfound free time raising funds for “someone who needed it more than me.”

“I don’t know what the Cherokee Nation needs during this time, but I figured that my donation could go to benefit the community in some way,” she said. “There’s a lot of people who are struggling right now who could use extra help, but for me, I think it’s paramount to support our Native communities as best as I can. And try and learn more along the way.”

Gossett, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, was herself gifted 15 pounds of kumquats in mid-March, sparking a desire to spread the generosity.

“I figured I could do something productive for the community with this gift,” Gossett said. “So I decided to make a variety of preserves with this and other produce I had, sell them, and use the money I raised to benefit someone who needed it more than me during the pandemic. Honestly, it was a pleasant distraction to put my energy towards making something that could help someone.”

Her effort ultimately raised $150, which she in turn passed on to the CN.

“I think this donation is a great example of people’s humanity shining through during this public health crisis,” CN Treasurer Tralynna Scott said. “It was a very thoughtful and heartfelt donation, and I appreciate these donations just as much – if not more than – the large blocks of federal funding CN receives.”

During the past two months, the CN has seen a spike in financial donations earmarked for COVID-19 response efforts, Scott said.

“We’ve also had several people contact our office to donate supplies,” she said, “and we’ve had an abundance of people donating their time as well – especially within our Food Distribution program. Having had the privilege to witness everyone coming together like they have since the onset of this crisis, it is easy to understand how the Cherokee Nation has overcome adversity time and again.”

Every donation large or small can make a difference, Scott said.

“It’s been truly inspiring to see so many people give back in whatever manner they can, whether it be through a donation, volunteering or just

working long hours without complaint like so many of the essential employees have been doing,” she said.

While she is not of Native American descent, Gossett, a restaurant chef, said she was compelled to give in some way when her plans to immigrate to Australia were placed on hold by the coronavirus.

“Growing up in Chattanooga (Tennessee), I was taught some basic Cherokee history in school, but no one ever taught us about Native history that didn’t involve Europeans, or why there weren’t Native American communities in our area,” she said. “So I’ve tried to take these lessons and spend more time learning about the land that I live on and the people who lived there before colonialism. In May I was beginning to see a lot of news regarding the disproportionate effect that the coronavirus was having on Native Americans, who already are underserved and underrepresented. And I just think it’s the least I can do to help.”

BY CHAD HUNTERReporter

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation’s Election Commission on May 15 accepted the resignation of eight-year Commissioner Carolyn Allen.

“She was very knowledgeable,” Vice Chairwoman Pamela Sellers said. “We’re going to really miss her. We wish her all the best.”

Allen, who did not attend the special-called meeting, resigned for an education-related position within the CN, according to her peers.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have served with each of you on the commission,” Allen wrote in her resignation letter, “and to work with the Election Commission staff and attorney over the last several years.”

Two of the commissioners are appointed by the principal chief and two by the Tribal Council. The fifth commissioner is selected by the appointed commissioners.

A retired special education teacher, Allen was the EC’s choice for that fifth seat in May 2012.

“You’re not going to find anyone that is more honest, loyal and hardworking,” said Chairwoman Shawna Calico, who was a commissioner at the time. “I mean, she was dedicated to it.”

Allen’s reappointment vote in late 2016 was split, so she was allowed to serve until a successor was “duly appointed and confirmed,” per a holdover clause in CN election law. Her latest term was set to expire in October 2021.

Commissioners are accepting résumés from CN citizens who wish to fill Allen’s unexpired term.

“Legally, there’s nothing … that says we even have to advertise,” Calico said. “Like I said, if we knew somebody and thought they’d be good, then we could just appoint. But I think it’s better we take applications and make that decision from there.”

An official request for résumés was expected to be on the CN website, cherokee.org, on May 18. Résumés were to be received at the EC office by May 26.

“The only reason it’s one day longer (than a week) is because of Memorial Day,” Commissioner Rick Doherty said.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – The U.S. Treasury Department is not unreasonably delaying the release of coronavirus relief funding to Native American tribes, a federal judge ruled this May 13.

The department is tasked with disbursing $8 billion to tribes that was included in a relief package approved in late March. The payments didn’t start going out until more than a week after the April 26 deadline set by Congress, and 40% of the money is being withheld.

Despite that, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C., rejected an assertion that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was “twiddling his thumbs.” Congress required Mnuchin to consult with tribes and the Interior Department before sending any payments, making the job more difficult.

The Treasury Department estimated it has spent about 2,200 hours so far on the effort.

Mehta said that amount of work should have produced better results but doesn’t justify court intervention.

“‘Egregious’ delay is the governing standard, and the secretary is not there quite yet, even in the midst of a public health crisis,” Mehta wrote in his ruling.

The tribes can renew their motion to force the distribution of the entire $8 billion if the Treasury Department takes more than twice the time Congress mandated, Mehta said.

“Treasury indicated as recently as last Thursday that it might not disburse the remaining funds for two months, a delay that the court’s order explicitly says will not be acceptable,” Keith Harper, an attorney for the tribes, said in a statement May 12. “We agree, and we, along with the court, will be closely following Treasury’s progress and will not hesitate to renew our motion for immediate relief if Treasury continues to drag its feet.”

States and local governments received funding under the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, largely based on population data.

The Treasury Department also used existing population data in issuing $4.8 billion in payments to tribes. But the department plans to gather more data from tribes on spending and employment numbers before releasing the rest. It also is holding back an undisclosed amount calculated for Alaska Native corporations until a separate lawsuit is resolved.

Mehta has limited the distribution of the funding to tribal nations in that case while he settles the question of eligibility. Attorneys hope to have a final decision by the end of June, according to a court document filed May 12.

The Treasury Department and the tribes disagree over whether the corporations, which own most Native lands in Alaska under a 1971 settlement but are not tribal governments, qualify for a share of the funding.

In other related developments:• The Interior Department’s Office of Inspector

General said it is investigating allegations that the federal government improperly released data that tribal governments had submitted in applying for the relief funding. A spokesperson for the Interior Department said May 12 it requested the review. Tribes and members of Congress also had called for an investigation.

• The Inspector General’s office also is looking into whether any Interior official violated ethics rules relating to the funding.

The Interior Department said Sweeney is “upholding her ethical responsibilities and complies with all laws and regulations,” relying on the advice of career ethics officials.

Floridian gives CN ‘heartfelt donation’ during pandemic

Allen resigns from CN Election Commission

Judge: U.S. not unreasonably delaying virus relief for tribes

Cherokee Nation citizen Sarah Gossett raises money by selling homemade preserves.

CHAD HUNTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIXSeen April 26, 2019, Cherokee Nation Election Commissioner Carolyn Allen, left, and EC Chairwoman Shawna Calico take part in discussion of suspicious absentee ballot requests. Allen on May 15 resigned from the commission to pursue other opportunities.

COURTESYShown are homemade preserves sold by Sarah Gossett, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, who donated the funds to the Cherokee Nation.

Sarah Gossett

Officials say skeletal remains are of missing CN citizen

TAHLEQUAH – According to a Tahlequah Daily Press report, officials have confirmed the identity of skeletal remains found April 16 belong to a Cherokee Nation citizen who has been missing for approximately two years.

According to the story, Cherokee County Sheriff Jason Chennault said a woman contacted authorities after she came across a human skull on April 16 near the river east of Park Hill.

The story also states officials said the remains belong to David James Lewis, who was last seen by family members on April 28, 2017, and was reported missing June 20, 2017.

According to the Tahlequah Daily Press story, Lewis was 43 years old at the time of his disappearance while wearing black lace-up leather boots, blue jeans and a white tank top.

Lewis had been diagnosed as bipolar and had a criminal history with local law enforcement, the story states.

Stitt signs bill to prevent firearm confiscation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law on May 19 legislation to prevent local municipalities from implementing so-called red flag laws.

Such laws allow judges to order the confiscation of firearms when a person may be a danger to themselves or others.

The bill was among 37 measures Stitt signed into law, but he also vetoed seven other bills.

University police chief tapped for missing persons post

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A Cherokee Nation citizen who is a veteran law enforcement officer was selected to serve as Oklahoma’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons coordinator, Oklahoma’s three U.S. attorneys announced in a joint statement on May 27.

Patti Buhl is a 25-year law enforcement veteran who most recently served as police chief of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She previously worked with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, according to a release announcing her hire.

“The joint MMIP coordinator will maximize the collaborative efforts of the three Oklahoma United States Attorney’s Offices as we work toward our common goal of ensuring appropriate response to missing and murdered indigenous people in Oklahoma,” U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Brian J. Kuester said in the statement.

The U.S. Department of Justice in 2019 launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. The program includes $1.5 million to hire coordinators in 11 states, including Oklahoma.

An Associated Press investigation in 2018 found that nobody knows precisely how cases of missing and murdered Native American women happen nationwide because many cases go unreported, others aren’t well documented and no government database specifically tracks them.

Democrats sue to overturn Oklahoma absentee voting rules

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Democratic Party and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have sued to overturn the state’s absentee voting rules in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, state party Chair Alicia Andrews.

Requirements that include notarized ballots and a photo identification create barriers to voters, Andrews said in a statement.

The lawsuit against the state Election Board and Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax comes after a bill signed into law in May imposed the restrictions on absentee ballots.

A spokesperson for Ziriax did not immediately return phone calls for comment.

The bill was passed and signed days after the state Supreme Court ruled in a lawsuit by the League of Women Voters and two voters at high risk of contracting the coronavirus that mailed-in absentee ballots do not have to be notarized.

Oklahoma Media Center to foster local news collaboration

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma news collaborative is being developed to foster collaborative local news content for outlets in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and elsewhere in the state.

The Inasmuch Foundation and the Local Media Association have announced plans to form the Oklahoma Media Center. It will initially focus on developing and sharing local and regional news content related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on Oklahoma communities.

Eventually, organizers say, the center’s cooperative news reporting and curation may evolve to include other topics important to people in Oklahoma.

Organizers have begun discussions with several media organizations about participating. In a statement, the organizers said organizations that have expressed interest include: The Oklahoman, The Tulsa World, TV station owners Griffin Communications, digital outlets The Frontier, Oklahoma Watch and NonDoc, The Luther Register, public radio stations KOSU and KGOU, and The Curbside Chronicle.

The foundation is funding The Coronavirus Storytelling Project, which pays stipends to Oklahoma journalists chronicling the effects of COVID-19 on the state and their jobs when they take forced unpaid time off, a cost-saving tactic in the struggling newspaper industry.

CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG

4 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020

BY WHITNEY BRYEN Oklahoma Watch

A bill that would add four domestic violence offenses to the state’s list of violent crimes is headed for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk, and indications are he will sign it.

If he does, the crimes will be the only domestic abuse charges to join 51 other offenses on a statutory list that would mean convicted offenders could serve more time and would receive more scrutiny when they’re up for parole. The crimes likely to be added are domestic abuse by strangulation, domestic assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

Oklahoma is one of at least 26 states that treat domestic violence as a nonviolent offense.

Abuse victims and victim advocates praised legislators for approving House Bill 3251, which passed 92-0 in the House in March and 43-2 in the Senate on May 11.

Candida Manion, executive director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, which advocated for the bill, said the move is necessary to hold abusers accountable and to fight antiquated perceptions that domestic abuse is a private matter that should be dealt with at home, not in the courts. Victim advocates and prosecutors have pushed to add domestic violence charges to the list of violent crimes for years.

“The message is that we do take this seriously,” Manion said. “This is a big

deal because we can affect real change in the criminal justice system.”

A representative from the governor’s office said Stitt is supportive of the bill and expected to sign it into law.

Despite the apparent victory, supporters said more is needed to protect victims and lower the state’s high rates of domestic abuse. Manion said advocates are concerned that a criminal justice reform ballot question would blunt the effects of making domestic abuse a violent crime. Criminal justice reform advocates said they support adding domestic violence to the violent-crime list, but don’t agree it would prevent abusers from being held accountable.

‘We Need to Help Them’Tulsa mother Sherea Carter endured

years of emotional and physical abuse by her ex-boyfriend. The scariest incident, Carter said, was in November 2018, when he strangled her while she was holding their 5-week-old daughter.

Carter said the rage in his eyes was terrifying, but even more frightening was the realization that “I have a child here that I’m holding and if I drop this child, it could be detrimental to her health or even her life.”

Carter reported the incident to police in January and eventually got a victim protective order, but no charges were filed. She said police told her she had waited too long to report the incident.

Carter called HB 3251 “a good start” but more jail time for abusers isn’t enough to stop the violence.

Carter’s ex-boyfriend has served time for other charges, but without mental

health services, treatment programs and reintegration assistance, he will likely never change, she said.

“He’s just serving time and going back to it,” Carter said. “We need to help them, not just lock them up.”

Effects of State QuestionProposed State Question 805,

backed by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, is a constitutional amendment aimed at reducing the state’s high incarceration rate, which has led to overcrowded prisons. But the measure would also remove a tool that prosecutors and advocates say is necessary to hold abusers accountable.

Currently, repeat offenders can receive longer sentences – including life in prison in some cases – if they have prior domestic abuse or felony convictions. SQ 805 would remove those sentence enhancements for nonviolent offenders and those convicted of domestic abuse after the new law goes into effect.

The state question defines violent offenses as only those listed in the state statute on Jan. 1, 2020. That means under SQ 805, sentence enhancement would be permitted for other violent crimes, but not for domestic violence. That would prevent tougher maximum sentences from being imposed for repeat abusers.

Kris Steele, who heads Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said he supports adding domestic abuse to the state’s violent crimes because it “validates the seriousness of domestic violence.”

He said repeat offenders convicted of domestic abuse charges would not be eligible for sentence enhancement, which is commonly called “stacked charges.” But, he said, prosecutors have the power and discretion to charge abusers with a non-domestic crime that is labeled as violent, such as aggravated assault and battery, if the evidence supports it.

State question advocates tout the measure’s potential impact on those convicted of drug and property offenses.

But because it would also apply to domestic violence felonies, many advocates for domestic abuse victims oppose the question. Manion said victim advocates are prepared to launch a campaign against the measure if it reaches the ballot.

In the meantime, the state question has stalled.

Steele’s group was gathering signatures in support of the state question for months when COVID-19 emergency orders took effect, halting the effort. The Secretary of State’s office closed in March and has refused to accept the signatures due to safety concerns related to COVID-19.

The Secretary of State’s office said in a statement on May 14 that the agency will not accept petitions until it can adhere to social distancing guidelines for employees who would be counting the signatures. The agency is still closed to the public due to safety concerns for its employees, many of whom are 65 and older, according to an email from the department.

“Secretary Rogers’ top priority is protecting public health, including that of state employees during this time,” the statement said.

In May, supporters of SQ 805 asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to order the Secretary of State’s office to accept the signatures and, if enough signatures are validated, add it to a 2020 ballot. The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments on May 15, and a decision is pending.

The deadline for getting SQ 805 on the Nov. 3 ballot is Aug. 19.

NEWS • ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

COURTESYOklahoma Watch is a nonprofi t, nonpartisan media organization that produces in-depth and investigative stories on important issues facing the state. For more Oklahoma Watch content, go to oklahomawatch.org.

BY STAFF REPORTS

MUSKOGEE – A federal court in Muskogee has entered a temporary restraining order halting the sale of an unapproved colloidal silver product to treat COVID-19.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma entered the temporary restraining order on May 14 in response to a civil complaint and accompanying court papers filed by the Department of Justice. In its complaint, the DOJ alleges that Xephyr LLC, doing business as N-Ergetics, and its owners Brad Brand, Derill J. Fussell and Linda Fussell, sell and distribute a colloidal silver product claiming that it will cure, mitigate or treat coronavirus and its resulting disease, COVID-19, as well as other diseases including pneumonia, AIDS and cancer.

Colloidal silver is a suspension of silver particles in a liquid, and it is not generally recognized as safe and effective by qualified experts for any of the uses for which defendants promote it.

“The Department of Justice takes swift action to protect consumers from unsafe products that are unlawfully sold as COVID-19 treatments,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the

Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration to prevent harm to consumers from unlawful products during this pandemic.”

U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester for the Eastern District of Oklahoma said the facts leading to the civil action “underscore the importance of exercising extreme caution when dealing with people making claims to have a cure-all.”

“National disasters bring out the best of many Americans,” Kuester said. “Unfortunately, there are those who seek to take advantage of the fear and anxiety caused by widespread disasters, such as the coronavirus, that may cause people to be more vulnerable to fraudulent claims.”

The DOJ’s complaint alleges that defendants are introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce and that their disease-related treatment claims are unsupported by any well-controlled clinical studies or other credible scientific substantiation. Additionally, the complaint asserts that, because defendants’ products do not have adequate directions for lay users, the products are misbranded.

On March 6, the Food and Drug

Administration, jointly with the Federal Trade Commission, issued a warning letter to defendants notifying them that they are violating federal law by, among other things, distributing unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs in interstate commerce. After receipt of this warning, the complaint alleges, the defendants attempted to cloak their claims to prevent liability, while continuing to make the same substantive claims and to sell colloidal silver as a cure, mitigation or treatment for coronavirus and COVID-19.

“Xephyr’s claims that their unapproved colloidal silver products can cure, mitigate, prevent or treat COVID-19, or other diseases like cholera, diabetes, cancer and AIDS, will not be tolerated,” Stacy Amin, FDA chief counsel said. “Americans expect and deserve medical treatments that have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective, especially during this ongoing pandemic. The FDA will continue our efforts to make sure that this and other like-minded sellers comply with the law.”

The enforcement action is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Rachel E. Baron and Adam E. Lyons of the DOJ, Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S.

Attorney Michael O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, with assistance from Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Jaclyn Martínez Resly of the FDA, Office of the General Counsel and Department of Health and Human Services.

The claims made in the complaint are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a permanent injunction against the defendants.

In response to the department’s filing, defendants immediately took down their sales site. In addition, they have posted a message offering refunds to their customers: “Due to the FDA and the DOJ’s requests, this site has been removed. Anyone who has ordered in the last 90 days, and would like a refund, please email...”

The DOJ will continue to seek complete relief against defendants, officials said.

The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline by calling 1-866-720-5721 or via an online reporting form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Oklahoma company ordered to stop selling unapproved COVID-19 treatment

Domestic violence poised to become ‘violent crime’

Housing Authority (of the Cherokee Nation) for taking an innovative approach to housing needs, and I am excited to see this project completed for the Hulbert community,” said Dist. 1 Tribal Councilor Rex Jordan. “We are always looking for new ways to provide housing for our elders. The hard work of our Housing Authority will be appreciated for years to come by the Cherokees who will live in this new addition.”

To meet application requirements, a household member must be a CN citizen. Household income must be at or below 80 percent of the national median income guidelines and the rents charged will be based on family income. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all household members age 18 or older, and tenants must adhere to policies of HACN rental programs.

“These units were built with elderly occupants in mind, and will provide safe and sanitary living conditions for them,” Gary Cooper, HACN executive director, said. “With many people now experiencing lower incomes, our elders need homes with rent based on income, and the Housing Authority is willing to help.”

Applications are available at https://www.hacn.org/media/2unf2p21/rental-program-application.pdf. Applications can also be mailed on request by calling 918-456-5482.

The CN is also building 12 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom efficiency homes for Cherokee elders in Tahlequah, and three three-bedroom family residences in Salina, to replace some of the tribe’s oldest rental properties. The HACN oversees about 950 apartment-style rental properties throughout the tribe’s 14 counties.

Completion of the units is expected in the summer, if weather permits. The Shade Addition groundbreaking ceremony was held on Jan. 24, 2019, but the heavy rains – resulting in historic spring flooding in northeast Oklahoma – delayed start of construction for months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, subcontractors working on HACN projects, including the homes in the Shade Addition, could safely continue their interior and exterior work on unoccupied residences. For safety, all other housing repair projects were limited to exterior work for occupied homes.

HOMES: To meet requirements, a household member must be a CN citizen and meet income guidelines.

from front page

JUNE 1, 2020 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 5ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ

CherokeePhoenix

JUNE 1, 2020Volume 44, No. 11

The Cherokee Phoenix is published twice 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 toCherokee Phoenix, PO Box 948, Tahle-quah, OK 74465

Editorial StaffTyler ThomasExecutive Editor

tyler-thomas@cherokee.org918-207-3997Travis SnellAssistant Editor

travis-snell@cherokee.org918-453-5358

Will ChavezAssistant Editor

will-chavez@cherokee.org918-207-3961

Mark DreadfulwaterDigital Media Coordinator

mark-dreadfulwater@cherokee.org918-453-5087

ReportersD. Sean Rowley

Senior Reporterdavid-rowley@cherokee.org

918-453-5560Lindsey Bark

Reporterlindsey-bark@cherokee.org

918-453-5000 ext 4223Chad Hunter

Reporterchad-hunter@cherokee.org

918-453-5000 ext 7256

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Multimedia Specialistjosh-fourkiller@cherokee.org

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Editorial BoardLauren Jones Cusick

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OPINION • ᏃᎵᏍᎬ

BY CHUCK HOSKIN JR.Principal Chief

In light of the worst public health crisis in generations, we have used medical science, facts and compassion as our guide. Throughout this crisis, our decision-making has been guided by Cherokee Nation health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on this guidance, limiting access to government headquarters and temporarily shutting our businesses was the right thing to do.

We are now ready to move forward, while continuing to err on the side of safety and being prepared for any sudden change.

Beginning June 1, CN will begin a phased reopening of government offices, as well as Cherokee Nation Businesses. We will execute this plan gradually and strategically to safely restore services that have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Our plan incorporates social distancing with employees returning on staggered shifts.

As we begin a return to normalcy, I am proud of our team’s response to the pandemic. Our government and business employees have risen to the challenge of this unprecedented time. Those not directly connected to our COVID-19 response have been working from home, taken voluntary furlough, or been on administrative leave since mid-March. These actions helped flatten the curve in northeastern Oklahoma, making it safer for everyone.

Our employees have continued to receive pay and health benefits throughout this time, and that will not change as we execute our reopening

plan. Our tribal

government’s essential services have never ceased operation during this crisis. To date, the CN has delivered emergency food

packages to some 40,000 Cherokees through our emergency elder food distribution program. Our health system has treated nearly 8,500 patients through telemedicine and responded to 1,000 calls made to the COVID-19 call center, as well as another 1,000 calls to the emergency elder food hotline.

Governmental employees working directly on COVID-19 response – health care employees, EMS, Food Distribution and Cherokee marshals – have continued operating under their regular schedules.

When we begin the transition back to traditional workdays on June 1, health and safety will remain the top priority. Ten people will be the maximum allowed at any location, and CN will implement additional safety measures: constructing safety partitions at client interaction areas, keeping workspaces distanced, and increasing cleaning methods and schedules.

One other measure we will incorporate is wearing safety masks. I recognize that there is controversy and uncertainty among some on this subject. However, medical science, recommendations from CN health experts and guidance from CDC leads me to conclude that the importance of masks is not uncertain. Further, if we believe in “gadugi,” the Cherokee spirit

of working together, mask requirements also need not be controversial. For the time being, staff and visitors to CN government offices will wear masks.

Non-essential travel for employees remains suspended, and we continue to encourage our employees and citizens to observe social distance guidelines outside of work hours. These measures are all based on guidelines from the CDC. They will help protect our team, clients and patients to guard against a resurgence of the virus.

On the business side, CNB’s Public Health Task Force has developed a comprehensive plan to open tribal entertainment properties and other business offices that have been closed. As with our government reopening, these steps will occur in phases, and not all employees will be called to return at the same time. CDC safety guidelines will also be in effect for our businesses.

Reopening does not mean that the pandemic is over. COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities, and it remains a very real danger to all of us. The virus does not follow anyone’s timetable but its own, which is why we all have a responsibility to stay safe and protect each other through social distancing, washing our hands and following guidance from medical experts.

This health crisis will continue to present daily challenges, but CN will persevere, guided by our values of community, family and culture. We continue to make progress by prioritizing safety and always remembering what has gotten us this far: the knowledge that we are all in it together.

CN strategically planning to reopen o� ces, businesses

WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIXIn this 2016 photo, “Remember the Removal” cyclists walk their bikes on a dirt road upon reaching the Gosconade River near Lebanon, Missouri. This year’s “Remember the Removal” ride has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The content of submissions shall not contain personal attacks or statements denigrating another person’s character either directly or implicitly.• The content of submissions shall not contain false or unsubstantiated claims or statements that make claims which cannot be verified.• The content of submissions shall not contain political rhetoric intended to advance the political position of a candidate for Cherokee Nation office.• The Cherokee Phoenix reserves the right to edit any submitted letter or column so that it conforms to this policy. Such changes to submissions shall be made at the discretion of the editorial staff.• Submissions shall have the author’s name, phone number or email address so the editorial staff can confirm the author.

Submissions without such information will not be published.• Submissions shall be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. Submissions shall not be published anonymously. Submissions will be attributed by author’s full name and city of residence.• Letters from Cherokee citizens will be given preference. Letters from non-citizens will be labeled as such.• Letters shall not exceed 350 words.• Columns will be published at the invitation of the Executive Editor and shall not exceed 800 words. • Columns submitted without invitation shall not be published without specific permission from the Executive Editor.• Submissions deemed to not comply with this policy shall be sent to the Editorial Board for review.

CHEROKEE PHOENIX EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS POLICY

6 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020COMMUNITY • ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ

IN MEMORIAMTodd Duane BunchJan. 6, 1973 – May 19, 2020

Sandra CarterAug. 16, 1958 – May 11, 2020

Galela Ruth CaughmanSept. 29, 1940 – May 10, 2020

Carolyn CotrillFeb. 3, 1940 – May 9, 2020

Linda Sue (Davenport) CrittendenJan. 14, 1951 – May 8, 2020

Shirley Ann CunninghamJan. 27, 1938 – May 13, 2020

Ashley Marie CuppFeb. 1, 1982 – May 12, 2020

Anthony DickJan. 26, 1949 – May 10, 2020

Eddie FisherApril 18, 1956 – May 2, 2020

Albert Lee HarlinDec. 26, 1956 – May 5, 2020

James Dorian HendricksDec. 22, 2000 – May 3, 2020

Tony HinerJuly 26, 1953 – May 8, 2020

Bill LewisOct. 1, 1937 – May 3, 2020

Junior Dewayne LittlejohnNov. 11, 1943 – May 13, 2020

Almeda Jane MooreJan. 26, 1932 – May 6, 2020

Rodney Allen MooreOct. 22, 1969 – May 8, 2020

Daniel David O’FieldOct. 3, 1957 – May 6, 2020

Lucille SamplesSept. 18, 1936 – May 10, 2020

Troy Delbert SmithJan. 22, 1946 – May 14, 2020

Tommy C. SteidleyNov. 18, 1941 – May 17, 2020

Carol Irene StoryFeb. 24, 1946 – May 20, 2020

Lawyer SwakeJuly 31, 1986 – May 5, 2020

Richard Waters JrAug. 27, 1944 – May 19, 2020

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – While Oklaho-ma is reopening the state in phases during the COVID-19

pandemic, with the Cherokee Na-tion making similar plans, the need for personal protective equipment is still in demand, and many people who can sew are making fabric face masks so others can stay protected.

CN citizen Brooklynn Cookson began sewing masks with her sister Sarah Cookson in April, and togeth-er they have sewn more than 300 masks, and are making more.

“We started making masks to simply help,” Brooklynn said. “COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way, and it has made many people feel helpless, but we found it important to utilize a skill that our late grandmother, Glenda McCol-lum, taught us in order to help. It has been really special to use her old sewing machines and fabric to make masks and donate them be-cause we know if she was here, she would be doing the same thing.”

Brooklynn said she knows of the PPE shortage, especially for essential workers. “We found it critical to help during this time

due to the shortage of PPE and the seriousness and extent of the virus. We wanted to donate masks to help people who could use one in order to protect their health and the health of others, and hopefully curb the spread of the virus.”

Brooklynn said they are making masks upon request and creating a stockpile in case people ask for them. She said there is no charge to receive a mask. “We aren’t trying to profit off of this, we just want peo-ple that have to be out for essential trips to do it safely.”

Brooklynn said they have donat-ed masks around Cherokee County, but are also helping businesses and individuals in areas such as Stilwell, Muskogee, Checotah, Lo-cust Grove, Fort Gibson, and have shipped masks to nurses in Tulsa; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Dallas.

“We have donated several to hospital staff, Cherokee elders, restaurant workers and other busi-nesses that are essential during this time, medical personnel, the VA (Veterans Affairs) hospital staff and community members in need.”

Brooklynn said she and her sister took materials that belonged to their grandmother and made double layer cotton masks with a

pocket for filters. “The filter adds another layer

of protection and has been highly recommended by medical profes-sionals we have talked to,” she said. “We used a 1900 3M air filter with virus and bacteria protection in our personal masks.”

With the rise in mask making, materials such as elastic are in high demand and can scarcely be found on store shelves. “We also started out using elastic in our masks so that they could be easily put on and taken off around the ears, but due to the high demand of elastic right now, once we ran out we could not find any more,” Brooklynn said. “So, we started cutting up unwant-ed T-shirts we had around our house and stretching them to make ties that go around the ears.”

She encourages others to help in any way they can. “If you can help someone in any way, I would en-courage you do that. Whether it is leaving a meal on someone’s porch that is in need, donating fabric to help people make masks, picking up groceries for an elder, or simply sending an encouraging message to a nurse or someone who needs a little sunshine in their day, I would highly encourage you to do that.”

Cookson makes masks to help protect public

BY STAFF REPORTS

HOMINY – The Hominy Heritage Association is carry-ing on a dream of one its citizens to build a memorial to honor the 1927 Hominy Indians pro football team.

Arthur Shoemaker wanted to honor the team that was founded and financed by Osage Indian brothers Ira and Otto Hamilton. Later, other Osage citizens offered more financial backing as the team’s schedule expanded.

“For 10 years, the team traveled from coast to coast winning most games. The great John Levi and his brother George, Bill Shadlow, Ted Sallee, Buck Harding, George Kipp, Homer Luttrell, just to name a few, (played for the team). Many different tribes were represented on the team: Osage, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Otoe, Creek, Sem-inole, Blackfeet and Cherokee,” said Cherokee Nation citizen David Gritts, who is working with the HHA to raise funds for the memorial. “Most of the players had graduated from the famed Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. The complete historic roster contains colorful names such as Big Horse, Bird, Brave, Fixico, Bear Tracks and Pappio. All played different positions on the team when necessary.”

In their most famous contest, the Hominy Indians de-feated the New York Giants in 1927 just after the Giants were named champions of the National Football League.

“On the day after Christmas, 1927, big-time profession-al football came to Oklahoma when the barnstorming New York Giants, newly-crowned champions of the National Football League met the Hominy Indians, pride of Oklahoma professional football. The Giants had earned their title a few weeks earlier by defeating Red Grange, who was playing for the New York Yankees in a title match, while the Indians were the powerhouse club of the tri-state area of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri,” Gritts said.

He added that for the 20 years of its existence, nearly 60 names appeared on the team’s roster. They played on fields that were little more than chalked-off pastures, and they played in stadiums seating 30,000 fans.

The association has obtained permission to erect a memorial, not only to the history of this team, but also to the Native sons who participated. The space for the memorial is downtown, on Hominy’s main street with permission given by the 1st Bank in Hominy and the Hominy Chamber of Commerce.

Gritts said the plan is to reach out to local and nation-al Native American artists and have them submit their visions of what the memorial would look like whether it is a painting, sculpture or mural.

“A hope would be that the artist who is honored to create this memorial would just so happen to be a rela-tive of one of the original players on the team. We will also be reaching out to many different tribes throughout the United States, seeking their support to honor their own Native sons,” Gritts said. “Within the memorial we would like to have a short bio of the players we know of plus a brief history of the many different tribes repre-sented on the team.”

The HHA will also be reaching out to the New York Giants. “Even though it was a defeat, it is still a moment in time. We hope the Giants will allow recognition and support of the accomplishment by a proud people, who played the sport for what it was meant to be – fun,” Gritts said.

To help fund the memorial, email hominyindiansme-morialfund@gmail.com or write to the Hominy Heritage Association, PO Box 672, Hominy, OK 74035.

Hominy Heritage Assoc. works to honor 1927 Indians

COURTESYCherokee Nation citizen Brooklynn Cookson, right, and her sister Sarah Cookson sew masks at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. People needing masks can contact her on Facebook or email bncookson@icloud.com.

JUNE 1, 2020 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7 ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ HEALTH • ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

WESTWOOD, N.J. – Cherokee Nation citizen Rodney Stewart, a registered nurse, has seen firsthand how COVID-19 affects patients as he worked for nearly a month in one of the hardest hit counties in New Jersey.

Stewart works in the emergency department at Hillcrest Hospital Pryor (Oklahoma) and was sent to New Jersey in April, as shared staff. He worked at the Pascack Valley Medical Center in Bergen County.

“I arrived in Bergen County on April 1, and on that day there were 3,708 cases of COVID. On the last day I worked, April 27, there were 14,965 confirmed cases of COVID. The county that Pascack Valley hospital is in has the highest number of COVID patients in the state,” he said.

While there, he said he saw how and why the mortality rate in elderly patients ran high.

“COVID strikes those patients hard, and unfortunately, death ensues shortly after,” Stewart said. “The respiratory dis-tress that is a result of COVID is a lot like seeing someone having an asthma attack without the air restriction that accompa-nies asthma, or the CHF (congestive heart failure) exacerbated patient that cannot get a deep breath and has a respiratory rate of 35 to 40 breaths per minute. The panic in their eyes that comes with it is the hardest to watch.”

He said the patients in Bergen County know they have the highest rate of cases in the state and the second-highest death rate per county.

“I have seen more people die as a result of COVID than all of my years in the ER, as well as the short time I was on call for hospice when I worked for home health. One of the hardest moments was when

a patient asked if he could call his wife before he died. It was hard to swallow,” he said.

He and hospital staff protected themselves during each shift with personal protective equipment or PPE.

“Staff received a new N95 mask and full face shield prior to every shift and had an unlimited supply of ear-loop surgical masks, as well as gowns,” Stewart said. “Caregivers would don PPE prior to en-tering the room. When exiting the room we would doff PPE, use hand sanitizer or wash our hands. PPE included a full-face shield, an N95 mask covered with an ear loop mask, gown and two pair of gloves.”

Because of working outside Oklaho-ma, Stewart was not able to travel back to spend time with family, especially as there were losses of family members during his time in New Jersey.

After returning to Oklahoma, he quarantined himself and was tested for COVID-19 on April 29.

He said he wants people to know the vi-rus can be serious for those who contract it. “I think it is so important for people to know that COVID is real. Just because we have been able to flatten the curve here in Oklahoma doesn’t mean that we have beat this virus.”

Stewart said that a lot of people are as-ymptomatic and spread the virus without knowing they have it. And with business-es reopening, there is the potential for a “second wave” of outbreaks.

“The best protection from contract-ing the virus is to ensure proper hand hygiene, social distance, and isolate as much as possible,” he said. “When businesses reopen, there will be a rise in the number of COVID cases, call it a second wave, here locally. This increase in cases will be due to people being out and becoming relaxed in their day-to-day activities. The public should still only do what is necessary. They should also con-tinue to distance as much as possible.”

Cherokee RN works on virus frontlines in N.J.

COURTESYCherokee Nation citizen Rodney Stewart wears his personal protective equipment while working in April at the Pascack Valley Medical Center in New Jersey. Stewart works as a registered nurse at Hillcrest Hospital Pryor (Oklahoma) and was sent to New Jersey as shared staff to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rodney Stewart

Rodney Stewart goes to New Jersey to work at a hospital as shared staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

BY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH – It hasn’t taken long for thousands of studies to spring up around the world, each trying to find an effective COVID-19 treatment.

Though the virus has been in the human population less than a year, the scale and intensity of lab work have resulted in greater understanding of it, and suggested some potential treat-ments that might reduce the severity and lethality of infection until a vaccine is developed.

While some measures show promise, none have completed the necessary testing to determine efficacy, even under the accelerated timelines some-times permitted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

No unproven COVID-19 treatment or preventative should be tried at home; a doctor should be consulted when considering a new drug; and some of the “promising” measures have been ap-plied only with patients who were dying or severely ill.

Remdesivir has offered enough tentative hope that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, voiced optimism.

“If you look at the time to recovery being shorter in the remdesivir arm (of the study), it was 11 days compared to 15 days,” Fauci said. “Though a 31% improvement doesn’t seem like a knock-out 100%, it is a very important proof of concept. What it has proven is a drug can block this virus.”

The drug was part of a NIAID trial with 500 patients. Along with the short-er recovery times, the rate of death was 8% among those taking the remdesivir, and 11.6% in the control group. An FDA emergency use authorization has been in place since May 1 for doctors to treat seriously ill and hospitalized patients.

Other treatments being studied include anticoagulants, which reduce the incidence of blood clots in severely ill COVID-19 cases. Drugs that blunt the body’s immune response are also being scrutinized. Viruses destroy the func-tions of cells they infect, but symptoms are often the inflammatory response, and doctors are seeing that in a small minority of cases that the body can literally kill itself trying to rid itself of infection. Immunity suppression could be a tightrope treatment, requiring doc-tors to lower immune response to keep the patient alive, while simultaneously

allowing the immune system to function enough to effectively attack the virus.

Blood plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19 has been used in gravely ill patients with promising anecdotal results. Assuming immuni-ty is acquired after infection – health experts say further study is needed – the antibodies in plasma could jumpstart acquired immunity in patients that have trouble beating the virus.

The CDC on May 20 revised its web-site to advise that COVID-19 is spread by respiratory action between people, and is much harder to transmit on hard surfaces, or from person to animal or animal to person.

While acknowledging the new infor-mation, Cherokee Nation Chief of Staff Todd Enlow told employees that the CN would “remain diligent in keeping our high contact areas safe for employees and guests to our offices.”

Enlow said sprayers, sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer and buckets are being supplied to all work areas at CN facilities to allow the cleaning of surfac-es as the CN begins bringing non-essen-tial employees back to the workplace.

The CDC continues to recommend that all people wear masks, even if just made of cloth, when going into public places, and to maintain social distancing.

Local guidelines or laws to prevent transmission should be observed. All 50 states have begun reopening, but the virus has struck at varying intensities in various populations.

Though there is less evidence that masks keep people from getting COVID-19, they do appear to impede pas-sage of the virus by infected people. The coronavirus can be transmitted for up to two weeks – though two to five days is thought to be more common – before a person shows symptoms. Asymptomatic people could be contagious for up to 28 days.

The CDC also recommends that when people leave their homes, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds when they return.

In the CN, those with questions can call W.W. Hastings Hospital, the Health Services clinics and respective county health departments. For information and incidence data, visit health.chero-kee.org/corona-virus-covid-19.

For state information, visit coronavi-rus.health.ok.gov, the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s COVID-19 page. For national information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Studies underway for COVID-19 treatments

BY STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation Health Services officials have updated the emergency pandemic visitor policy that went into effect on April 30.

Because of potential COVID-19 exposure, no visitors will be allowed to accompany or visit patients except for:

W.W. Hastings Hospital

• Pediatric patients will be allowed one adult caregiver, who must stay on campus for the duration of the patient’s stay;

• Labor and delivery patients will be allowed one adult visitor/caregiver. The visitor/caregiver may not attend the C-section (if applicable) and will be required to stay on campus for the duration of the patient’s stay;

• For end-of-life support, the medical director or house supervisor will approve visitation on a case-by-case basis;

• Adult Emergency Department/Urgent Care patients will not be allowed visitors;

• Pediatric ED/UC patients will be allowed an adult caregiver, who must stay in the room for the duration of the stay;

• Adult ED/UC patients with special and/or functional needs will be allowed one adult caregiver who must stay in the

facility for the duration of the stay; and• Drivers for surgical patients will

be allowed to enter the facility only to verify presence. Drivers will have to be screened for symptoms/exposure. If symptoms/exposure are present, driver will not be allowed to participate in surgical process. Another driver will have to be arranged prior to surgery proceeding.

For all outpatient health centers

• Pediatric patients will be allowed one adult caregiver who must stay in the facility for the entire appointment; and

• Adult patients with special and/or functional needs will be allowed one adult caregiver who must stay in the facility for the patient’s entire appoint-ment.

For all Health Services facilities

• All visitors/caregivers will be screened for fever, cough, and/or short-ness of breath. They will have their temperatures taken to ensure they have no fever. They will be asked if they have been in contact with anyone suspect-ed of being infected with COVID-19. If symptoms and/or exposure are present, they will not be allowed to enter the facility;

• Visitors/caregivers must be 18 or older.the coronavirus outbreak.

Health Services tightens visitation policy at its facilities

8 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020EDUCATION • ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – Beginning as a pilot program in 2014, the Cherokee Language Teacher program returned in 2017 to provide Northeastern State University students a chance to earn a teaching degree with an emphasis in the Cherokee language.

The program continues, selecting five students per cohort, with a Cherokee Lan-guage Teacher Training scholarship. Its goal is to certify students to teach in the classroom and the skills to teach in the Cherokee language.

It is “designed to create certified Cher-okee language teachers. After completing the first academic year of the program, students will sign a contract committing their services after graduation to the Cherokee Immersion School or at one of the Cherokee Nation’s cooperative

satellite programs in public schools in the 14-county area,” according to language.cherokee.org.

The NSU program maintains a direct line of communication with the CN’s Cherokee Language program.

“We are also coordinating together with the Oklahoma State Department of Education on reviewing and revising the Cherokee Language Teacher Certifica-tion test at the state level,” Roy Boney, CN Cherokee Language program man-ager, said. “The NSU degree program is currently the only university program that specifically is designed to prepare students for the Oklahoma Cherokee

language teacher certification test, so maintaining that line of communication is important for both institutions.”

To apply, applicants must:•Attend NSU’s Tahlequah campus;• Pursue a bachelor’s degree in edu-

cation and an Oklahoma state teaching certification in elementary education, early childhood education or Cherokee language;

• Demonstrate knowledge of the Chero-kee language upon application; and

• Be a CN citizen who resides in the tribe’s jurisdiction or contiguous areas.

Boney said if accepted, the scholarship covers all tuition, books, fees, room and

board or an equivalent stipend for stu-dents not living on campus.

“The students will spend a total of 15 hours per week in the program. This in-cludes scheduled time in classrooms with teachers and students at the Cherokee Immersion (Charter) School, formal in-structional time with Cherokee Language Program staff at Cherokee Nation, and other Cherokee Nation language-related events,” states language.cherokee.org

“In addition to the certification aspect, we are also working with NSU to develop language teacher-training programs for continuing education units and college credit options for the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice program partici-pants,” Boney said.

“We are currently in a pilot program with one of our language scholarship graduates where Education Services is sending her through the Master Appren-tice Program,” he added.

NSU continues Cherokee Language Teacher trackCherokees pursuing education degrees and learning the language to teach can do both at NSU’s Tahlequah campus.

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – In 1996, banker and Blackfeet citizen Elouise Cobell led a class action lawsuit to demand back pay-ment and improved accounting on Indi-vidual Indian Money Accounts managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

After 13 years, the federal government made the largest settlement in U.S. histo-ry of $3.4 billion. The settlement, in part, led to the Cobell Scholarship for Native American students.

Cherokee Nation citizen Sky Wildcat is pursuing a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas and is a recip-ient of the Cobell Scholarship.

“The application involves reflecting on the actions of Elouise Cobell and how they relate and inspire our own jour-neys,” Wildcat said.

Working in higher education after starting her college career, Wildcat said she always heard about different scholar-ships that were available.

She said she knew when she went to pursue her doctorate that her education was going to become more expensive.

“When I decided to continue my edu-cation for my doctorate, I knew it was going to be a lot more expensive than my prior education and that I needed to avoid student loans, so I put a lot of effort into this scholarship to try and prevent it. I

am extremely fortunate to receive it,” Wildcat said.

She received the scholarship during the first year of her doctorial pursuit, and will receive for it again for her second year in the amount of $12,500.

She said her future plans are to work as director at a Native American student center or tribal college.

“It has definitely put my mind at ease as to how I am going to focus on my cur-rent responsibilities without worrying about accruing debt,” she said. “I really don’t think that I would be continuing if I hadn’t received any scholarships, espe-cially one as generous as this.”

Wildcat said students who want to apply for the scholarship should focus on key points pertaining to the history of how the scholarship came to be.

“It is essential to read the documents regarding the settlement and Elouise Cobell, as suggested in the application,” she said. “Make sure to focus on how her achievements have paved the way for Indigenous education, and specifically, your education. The application is long and requires some time and effort, but it is definitely worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask your mentors, advisers, peers, etc. to look over your application for sugges-tions and edits.”

For information, visit https://cobell-scholar.org/

Wildcat gets Cobell Scholarship for 2nd year

Sky Wildcat Elouise Cobell

“It has de�nitely put my mind at ease as to how I am going to focus on my current responsibilities without worrying about accruing debt.”

Sky Wildcat, Cobell Scholarship recipient

Cherokee Nation citizen Sky Wildcat reflects on how the Cobell Scholarship helps her educational endeavors.

BY STAFF REPORTS TAHLEQUAH – Sequoyah High

School has named Boniblu Choate as the class of 2020 valedictorian and Chelbie Turtle as salutatorian.

SHS has tentatively set a commence-ment ceremony for the graduating se-niors to take place at 6 p.m. on July 31 at the Chota Conference Center inside the Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, using the Centers for Disease Control’s social-dis-tancing recommendations.

Choate, 17, of Tahlequah, is the daugh-ter of Jayson and Jolyn Choate. She is graduating with a weighted GPA of 4.55 and will be attending the University of Arkansas to major in creative writing.

She aspires to become an author or professor. She received the Cherokee Nation Valedictorian Scholarship worth $1,000 and the New Arkansan Non-Resi-dent Tuition Award, which covers 90% of the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.

“Graduating as the valedictorian for 2020 means a lot to me,’ she said. “It has shown me that hard work does pay off, and that what’s possible is up to you. In the end, I am most proud to be graduat-ing from a school that feels like family.”

Through concurrent enrollment, Cho-ate earned 30 credit hours from North-eastern State University during high school. She also participated in National Honor Society and the academic team. This year, the academic team achieved regional and area championships as well as, for the first time in Sequoyah history, becoming state qualifiers.

Some of Choate’s achievements are being selected as a Girls State delegate by the Oklahoma American Legion Post 135, and winning second place in the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Essay Contest. She also is a 2019 graduate from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics at the Indian Capital Technology Center.

“Going to Sequoyah High School has been the most amazing experience I could ever hope for. I have met so many awesome people and made wonderful memories,” said Choate. “I would like to thank my family, friends, and teachers for always having my back and making every day a good one.”

Turtle, 19, of Tahlequah, is graduating with a weighted GPA of 4.4. She will be

attending NSU in Tahlequah this fall and will be a part of the school’s Honors Program. As a NSU Honors Program member, she will receive the Honors Program Scholarship worth nearly $50,000 over four years through the Oklahoma Academic Scholars Program. She also received the CN Salutatorian Scholarship worth $750 and the Cher-okee Nation Foundation Sequoyah Alumni Scholarship.

“As a freshman, I set a goal to grad-uate in the top 10 percent of my class,” Turtle said. “I continued to prioritize my education, and by hard work and determination, I was able to surpass my initial goal and achieve this amazing honor. I am very proud and humbled that I am able to represent my graduat-ing class in this position.”

Turtle, the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Trice-Turtle, plans to double major in corporate communications and business administration at NSU. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a law degree and hopes to make an impact through her legal career or her desire to establish a nonprofit foundation.

While attending SHS, she earned 33 hours of concurrent enrollment at NSU. She also participated in National Honor Society, Honoring Our Peoples Existence Club, yearbook, Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women, Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society and CN Tribal Youth Council among others.

Her leadership roles include serving as the 2014-15 Junior Miss Cherokee, and 2017-18 Junior Miss Indian Okla-homa. She was secretary of National Honor Society, editor of yearbook, pres-ident of the CN Tribal Youth Council and a tutor. She was also selected as a 2019 Oklahoma Girls State delegate and served as the Native American Affairs secretary, and earned the Outstanding Reporter Award.

“I would first like to thank my family and friends for their endless love and support throughout my entire educa-tional journey,” she said. “As a student at Sequoyah, I have had the opportunity to be taught, encouraged, and empow-ered by some of the best teachers and counselors. I could not have achieved this honor alone, and I will be forev-er thankful for my time spent at Se-quoyah.”

Choate, Turtle named SHS valedictorian, salutatorianBoniblu Choate will attend the University of Arkansas, while Chelbie Turtle heads to Northeastern State Univ.

“We are also coordinating together with the Oklahoma State Department of Education on reviewing and revising the Cherokee Language Teacher Certi�cation test at the state level.” Roy Boney, Cherokee Language program manager

JUNE 1, 2020 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 9 ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ SERVICES • ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ

BY STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Na-tion’s Family Assistance will again give out school clothing vouchers to eligible children through its Clothing Assistance Program this summer, and applications are available until June 15.

According to the CN website, the Cloth-ing Voucher Program is funded through the Tribal Council and has been imple-mented through Human Services since 2006. The goal is to assist families with back-to-school expenses by providing financial assistance for school clothes for the children’s first day school.

In the past, eligible school-aged chil-dren have received $100 Visa gift cards. Eligibility requirements and documenta-tion include:

• Students must be CN citizens with copies of tribal citizenship cards;

• Must live within the tribe’s jurisdic-tion verified by a utility bill, not exceed-ing 30 days from application date, that shows physical or service address;

• Student must be in grades kinder-garten to 12 for the 2020-21 school year. Kindergarten student must be 5 years old before Sept. 9;

• Provide proof of school enrollment for each child;

• Application must be completed by parent or legal guardian, providing

proof of ID;• Legal guardians must provide proof

of guardianship;• Provide copies of income verification

for all household members; and• Household must meet income guide-

lines.The vouchers must be spent on school

clothing and not on accessories such as backpacks or fragrances. The vouchers have no expiration dates and can be used during the state’s tax-free weekend of shopping from July 31 to Aug. 2

“We mailed out applications to those who were approved last year in February and have received more than 650 re-turned,” Family Assistance Department Manager Angela King said. “Those who were approved last year are asked to submit their applications or if they have misplaced it, they can request another application from Human Services or download a copy from our website.”

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, applica-tions are available online at https://cher-okee.org/all-services/human-services/family-assistance/school-clothing-assis-tance-program/

For information, email human-ser-vices@cherokee.org.

Mail applications to Cherokee Nation Family Assistance, Attn: School Clothing Program, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465.

BY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – Schools around Cherokee County are continuing to serve breakfast and lunches to students via state and national programs so school-aged children up to 18 years old are provided nutritional meals into their summer breaks.

When COVID-19 forced school closures in March, students were able to pick up breakfast and lunches provided by their schools at locations for the remainder of the school year.

Though the last day for Sequoyah High School was May 15, the school was approved to serve breakfast and lunch through the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Summer Food Service until June 30, Mark Vance, Cherokee Nation Education Services deputy executive director, said.

“Students ages 18 years and younger will be provided breakfast and lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during this time,” Vance said. “The meals will be served in grab-and-go style following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and as approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.”

He said the program ensures students can have access to needed nutritious meals and that Sequoyah has participated in this program for several years.

“Providing these two meal options for our students helps us meet an important need in our community,” Vance said.

Sequoyah meals are available Monday through Friday at four locations: SHS cafeteria and the CN Court House Square pavilion from 11 a.m. to noon in Tahlequah; Big B’s convenient store south of Stilwell from 11 a.m. to 11:25

a.m.; and Hop-In convenient store north of Stilwell from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Students must be present to receive the meals.

Grand View School is also providing meals to its students into the summer break with the Seamless Summer Option, a program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“Grand View, like many schools in the area, will continue to serve food throughout the summer and beyond if necessary,” Margaret Carlile, Grand View School federal programs director, said. “Most schools are doing the Seamless Summer (Option) that continues their school program and

adds the birth-to-18 (years old) components.”

Carlile said that in addition to the food program, Grand View is providing learning and activity packets for students to use during summer break.

“Grand View is also continuing to provide

learning and activity packets, including materials for Cherokee language and culture instruction,” Carlile said. “We are also distributing new books to students as part of a grant that Grand View currently is operating. We also, as have many schools, distributed treats that were donated. We have counseling and resource staff available to our community to help with any needs. We will soon have a Grand View counseling hotline.”

Carlile said though Grand View’s last day was May 8, the school transi-tioned straight into the Seamless Sum-mer Option program, handing out the equivalent of 10 meals per child, or one breakfast and one lunch for five days, every Monday from noon to 6 p.m. in the school’s back parking lot at the cafeteria loading dock.

CN taking school clothing aid applications

Sequoyah, Grand View continue meal programs

COURTESYIn this 2014 photo, Scarlett Shell looks for a pair of shoes in Tahlequah after receiving a Cherokee Nation clothing voucher. Eligible students receive $100 vouchers to help with school clothing.

“Providing these two meal options for our students helps us meet an important need in our community.”

Mark Vance,Education Services deputy

executive director

Local schools continue to provide meals to students via summer food programs.

10 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020MONEY • ᎠᏕᎳ

BY STAFF REPORTS

TULSA – Cherokee Federal recently unveiled a new line of products aimed at addressing the global health crisis creat-ed by the COVID-19 pandemic, under its Scout Health Security unit. Scout Health Security screening, detection and isola-tion equipment were created to aid busi-nesses, organizations and health care facilities in safely reopening and operat-ing throughout current and subsequent public health challenges.

The newly announced products, which mark Cherokee Federal’s first product development and patent application, include the Scout Guard, Scout Protect and the Scout Detect. The mobile units use negative and positive pressure to create a protective barrier for airborne pathogens. They are also capable of both advanced and singular thermal scan-ning, as well as identifying and isolating potential health risks, provided they are not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions on their own. They allow med-ical professionals to administer various tests in a clean air environment, aided by Ultra Low Particulate Air, also known as ULPA, medical-grade filters.

“Globally, we are faced with a new era of public health security,” Cherokee Federal President Steven Bilby said. “Through Scout Health Security, our team has taken a comprehensive ap-proach to provide protective barriers and effective solutions to reopen America. Our products and services are focused on helping protect those at the front line of any organization.”

The innovatively lightweight and mo-bile equipment was unveiled to Cherokee Nation leaders and medical profession-als on May 18 at the tribe’s Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah. CN officials plan to implement the health-screening equipment within its tribal facilities.

Cherokee Federal’s team of health sci-ence, technology and engineering experts design and manufacture Scout products at the company’s headquarters in Tul-sa. The tribal company, a subsidiary of Cherokee Nation Businesses, has a his-tory of providing a wide range of support and products for government and com-mercial clients.

For information on Cherokee Federal’s line of Scout Health Security solutions, visit scouthealthsecurity.com.

BY D. SEAN ROWLEY Senior Reporter

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – It won’t be the end of the Russellville casino saga, but the process of scoring the applications submitted by Cherokee Nation Business-es and Gulfside Casino Partnership of Mississippi is seemingly about to begin, or already underway.

The applications are to be assessed through numerical scoring by gaming consultant Jim Fox, owner of Fox and Fox Consulting of Phoenix. His recom-mendation is expected by June 30 when the contract with his firm expires, said Scott Hardin of the Arkansas Depart-ment of Finance and Administration.

The Arkansas Racing Commission will make the decision on which interest is awarded the license to operate a resort and casino in Pope County, and it was suggested that officials for CNB and Gulf-side would be interviewed as part of the process.

The ARC approved a points system for application to four criteria that, by state law, must be considered when assessing the applicants. They include experience with casino gaming, the timeline for opening the venue, proof of financial sta-bility and access to financial resources, and the proposal summary.

Each can score a maximum of 30 points except for the casino timeline, weighted at 10 points.

In its May 7 meeting, the ARC allowed CNB and Gulfside another 10 days, begin-ning May 8, to provide more information to the commission, though Gulfside attor-ney Casey Castleberry opposed “allowing any amendment of application.”

Jim Fox is not related to Pulaski Coun-ty (Ark.) County Circuit Judge Tim Fox, who ruled on March 24 the CNB applica-tion be sent back for assessment on its merits by the ARC.

The ARC decision will not necessarily be final, because CNB and Gulfside have stated their respective intentions to le-

gally appeal denial of the license.Jerry Malone, an attorney representing

the anti-casino group Citizens for a Better Pope County, wrote in a Pulaski County Circuit Court filing in April that the ARC application periods should be invalidated because the ARC ignored its rule to assign points values to the scoring criteria.

He further claimed that the ARC had not included a point system in any no-tices requesting applications for the Pope County or Jefferson County casino licenses.

CNB attorney Dustin McDaniel argued in a letter to the ARC that the infraction was committed more than a year ago and no applicants objected to the omission, which could only harm CNB or Gulfside.

The ARC voted 6-1 in its May 7 meeting to allow the CNB application on “good cause” and unanimously agreed on the point system to score the two proposals.

In November 2018 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 100 to allow for expanded casino operations at Oaklawn

and Southland, and to open new casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties.

The casino proposal submitted by Gulfside Casino Partnership included endorsement letters from Jim Ed Gibson, the former quorum court judge, and for-mer Russellville Mayor Randy Horton, written just before their terms expired.

Accepting the argument of good cause meant the endorsements of CNB by cur-rent Quorum Court Judge Ben Cross and the quorum court were also valid.

ARC members also accepted the CNB’s good cause argument on April 15, but the commissioners decided to hold a second vote after Arkansas attorney John Tull sent a letter to the ARC complaining that any votes in that meeting should be nulli-fied. Tull claimed the commission violat-ed the state’s Freedom of Information Act because a decision was made in private before the public meeting.

Though the April 15 vote was unani-mous, Commissioner Butch Rice changed his vote on May 7.

CNB casino application scoring expected in JuneThe Arkansas Racing Commission is using an independent point system to assess the license proposals.

Cherokee Federal debuts Scout Health SecurityTribal company unveils frontline products in global health battle.

COURTESY Cherokee Federal unveils Scout Health Security unit to Cherokee Nation leaders and medical professionals at the CN’s Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah.

Eastern District Attorney’s Office preps for fraud

MUSKOGEE – Amid the presidential directive to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations on social distancing and Oklahoma’s similar requirements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Okla-homa remains open.

As the chief federal law enforcement agency in the 26 Oklahoma counties that comprise the East-ern District, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to investigate and prosecute cases and represent the interests of the United States in civil actions via telework.

While the number of Americans infected by the virus continues to grow, law enforcement is being confronted with the escalation of fraud schemes associated with COVID-19.

The Department of Justice has established a ho-tline for individuals to report COVID-19 complaints – The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline – 1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

SBA loans available foragricultural businesses

FORT WORTH, Texas – Agricultural businesses throughout Oklahoma are now eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans for the first time in 30 years.

Agricultural businesses include those business-es engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act.

The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis. The application is available at www.SBA.gov/Disaster.

At this time, only agricultural business applica-tions will be accepted due to funding limitations.

For more information or to apply, please visit: www.sba.gov/Disaster. For details on SBA assis-tance, visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus.

State revenue collections plunge to historic depths

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Collections to Okla-homa’s main government operating fund missed projections by 44% in April, the biggest shortfall in modern history, state finance officials said May 12.

Postponing the income tax deadline from April to July, plummeting energy prices and the coro-navirus-related shutdown of businesses across the state amounted to a “threefold economic gut punch,” said Office of Management and Enter-prise Services Director Steve Harpe.

Overall collections to the state’s general fund in April totaled $529 million, which is 44% below the monthly estimate. Total collections to the fund through the first 10 months of the current fiscal year were about 8.5% below the estimate, Harpe reported.

Individual and corporate income taxes, sales taxes and gross production taxes on oil and natural gas were all well below projections. The one bright spot was motor vehicle tax collections, which exceeded the estimate by more than 23%.

Stitt vetoes budget bills; Legislature overrides

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed several key budget bills on May 13, setting up a showdown with lawmakers in his own party who quickly voted to override him.

Stitt vetoed four separate budget bills, including the general appropriations bill that outlines the Legislature’s $7.7 billion spending plan. The other bills temporarily divert payments to the state’s public pension systems and to a fund for road and bridge improvements.

The Republican-led House and Senate quickly overrode the governor’s veto of all four bills.

The funds being diverted from the pension sys-tems are additional payments the state has been making to improve their solvency.

COURTESY Cherokee Federal President Steven Bilby introduces new frontline health products to Cherokee Nation leaders and medical professionals at the CN Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah.

“�rough Scout Health Security, our team has taken a com-prehensive approach to provide protective barriers and e�ec-tive solutions to reopen America.”

Steven Bilby, Cherokee Federal president

Mortgage relief and COVID-19 scams: What you need to knowSTATEPOINT – During times of

hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”

According to Freddie Mac, this scheme involves bad actors offering false promises of being able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this fraud include:

• Requiring you to sign over the title to your home,

• Asking you to sign unfamiliar documents and/or share your personal information, and

• Charging you rent to stay in your home and/or potentially promising that you can purchase your home back when

your financial situation improves. Another common fraud involves a

third party guaranteeing you a loan modification with a reduced mortgage payment. Similar to foreclosure rescue fraud, fraudsters collect an upfront fee and promise to work with your loan servicer on your behalf.

So how can you protect yourself? • Don’t disclose. Never provide your

information via phone or internet until after you have verified the caller or company’s identity.

• Be suspicious. If someone has contacted you asking for personal or sensitive information, do your homework to verify the validity of the request before providing any information. Contact your servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) and confirm that they called you asking for information.

• Spot imposters. Scammers across the globe can make any name or number appear on your caller ID or email. Protect yourself from spoofing by letting calls go to voicemail first. If a call is important, the caller will leave a message. If you do answer and it is a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Just hang up.

• Report fraud. Freddie Mac will never reach out to offer a refinancing opportunity or new loan over the phone. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to represent Freddie Mac, you can report it by visiting sf.freddiemac.com/working-with-us/fraud-prevention/feedback.

There is also real assistance on offer. Contact your loan servicer to discuss your options. You can learn more about available mortgage relief options by visiting MyHome.FreddieMac.com.

CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG

JUNE 1, 2020 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 11 ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020 • ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ PEOPLE • ᏴᏫ

Page makes Bassmaster All-State Team

Sports o�cials feeling e�ects of COVID-19 restrictionsBY MARK DREADFULWATERDigital Media Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH – With the spread of COVID-19 shutting down National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Junior College Athletic Association, high school and youth sports, there is one group of professionals that is feeling the effects of it financially as well as mentally – umpires.

Cherokee Nation citizen Leslie D. Hannah is in his 41st year as a professional softball umpire, and his season started in early February with junior college games. He said the season began normally, but the outbreak of COVID-19 and the complete shuttering of all spring sports put an end to his college schedule.

“Obviously I’m upset about that because that’s a considerable amount of my yearly income,” he said. “I do a lot of college ball and it’s going to hit me in the pocketbook pretty hard.”

Although Hannah said umpiring is not his sole income source as he is also an English professor at Rogers State University. However, he said he’s been fortunate in the past four years and he’s been able to make more money umpiring compared to teaching.

He added that several sports officials are far less fortunate the he is.

“Some of these umpires, that’s all they do is officiate games, so they have zero income right now,” he said. “Even youth organizations like USA Softball and USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) are all cancelling games or postponing the start of the season. That’s putting a lot of umpires and a lot of game officials, not just softball and baseball, out of work.”

On the other hand, there are some officials who umpire that do not completely rely on the income it provides.

“It’s not my main source of income and it’s nice to

have,” CN citizen Gary Lively said. “I’ve learned that I can’t always depend on it being there.”

Lively officiates adult, high school and youth softball competitions in Oklahoma and surrounding states

Even though he’s not hurt financially, he is feeling adverse effects from the shutdown.

“I find the situation very depressing, not only for me, but the players as well,” Lively said. “People really love their sports and enjoy watching and heckling us or whatever they feel like doing. It’s going to be hard to figure out what to do without any sports at all.”

MARK DREADFULWATER/CHEROKEE PHOENIXCherokee Nation citizen Leslie D. Hannah makes an out call during the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association season at Carl Albert State College in Poteau. Hannah’s college season ended mid-March when the association canceled the remainder of the 2020 spring season.

BY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

CLAREMORE – Many anglers would like to spend more time fishing. Cherokee Nation citizen Dakota Page has, through his angling success, achieved recognition and added more fishing days to his academic future.

For the third straight year, Page has qualified for the Bassmaster Oklahoma All-State Team, and the 2020 graduate of Claremore Sequoyah High School will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma and representing the Bronchos in collegiate fishing competitions.

“To qualify for the all-state team, they look at your tournament records – your winnings or your placings – and they also look at your grades for school,” said Page, 17. “There are no tournaments for making all-state. You get the title and you get put into consideration for the all-American roster.”

Page was one of 49 chosen from more

than 300 all-state nominations, but missed being one of the 12 named to the all-America team.

“I still haven’t won a tournament, but I’ve been consistent,” he said. “It’s really helpful to consistently place in the top 10 or top 20. That is what me and my tournament partner have focused on.”

In competitions, Page’s teammate is Cody Clowdus, an Alabaman residing in Edmond. Page previously fished with Bryce Blue, who Page credits for getting him interested in tournament fishing.

In a tournament, a team tries to catch five fish with the highest total weight. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass are accepted, but they must be within the “slot” length of 12-16 inches.

“You keep your best five fish of the day, and the best five fish at the weigh-in wins,” Page said.

To be considered for a Bassmaster All-State Team, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or school official. Students enrolled in grades 10-12 with a current-year grade point average

of 2.5 or higher were eligible.Page will soon be taking his fishing

gear to UCO when the all-clear is given to hold on-campus classes. The school offers a fully funded fishing team, covering travel fees and boat fuel.

“With UCO, everything just really worked out,” Page said. “Of course, I wanted to go to college, and we were applying everywhere. But I made a college visit to UCO because a friend had recommended it, and I just loved the campus. It also turned out that I had some other friends that were going there. They offer the degree I wanted in architecture and design, and the fishing team was a bonus on top of that.”

Page has also been cognizant of his Cherokee lineage and has actively participated in cultural activities. “I was on the Cherokee Challenge and Language Bowl team, and that was a huge part of my life for eight years. We competed in the tournaments in Tahlequah. I learned the language, the heritage, the culture and about the people.”

COURTESYCherokee Nation citizen Dakota Page, a three-time Bassmaster All-State selection, will compete in collegiate fishing at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Goodrich �ghting �res in TulsaBY D. SEAN ROWLEYSenior Reporter

TULSA – After a basketball career that included winning three state titles for Sequoyah High School and playing for the Tulsa Shock and Seattle Storm in the WNBA, Angel Goodrich has settled into the quiet life of a retired professional athlete.

Except it isn’t always so quiet, can get deafeningly loud, and doesn’t look much like retirement. The Cherokee Nation citizen, 2008 SHS alumna and former Kansas Jayhawk is now with the Tulsa Fire Department.

“The adjustment has been great,” Goodrich said. “I was blessed to be around people that helped mold me into the person I am now. My family in particular has always been a giving family no matter who or what it was. And that lit a fire in me to want to help others at a young age. Also, my crew has helped with the adjustment as well with passing on any type of knowledge that will help me be successful on calls.”

It wasn’t a direct move from the hardwood to the station house. During the 2018-19 academic year, Goodrich served as a tutor at Kenwood School in Delaware County.

Today, she helps her colleagues check the trucks, tools and safety gear in anticipation of the next call.

“Once a drop hits, we hop on the truck and head to whatever emergency is dispatched,” Goodrich said. “I enjoy the family aspect of the crew and station life. The camaraderie built amongst your crew in the station builds a bond and trust for calls that can be dangerous.”

The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in some changes for the TPD. A fire department can be summoned to virtually any emergency – fire, medical, vehicle collision, hazardous spills, storm, flood.

Currently, even non-medical equipment is routinely disinfected, and firefighters treating medical emergencies are not entering homes if the situation allows.

The city’s emergency responders are trying to minimize the instances of possible infection. All Tulsa firefighters are EMT certified.

“COVID-19 has made things a little different with station life,” Goodrich said. “We aren’t able to assist in all calls due to safety precautions for ourselves and the citizens of Tulsa.”

Though she is remembered by many basketball fans for her professional career, and is remembered in Tahlequah for her run of state titles, Goodrich also had an amazing career at the University of Kansas. She is

the school’s all-time leader in assists with 771. She also holds the Allen Fieldhouse record for assists

in a single game – by a woman or a man – with 16.Goodrich, who grew up in Stilwell, earned her

bachelor’s degree from KU in 2013, and she takes part in outdoor activities including running, biking, hiking and kayaking. She most enjoys time with her family.

“My family are the ones that influence me each and every day – from my grandpa, my parents, my siblings and extended family,” Goodrich said.

She said she’s grateful to family and friends who have supported her choices and ambitions.

“They’re the ones that make me want to be a better person,” Goodrich said. “They’ve showed me the meaning of giving back to those that surround me and to always treat others the way I would want to be treated.”

She may be young and starting a new career, but Goodrich knows there are a lot of people for whom she sets an example.

“As for my professional choices in sports and firefighting, I want young Natives from my home community to see that dreams do come true as long as you stay focused and work hard towards that dream,” she said.

COURTESY/TULSA FIRE DEPARTMENTCherokee Nation citizen Angel Goodrich, now a Tulsa Fire Department member, says her family has always supported her decisions.

Former SHS basketball star and pro athlete is anything but retired.

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IF SEEN, CALL FORT GIBSON POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 918-478-2610 TO SPONSOR A MISSING NATIVES SPOT, CALL 918-207-3825 OR EMAIL samantha-cochran@cherokee.org

12 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • JUNE 1, 2020 ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎴᎯᏌᏅᎯ • ᏕᎭᎷᏱ 1, 2020CULTURE • ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ

Teen embraces weaving traditionBY LINDSEY BARKReporter

TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation citizen and 15-year-old Emma Sherron has been loom weaving for the past three years. She started by taking a class from her great aunt, Cherokee National Treasure Dorothy Ice, who is a well-known loom weaver.

“I started weaving about three years ago, and my great aunt was teaching a class, and my grandma decided to take my sister and I. We went during Thanksgiving break and that’s how we both started getting into it,” she said.

Sherron said loom weaving is a “style of art” that involves a loom, yarn and patterns to create different loomed items.

“There are many different shapes and sizes of looms, which create the different woven pieces. But the size you

choose limits the size of the piece you want to create,” she said. “These pieces, using yarn, can be woven into coasters, ‘mug rugs,’ bookmarks, scarves, wall hangings, shawls, table runners and various sizes of blankets.”

Sherron said she uses her grandmother’s various-sized looms to practice.

“I do not, unfortunately, have my own personal loom because they are rather expensive. But I do thankfully have access to my grandmother’s collection of looms that she lets me use at any time,” she said. “A loom consists of many different parts such as the wooden frame, heddles, wire reeds, pedals, shuttle, cloth roller, warp wheel, warp roller and levers. These together raise and lower the loom to create a pattern with your choice of colors.”

She said loom weaving patterns also

vary, some harder to learn than others. “The easiest design to learn and start

with is a straight or traditional weave. That is the pattern I first learned,” Sherron said. “But more recently I have learned how to create with the herring bone and diamond pattern, such as my piece from last year’s Cherokee Art Market Youth competition. That was the first herring bone pattern I created.”

The design she donated to the Cherokee Phoenix for its quarterly giveaway is a burgundy, tan and cream-colored wall hanging, 21 inches by 11 inches in size, and has a diamond pattern, which she said was harder to learn. She said it took her about eight hours to complete.

“This piece I am donating is my first piece with the diamond design. But there are several other designs and patterns that can be created, but those require a different type of warp,” Sherron said.

She said loom weaving spans back generations when Cherokees first learned to weave.

COURTESYCherokee Nation Emma Sherron holds her loom woven piece that she donated for the Cherokee Phoenix’s quarterly giveaway. The piece is a 21-inch-by-11-inch wall hanging with a diamond pattern.

Emma Sherron is the Cherokee Phoenix’s next quarterly giveaway artist, donating a loom woven wall hanging.

Cherokee game developed for iTunesBY WILL CHAVEZAssistant Editor

TAHLEQUAH – Using interactive media and storytelling, Cherokee Nation citizens Joseph Lewis Erb and Matt Mason have created a video game that uses the Cherokee language.

The two created a free game titled “Adalonuhesgi,” or Trickster, in which players use the language to advance. Erb said the game’s story uses the “iconic Cherokee trickster,” rabbit, to steal Cherokee elders.

“It kind of deals with the idea that people have to work extra hard now to save the language,” Erb said. “As you help our female heroine trying to get her grandma back, you actually acquire language skills. I don’t think this game is something that can make someone fluent, but it gives more exposure to the language, which is the goal of it, trying to get people to hear more words, to hear more vocabulary and get more interested in the language.”

With a longtime interest in the language, Erb has been making language-based animations for 20 years to help people learn Cherokee. So far, Erb and Mason have put in nine months in developing the game. The first four or five months were spent building models and rigging them to move properly in the game engine.

They are also working on two other games that include the language. One is similar to the popular game Candy Crush in which players collect correctly used Cherokee words for points.

“It’s been a hard thing to work on, but we’re excited about getting the game out there. We hope people will try it out and play it and give us feedback. Hope they enjoy it,” Erb said. “We hope that in 2020 we will have several games on the iTunes store (App Store) under the Cherokee Robot Company.”

The next level of storytelling is interactive media, he said, because it’s a natural progression.

“Video games are even more profitable now than film,” he said. “It’s not like you do anything in the language to make any type of profit, but what that really indicates is the number of people in those different genres, video games versus film. Video games have long-standing interest, and it’s always been a storytelling platform anyway.”

Erb said “Adalonuhesgi” could be a tool in the CN’s efforts to save the language by allowing people to hear Cherokee, acquire more vocabulary and generate interest in the language.

“I think we are in a very critical time right now in language loss, and with the majority of our speakers being elders, this is a huge concern. We have to do something, and it really can’t be someone depending on a kid at the (Cherokee) Immersion (Charter) School or a kid in the apprentice program,” he said. “For all of us who are citizens of the Cherokee Nation, Keetoowah or Eastern Band, it is our obligation to do more with the language so that it doesn’t die out.”

“Adalonuhesgi” has different levels, each with different themes, colors and numbers.

Players must use Cherokee language to advance through the game

COURTESYCherokee Nation citizens Joseph Lewis Erb and Matt Mason have created a free game titled “Adalonuhesgi” or Trickster, where players must use the Cherokee language to advance through the game.

Ed Roberts

Texan creates ‘�oating feathers’BY CHAD HUNTERReporter

DALLAS – A Cherokee Nation citizen has created what he calls “floating feathers” from metal as a unique way to embody his family’s heritage.

“My grandpa just said, ‘Hey, make me something,’” Christopher Daugherty said. “So I got to looking around for inspiration, things like feathers or dream catchers – things that say heritage, Native American, Cherokee.”

The finished feathers, approximately 6 inches long with wooden bases, were gifted to several family members, Daugherty said. His grandfather, CN citizen Larry Mills, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, described the pieces as having “breathtaking expertise and quality.”

“They’re very special, one-of-a-kind,” Mills said. “He designed them in his own mind and built them out of Invar, which is a metal that will not expand or contract under high temperatures or low temperatures. It’s really a special metal.”

By trade, Daugherty, 42, is involved in the manufacture of

medical equipment. He designed his feather on a computer-aided design and manufacturing program, then used an electric discharge machine to carve the shape.

“When it comes out, it’s got a bit of a satin finish to it, and that all has to be sanded by hand and polished to get that mirror look,” Daugherty said.

Poet’s work published in Cherokee language

Christopher Daugherty, left, and his grandfather, Larry Mills, hold a “floating feather” that Daugherty made from metal.COURTESYBY CHAD HUNTER

Reporter

YUKON – A poet from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area is among a list of peers published in an international, multilingual anthology, but his is the only verse printed in the Cherokee language.

Ed Roberts, a 61-year-old Cherokee Nation citizen, is one of 761 writers from 86 countries spotlighted in the latest “Amaravati Poetic Prism” anthology that features 125 languages. His contribution to the India-published anthology is “a way to both help preserve the Cherokee language” and share it across the globe.

“It’s in Cherokee and in English both so people can kind of understand what it means,” he said. “The Cherokee language has never been published in India ever. Not only that, but it’s being shown to people in more than 80 countries around the world. If you’re trying to keep your language from disappearing, take it and put it across the whole planet.”

Roberts, who is working on his 10th poetry book, has previously been included in the anthology. This time, he looked to CN language translators for assistance.

“Five people got together and translated my poem into Cherokee,” he said, adding that he officially received his CN citizenship in 2018. “My grandmother was Cherokee, and I wanted to give something to honor her, to give something to the people.”

Through his free-verse poetry, Roberts tackles cultural, political and social issues

such as alcoholism, hunger and poverty. “From the Pill to the Bottle to You,” his seventh poetry collection, targets those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.

“I’ve gotten letters from people who’ve said that book saved their life,” Roberts said. “I’ve heard from several hundred people who have quit drinking, and several dozen people who decided not to kill themselves.”

Roberts first shared his poetry 20 years ago, more than a decade after an accident that left him wheelchair-bound sparked suicidal thoughts.

“I was told I’d never walk again,” he said. “I was a restaurant manager and had three-and-a-half gallons of 350-degree grease go down both of my legs from my knees down. I had muscle damage. My ankles were actually burnt down to the bone.”

Roberts said that despite the doctors’ predictions and his depression, he was walking again within a few short months.

“About 12 or 13 years later, I sat down and wrote a poem called ‘Five Single Words’ – who will find your body,” he said. “The day I wrote it, I emailed it to one of my best friends for editing. An hour later she emailed me back and said, ‘How did you know?’ I had no idea she was sick, but she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She had bought a gun that morning and was going to shoot herself that night until she opened an email with a poem in it. One hour after I wrote the poem, it saved its first life.”

Since then, he’s given readings and speeches about poetry in schools and at poetry festivals. In 2005, he represented the United States at the Odyssey International literary festival held in Amman, Jordan.

COURTESYCherokee Nation citizen Christopher Daugherty created this “floating feather” piece from metal and wood.