TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation celebrated several tribal citizens and organizations for their statesmanship, patriotism, community leadership and devotion to the tribe during the Cherokee National Holiday Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Chota Center.
“This occasion is a celebration of the remarkable leadership within the Cherokee Nation. These awards are vital in highlighting the outstanding contributions being made across various fields and within our communities,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We must remember that none of us achieve success alone. Our Nation's greatness is the result of both the tireless efforts of these individuals and the collective endeavor of all Cherokee citizens. These honorees are a testament to that shared commitment."
Medal of Patriotism Award
The Medal of Patriotism Award is given in recognition of those who answered the call of duty, made great sacrifices and risked their lives in service to the Cherokee Nation and the United States of America, tirelessly defending and promoting freedom and liberty for Cherokees and all mankind.
- Archer L. Durham served in the United States Air Force for 36 years. Major General Durham was the Commanding General at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He also served in Japan, The Philippines, France, Korea and the Pentagon. After retiring from the military, he oversaw the management of more than 14,000 personnel in the Department of Energy.
The Statesmanship Award
The 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 Cherokee Nation and its citizens.
- Jon M. McGrath, a fifth-generation railroader, was elected to the Global Ukraine Rail Task Force by his colleagues from around the world to assist the Ukrainian Railroad in operating under war conditions. On top of his efforts within the task force, Jon has hosted a breakfast in Tulsa every Saturday morning since 1990, so that elected officials and community leaders may come together and work for the common good.
- Phil G. Busey, Sr. is a staunch advocate for tribal economic development and is also the chairman of Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, a global aerospace company he founded with his wife, Cathy. Phil serves on Oklahoma City University’s board of trustees and is a professor lecturer for the aerospace program at the University of Oklahoma.
Community Leadership Individual Award
The Community Leadership Individual Award is given in recognition of Cherokee Nation 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 in high esteem by their peers for strengthening the bonds of Cherokee Nation citizens.
- Sam Ford is a distinguished journalist with a career of more than 50 years for bureaus in New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Sam retired as the D.C. bureau chief of WJLA-TV where he produced documentaries on his African and Cherokee roots. In 2023, he was inducted into the D.C. Pro Chapter Hall of Fame of the Society of Professional Journalists.
- Cheryl Cohenour started an environmental consulting company in 1988, and went on to form Cherokee CRC, LLC, as a joint venture with Cherokee Nation Businesses. Cheryl has served on the environmental protection commission for the Cherokee Nation and helped implement recycling for the city of Tulsa and currently leads the development of Dream Keepers Park.
Community Leadership Organization Award
The 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.
- The Kansas City Cherokee Organization was founded in 2010, and currently has 186 members. Its mission is to strengthen membership awareness through education on the language, history, culture, heritage and traditions of the Cherokee people. Frequently recognized by Cherokee Nation Community & Cultural Outreach, the community’s 2024 meeting with Cherokee Nation saw more than 1,000 attendees.
- The Cherokee Cultural Community’s mission is to educate and preserve our culture for all future generations. Its community buildings saw a major remodeling project from June 2022 through April 2023. Its board was formed in February 2022 and the community now has 135 members. The organization hosts a toy drive to distribute gifts to all elementary school students of district 12, along with a turkey basket to assist families during the holiday.
Samuel Worcester Award
The Samuel Worcester Award is given to non-Cherokees who have made substantial contributions to the preservation of Cherokee heritage, culture, community and sovereignty.
- The Cherokee Nation and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) officially opened its Vinita VA Outpatient Clinic inside the tribe’s Vinita Health Center in May 2024. EOVAHCS serves more than 50,000 veterans across eastern Oklahoma. The historic partnership now provides a VA clinic inside the Cherokee Nation Vinita Health Center for area veterans. The 1,300 square feet of leased space with a VA Primary Care Team serves Native and non-Native veterans in eastern Oklahoma. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group.
“This first of its kind VA health care facility is a testament to our partnership with Cherokee Nation and our commitment to providing exceptional care to Veterans”, said Kimberly Denning, DNP, RN, Executive Director of EOVAHCS.
Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal
- Selected as the 2024 Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal was Clifton Pettit. Through leading the House of Praise Church and Marble City (Okla.) Food Pantry & Youth Services, Pettit has demonstrated great diligence in his community. Marble City Food Pantry & Youth Services has earned the Language Perpetuation and Above & Beyond awards from Community & Cultural Outreach. In 2020, Pettit became a governing board member for the Cherokee Immersion School.