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, Sept. 3, at the Chota Center.
“The Cherokee Nation is committed to showing gratitude for these individuals who work tirelessly across various fields,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “Tonight, we honor their efforts, making a commitment to supporting and preserving their work for years to come.”
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner also provided remarks and the innovation for the evening.
“These awards are a small token of appreciation for the people who have tirelessly worked to strengthen our Nation,” Deputy Chief Warner said. “We are honored to recognize their contributions and celebrate the lasting impacts of their efforts.”
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.
- Jennifer McAffrey is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was inspired by her father’s service to his country. McAffrey has commanded the Cherokee Nation Veterans Color Guard since 2022 and was Head Lady in the 2025 Broken Arrow Intertribal Veterans Association Powwow. She is also an award-winning textile artist whose art brought greater awareness to the cause of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
- A 20-year veteran of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Daniel E. Mead serves as Marshal of the Cherokee Nation, leading law enforcement and public safety operations across the Cherokee Nation Reservation. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Mead oversees more than 70 deputy marshals. He mentors Native youth and is involved in the Remember the Removal Bike Ride and Warrior Flight.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Chief Hoskin and the tribe,” Marshal Daniel Mead said. “Serving my country was one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’m equally proud to continue that commitment to service here at home, protecting and serving the Cherokee people.”
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.
- Throughout a distinguished career, Troy Wayne Poteete (1955-2026) dedicated his life to the Cherokee Nation through public service, historic preservation, and the advancement of tribal sovereignty. Poteete served on the Council of the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and the Arkansas Riverbed Authority. His legacy of leadership and wisdom lives on in the generations he inspired and the family he loved.
- Prior to being appointed attorney general of the Cherokee Nation in 2023, Chad Harsha served as secretary of natural resources for the Cherokee Nation, assistant attorney general and general counsel. Harsha has successfully led compact negotiations with the state of Oklahoma, asserted the treaty rights of the Cherokee Nation to federal agencies and finalized the largest settlement in Cherokee Nation history.
- Proudly assisting every Cherokee Nation administration since 1993, David A. Mullon Jr.’s distinguished legal career in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C., has shaped major policy affecting Indian Country. Mullon served as the director of the Cherokee Nation’s legal division for Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller, later becoming attorney general for the Muscogee Nation as well as chief counsel for the National Congress of American Indians.
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.
- A founder of East Coast Cherokees, Bill Anthony (1948-2025) led a life of dedication to service, family and the Cherokee Nation. He joined the United States Navy and spent 20 years as a hospital corpsman, retiring as a decorated veteran. He continued serving in the American Legion, the Waterford Township Fire Department, the Camden County Fire Police and as president of East Coast Cherokees.
- As an educator and tax expert, Patsy Edgar’s commitment to the preservation of Cherokee history and culture spans decades. Edgar served many years with the Cherokee National Historical Society, the At-Large Advisory Committee and numerous other boards. Her outreach to Native communities, which promoted the Earned Income Tax Credit and other programs, returned more than $73 million in a single tax season.
- A nationally recognized leader in community and economic development, Ghian Foreman helped reshape neighborhoods and expanded opportunity in historically underserved communities. As president and chief executive officer of the Chicago-based Emerald South Development Collaborative, in partnership with the Barack Obama Foundation, Foreman leads revitalization efforts that have raised more than $156 million in corporate, philanthropic and government capital.
- Empowering people and communities are Dr. Jonathan Hook’s goal and greatest privilege. Hook’s work in support of LGBTQ+, immigrant, unhoused and formerly incarcerated communities has spanned four continents. His early advocacy included working against South African apartheid. His efforts at federal agencies constantly advanced Native interests. He and his wife, Rose, founded the Intercultural Partnership Council, which hosts an annual Two Spirit Celebration.
- Helping establish the Georgia Cherokee Community Alliance in 2018, James Stephen Mathis (Steve) has worked to strengthen connections among Cherokee families and preserve Cherokee culture and heritage. Drawing on a background in construction, business administration and ministry, he continues to serve Cherokees throughout the area. His commitment to community is rooted in honoring his family and creating opportunities for future generations to remain connected to their Cherokee identity.
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.
- Founded in 2006, Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization (MCCO) is dedicated to food assistance, cultural preservation, youth programs, education and community outreach in Sequoyah County and surrounding communities. Its members distribute more than 219,953 pounds of food, 1,700 backpacks with school supplies, winter clothes for more than 1,000 students and more than 10,000 toys through Toys for Tots on an annual basis.
- An at-large community organization in Orange County, California, Cherokees of Orange County was founded in 2007. Meeting monthly, the group finds success in the vitality and engagement of its community. It hosts cultural workshops, language and history classes, picnics, bonfires and traditional games. In May 2026, the group was honored to assist Cherokee Nation citizens affected by a local mandatory emergency evacuation.
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.
- Dedicating years to preserving and sharing Cherokee history, Larry Rose Jr. (1961-2025) served as caretaker, preservation advocate, tour guide and president of the John Ross House Association in Rossville, Georgia. A passionate historian and educator, he welcomed generations of visitors while sharing the history of Principal Chief John Ross and the Cherokee people. His work continued a decades-long family commitment to protecting the Chief John Ross House and preserving its stories for future generations.
- Overseeing approximately $2 billion in capital investment for Cherokee Nation, Jonathan Asbill has spent the past five years managing the Nation’s construction projects from start to finish. With more than 20 years of construction experience, he has helped guide projects that support Cherokee Nation and its communities. Asbill holds a degree in engineering and construction management from Oklahoma State University and is an accredited project manager and LEED Accredited Professional.
Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal
The Cherokee National Holiday Parade honor is given in recognition of professional, civic or personal accomplishments.
- Cherokee National Treasure Robert Lewis is known worldwide for his storytelling, being featured by the Smithsonian, PBS, international television and OsiyoTV. Cherokee, Navajo and Apache, Lewis was raised traditionally and tells stories gathered throughout his lifetime in inclusive and welcoming ways. He is also a distinguished visual artist, educator and cultural ambassador who emphasizes Gadugi and kindness in all he does.
Cherokee National Treasure Award
The Cherokee National Treasure Award is given in recognition of Cherokee artisans who have exhibited exceptional skill and knowledge in traditional Cherokee arts and crafts by creating unique Cherokee works through graphic art, contemporary art, music, storytelling and other art forms, as well as perpetuating and preserving the Cherokee language, embodying Cherokee values and bequeathing their knowledge to younger generations.
- Russell Feeling for language, Ray Kirk for metalsmithing and David Pruitt for pottery were all recognized as 2026 Cherokee National Treasures.
Cherokee National Treasure awardees were previously announced by Cherokee Nation on July 30.