By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (left) and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel pose with State Representative Lisa Johnson Billy, who was honored as Chickasaw Dynamic Woman of the Year.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (left) and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel pose with Stanley Smith (center), who received a Silver Feather Award for his work to preserve Chickasaw heritage and culture.
TISHOMINGO, Okla. – A state legislator, a teacher of Chickasaw language, tribal historians and southeastern artists were honored at the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Culture Awards Oct. 4 at the Murray State Ballroom.
Oklahoma State Representative Lisa Johnson-Billy was honored as the Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby presented the award.
“Our nation is strong, and a big reason our nation is strong is because of dynamic women,” said Gov. Anoatubby.
Rep. Billy said there were many people who have helped her throughout her life, but she singled out her father, Frank Johnson, as an inspiration.
Wiping away tears, she told the story that symbolized the positive influence he had on her life.
After falling off a horse as a child, she began crying even though she was not injured.
“Stop crying,” her father told her. “If you’re going to ride, ride. If not, go into the house and cry.”
“My father has taught me all my life to stand up for what I believe in,” said Rep. Billy. “In the state legislature I stand up for what I believe in, and that is the Chickasaw people.”
In 2004, Rep. Billy became the first Native American and woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in District 42.
Rep. Billy is the chairman of the newly created International, Federal and Tribal Relations Committee.
In 2006, she initiated the first Oklahoma Native American Caucus and currently serves as the co-chair. She is also vice-chair of the majority caucus and a deputy whip.
Stanley Smith received the Silver Feather award for his work to preserve Chickasaw heritage and culture.
Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel presented the award.
“I’ve known Stan Smith a long time, and I can think of no one better to teach our language,” said Lt. Gov. Keel.
Mr. Smith began speaking the Chickasaw language at an early age and is now employed as the Senior Language Master of the Chickasaw Language Revitalization Program.
Matthew DeSpain and Patrick Kennedy, are co-recipients of a Heritage Preservation award for Best Article for “The Ring and Beyond: The Boxing Life of Chickasaw Pugilist Curt Kennedy”.
Patrick is the nephew of the late Curt Kennedy. He said the two had a special relationship.
“I believe that every Chickasaw citizen probably has stories to tell of their families and should take the time to write them down,” said Patrick. “Each story is like a single thread that when woven together makes one large Chickasaw blanket.”
Joshua Hinson received a Heritage Preservation award for Best Master’s Thesis, tólí Chikashsha inaafokha: Chickasaw Stickball Regalia.
Awards were also presented to winners of the Southeastern Art Show and Market.
The top winners in each category were:
· Best in Division - 2-D – Brent Greenwood (Chickasaw) for his painting entitled “Medicine Birds”
· Best in Division - 3-D – Scott Roberts (Muscogee) for his ceremonial bottle pottery piece
· Best in Division - Cultural – Wayne Walker (Chickasaw) for his adorned deer skin bag
· Best in Show – Jerry Haney (Seminole) for his wood sculpture entitled “Stickball Player”
The show was open to all artists of Southeast and Woodlands tribes and included entries from members of each of the Five Civilized Tribes.
Artists, who were juried into the market by a panel of judges, were also able to enter the art show to compete for a number of cash awards.
The award ceremony also marked the first anniversary of the Chickasaw Press with the release of two new titles: Never Give Up!: The Life of Pearl Carter Scott by Paul Lambert and Chickasaw Lives by Richard Green.
Dozens of those in attendance purchased books during a reception and book-signing immediately following the award ceremony.
Aaron Long and Stephanie Scott were honored with Chickasaw Historical Society Service Awards for their work for the society.
The winning artwork, as well as work from all 36 participating artists, is on display Friday and Saturday, October 5 – 6, at the SEASAM tent at the Chickasaw Festival in Tishomingo. The artists’ market will also be open during the two days with pieces from each artist available for purchase.
