TAHLEQUAH The Cherokee Nation announced the four Cherokee
Nation citizens receiving the distinction of Cherokee National Treasure
for their work in preserving and promoting Cherokee art and culture
during the virtual 68th annual Cherokee National Holiday.
The CNT distinction is an honor given by the tribe to individuals
who are keeping the art, language and culture alive through their
crafts and work.
David Crawler, of Tahlequah; Crosslin Smith, of Vian; Traci Rabbit,
of Pryor; and Dorothy Sullivan, of Norman, were selected as this
year's recipients.
Traditionally, recipients are recognized during the Cherokee National
Holiday Awards Banquet. However, this year, due to concerns caused
by COVID-19, the tribe has chosen to forego an in-person gathering
in order to keep its Cherokee elders and citizens safe.
"Cherokee National Treasures preserve and advance the Cherokee
culture,' said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "They are keepers
of the values and heritage we hold sacred as tribal citizens. Dorothy,
Traci, Crosslin and David all richly deserve this special honor.
It is fitting they be recognized in 2020 for passing on their art,
sharing their skills and broadening the cultural knowledge base
for generations of Cherokees. Each one of them has my deepest respect
and gratitude for their lifelong endeavors and for sharing the Cherokee
spirit within their respective discipline."
Crawler was selected for his work in preserving and teaching the
Cherokee language. As a first-language Cherokee speaker, Crawler
has served the CN for more than a decade in the tribe's language
department working on a number of language projects. He was instrumental
in translating the CN Constitution into the Cherokee language, and
is the primary translator and storyteller for Cherokee First Children's
Activity Books. He has assisted in animated films with the Cherokee
language, and has worked on notable translation projects for Apple,
Microsoft and Google. Crawler is also a part of the Cherokee Language
Consortium, helping to translate modern words into Cherokee syllabary.
Rabbit was nominated for being a painter. She grew up appreciating
art as the daughter of CNT Bill Rabbit. While establishing herself
as an artist, she apprenticed with her father as well as took the
opportunity to learn from many artists who visited their family's
art studio, Rabbit Studios. Rabbit has been a full-time painter
for more than 32 years, and for 25 years has taught and mentored
many young students. In 2013, she partnered with the Cherokee Nation
Foundation to establish the Bill Rabbit Art Legacy Scholarship which
provides college-bound students tuition assistance.
Smith received the distinction for his lifetime contribution of
teaching the Cherokee language and culture. Born in 1929 to a traditional
Cherokee family in Sequoyah County, Smith has been a practitioner
of Cherokee spirituality for more than 50 years. He has provided
leadership and spiritual guidance for several CN administrations.
He also recently published a book, "Stand as One: Spiritual Teachings
of Keetoowah."
Sullivan received the honor for her life's work in painting and
art education. Sullivan grew up in Seminole learning from her father
about Cherokee history and culture. She began drawing and sketching
at an early age but never had any art classes or lessons until her
senior year of high school. After high school, she earned a degree
in art education and history from East Central University in Ada.
She taught for 20 years, and in that time developed one of the first
Native art programs for schools in Oklahoma. In 1980, she visited
the Trail of Tears Art Show at the Cherokee Heritage Center, and
ever since then she has painted images that depict Cherokee culture
and history. Sullivan has also published a book, illustrated several
children's books and is currently illustrating books for a number
of Native American tribes.
Medal of Patriotism Award is given in recognition of those
who answered the call of duty, made sacrifices and risked their
lives in service to Cherokee Nation and the United States of America,
tirelessly defending and promoting freedom and liberty for Cherokees
and all mankind:
- Marshal D. Roberts, posthumously, of Claremore
- Simeon Gipson, of Tahlequah
Statesmanship Award is given in recognition of those who,
as public servants, epitomize the servant leader ideal, exemplifying
Cherokee values and acting with respect, dignity and graciousness
while working for the betterment of CN and its citizens:
- Suzanne Gilstrap, of Claremore
- Rodslen Brown, posthumously, of Muskogee
- Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright
- Stilwell City Councilor Lane Kindle
Community Leadership Individual Award is given in recognition
of CN citizens who tirelessly have given, without hesitation, their
time to make their communities more vibrant, livable places. Their
example of servant leadership embodies Cherokee values, and is held
high esteem by their peers for strengthening the bonds of CN citizens:
- Todd Enlow, of Tahlequah
- Richard Tyler, of Vian
- Phil Busey, of Oklahoma City
- Dr. Victoria O'Keefe, of Washington, D.C.
Community Leadership Organization Award is given in recognition
of Cherokee Nation communities that have demonstrated the spirit
of working together through servant leadership, as well as applying
Cherokee values to make their communities a better place for Cherokee
Nation citizens:
- Vian Peace Center
- Tahlequah Outlaws
- Greater Tulsa Cherokees
Samuel Worcester Award is given to a non-Cherokee who has
made substantial contributions to the preservation of Cherokee heritage,
culture, community and sovereignty:
- Archivists and translators of the Moravian Church, Winston-Salem,
North Carolina
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