TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation celebrated several tribal citizens and organizations for their statesmanship, patriotism, community leadership and dedication to the tribe during the Cherokee National Day Awards Ceremony held Aug. 29 at the Chota Center.

“This occasion is a celebration of outstanding leadership within the Cherokee Nation. These awards are essential to recognize the outstanding contributions made in various fields and within our communities,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We must remember that none of us achieves success alone. The greatness of our Nation is the result of both the tireless efforts of these individuals and the collective effort of all Cherokee citizens. These recipients are a testament to that shared commitment.”

Patriotism Medal

The Medal of Patriotism is awarded in recognition of those who have 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 the freedom and liberty of the Cherokee people and all mankind.

• Archer L. Durham served in the United States Air Force for 36 years. Major General Durham was the commanding general of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He also served in Japan, the Philippines, France, Korea and the Pentagon. After retiring from the Army, he oversaw the management of more than 14,000 personnel in the Department of Energy.

The price of statesmanship

The Statesmanship Award is given in recognition of those who, as public servants, embody the ideal of the servant leader, exemplifying Cherokee values ​​and acting with respect, dignity and grace while working for the betterment of the Cherokee Nation and its citizens.

• Jon M. McGrath, a fifth-generation railroader, was elected to the Ukrainian Railways Global Task Force by his colleagues around the world to help Ukrainian railways operate under wartime conditions. In addition to his efforts on the task force, Jon has hosted a breakfast in Tulsa every Saturday morning since 1990, where elected officials and community leaders can come together and work for the common good.
• Phil G. Busey, Sr. is a strong advocate for tribal economic development and also serves as Chairman of the Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, a global aerospace company he founded with his wife, Cathy. Phil serves on the Board of Trustees of Oklahoma City University and is a Lecturer in the University of Oklahoma’s Aerospace Program.

Individual Community Leadership Award

The Individual Community Leadership Award recognizes Cherokee Nation citizens who have tirelessly and unhesitatingly given of their time to make their communities more vibrant and livable. Their example of servant leadership embodies Cherokee values ​​and is held in high regard by their peers for strengthening the bonds between Cherokee Nation citizens.

• Sam Ford is a renowned journalist with a career spanning more than 50 years in bureaus in New York, Atlanta and Washington, DC. Sam retired as bureau chief for WJLA-TV in Washington, DC, where he produced documentaries about his African and Cherokee roots. In 2023, he was inducted into the DC Pro Chapter Hall of Fame of the Society of Professional Journalists.
• Cheryl Cohenour started an environmental consulting firm in 1988 and later formed Cherokee CRC, LLC, as a joint venture with Cherokee Nation Businesses. Cheryl has served on the Cherokee Nation Environmental Conservation Commission and helped implement recycling for the City of Tulsa. She currently leads the development of Dream Keepers Park.

Community Leadership Organization Award

The Community Leadership Organization Award is presented in recognition of Cherokee Nation communities that have demonstrated the spirit of working together through servant leadership, as well as the application of Cherokee values ​​to make their communities a better place for Cherokee Nation citizens.

• The Cherokee Organization of Kansas City was founded in 2010 and currently has 186 members. Its mission is to increase awareness among members through education about the language, history, culture, heritage and traditions of the Cherokee people. Frequently recognized by Cherokee Nation Community & Cultural Outreach, the community’s 2024 reunion with the Cherokee Nation saw over 1,000 people in attendance.
• The Cherokee Cultural Community’s mission is to educate and preserve our culture for all future generations. Their community buildings underwent a major renovation project from June 2022 to April 2023. Their board of directors 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 in District 12, as well as a turkey basket to help families during the holidays.

Samuel Worcester Award

The Samuel Worcester Award is presented to non-Cherokees who have made substantial contributions to the preservation of Cherokee heritage, culture, community and sovereignty.

• The Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) officially opened their Vinita VA outpatient clinic within the tribe’s Vinita Health Center in May 2024. EOVAHCS serves more than 50,000 Veterans in eastern Oklahoma. This historic partnership now provides a VA clinic within the Cherokee Nation’s Vinita Health Center for area Veterans. The 1,300 square feet of leased space with a VA primary care team serves both Native and non-Native Veterans in eastern Oklahoma. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are estimated to have more service members per capita than any other ethnic group.

“This first-of-its-kind VA health care facility is a testament to our partnership with the Cherokee Nation and our commitment to providing exceptional care to Veterans,” said Kimberly Denning, DNP, RN, executive director of EOVAHCS.

Cherokee National Day Parade Marshal

Clifton Pettit has been selected as the 2024 Cherokee National Holiday Parade Marshal. While leading the House of Praise Church and the Marble City, Oklahoma Food Pantry and Youth Services, Pettit has demonstrated great diligence in his community. The Marble City Food Pantry and Youth Services has won the Language Perpetuation and Above & Beyond Awards from Community & Cultural Outreach. In 2020, Pettit became a board member of the Cherokee Immersion School.