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. 28, at the Chota Center.
“These honors are just a small token of appreciation from the Cherokee Nation for these individuals who work so tirelessly and unselfishly across various fields,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “It’s always an honor to celebrate and highlight the work and efforts that they all do.”
More information about the honorees is available here.
Acting Council Speaker Kevin Easley Jr. said the Cherokee National Holiday is his favorite time of year.
“You can practically smell the buzz in the air and the pride swelling within you,” Easley said. “I feel a sense of pride whenever I see our artisans hard at work and members of the tribe from across the country traveling to the heart of our Nation.”
Medal of Patriotism Award
The Cherokee National Medal of Patriotism Award is given in recognition of those who tirelessly defended and promoted freedom and liberty for Cherokees and all mankind.
- Franklin R. Parker served twice as U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs, and oversaw policies for Sailors, Marines, civilians and their families. An attorney and former BAE Systems senior counsel, Parker also held senior roles at the Maritime Administration. He is a recipient of the Navy’s Meritorious Public Service Award and three Distinguished Public Service Awards. Parker also championed the USNS Cherokee Nation and spoke during the christening ceremony for the Navy’s new T-ATS 7 towing and rescue ship.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be recognized by the tribe,” said Parker, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “It means everything to me to think about all the things our people have been through and trying to honor those sacrifices. Every little bit I can do is worth it.”
The Statesmanship Award
The Cherokee National 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.
- Dr. Robert Martin served as the president of the Institute of American Indian Art from 2007 to 2024. Dr. Robert Martin oversaw major campus expansion, enrollment growth and a successful capital campaign while there. He previously led three tribal colleges and earned multiple honors, including the 2024 National Humanities Media and a “Dr. Robert Martin Day” recognition in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Community Leadership Individual Award
The Cherokee National Community Leadership Individual Award is given in recognition of Cherokee Nation citizens who, without hesitation, have tirelessly given their time and effort 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.
- Dr. Charlotte Wilson Heth, an accomplished ethnomusicologist, has served 20 years as a UCLA professor and was the director of the university’s American Indian Studies Center for 11 years. She has curated Smithsonian exhibits and published extensively on Cherokee music. Her honors include a Lifetime Academic Achievement Award from the American Folklore Society and a Life Membership Award from the Society for Ethnomusicology.
Community Leadership Organization Award
The Cherokee National Community Leadership Organization Award is given in recognition of Cherokee communities that have demonstrated the spirit of working together through servant leadership, applying Cherokee values to make their communities a better place for Cherokee Nation citizens.
- The new Cherokee National Historical Society was established under the Cherokee Heritage Center Act of 2020. The historic legislation created the seven-member advisory board, comprised of Cherokee Nation citizens, to provide critical oversight and guidance for the Cherokee Heritage Center during its new chapter of stewardship. Its members have worked diligently on organizational strategy and master site plans for the new Cherokee Heritage Center.
- Established in 2010, the Central Texas Cherokee Township now has 46 household members with general meetings held in Austin, Texas. Its goal is to teach local Cherokees about Cherokee culture, history and language. The township has recently established partnerships with local indigenous groups and seven community gardens. To teach families how to grow fresh vegetables, it has developed a local seed bank as well as a home garden.
- Founded in June 2022 in the town of Kansas, Oklahoma, the Kansas Cherokee Community Organization promotes Cherokee culture through cultural events, education programs and wellness initiatives. KCCO has been recognized with numerous awards from Cherokee Nation Community & Cultural Outreach. Moving into 2025, it remains steadfast in its mission: to work alongside our partners, honor our heritage and continue strengthening our community.
Samuel Worchester Award
The Samuel Worcester Award is given to a non-Cherokee who has made substantial contributions to the preservation of Cherokee heritage, culture, community and sovereignty.
- Dr. Daniel F. Littlefield Jr. has been a co-founder and director of the Sequoyah National Research Center since 2006. Dr. Daniel F. Littlefield Jr. has authored numerous works on Indian Territory and taught for more than 40 years. His honors include induction into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Historical Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Phi Beta Kappa, Arkansan of the Day and the Key to the City of Eufaula.
Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal
- Selected as the 2025 Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal was Tommy Wildcat. Honored with the distinction of Cherokee National Treasure in 2013, he has performed traditional flute music worldwide, including the U.S. Capitol, Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramids. He was recognized for distinguished service in the inaugural Congressional Forum for Native American and Alaska Native Tribal Leaders and Tribal College Presidents. A master maker of river cane flutes and blowguns, he is a NAMA Flutist of the Year and longtime Cherokee Nation cultural educator.
Gadugi – Unity Through Generations
In honor of keeping with the theme of the 73rd Cherokee National Holiday, Gadugi – Unity through Generations, a special award was given to the Trust Litigation Team, for their spirit of working together for the betterment of the Cherokee Nation.
The Trust Litigation Team served the tribe during its 2016 lawsuit, in which the United States mismanaged the tribe’s trust resources dating back to the 19th century when federal policy suppressed Cherokee Nation’s ability to self-govern. The teamwork from the trust litigation case team brought an $80 million settlement – the largest in the tribe’s history – which will be invested into the judicial system so that the tribe can protect its people, fight for victims and promote public safety on the Cherokee Nation Reservation.