A state legislator, a teacher of Chickasaw language, tribal historians and southeastern artists will be honored at the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Culture Awards ceremony 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Murray State Ballroom in Tishomingo, Okla.
Oklahoma State Representative Lisa Johnson-Billy will be honored as Dynamic Woman of the Chickasaw Nation.
In 2004, Rep.Billy became the first Native American and woman 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 will receive the Silver Feather award for servce in preservinc Chickasaw heritage and culture.
Mr. Smith began speaking the Chickasaw language at an early age and is now employed as the Senior Language Master of the Chickasaw Langauge 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".
Joshua Hinson will receive a Heritage Preservation award for Best Master’s Thesis, tólí Chikashsha inaafokha: Chickasaw Stickball Regalia.
Awards will also be presented to winners of the Southeastern Art Show and Market.
The award ceremony will also mark 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.
A reception and book-signing will take place immediately following the award ceremony.
