A protector of Native American sovereignty, an accomplished writer and a great warrior chief will be inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 18, at Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will participate in the induction ceremonies.
"It is our privilege to honor these individuals for the significant contributions they have made to the Chickasaw Nation and to the larger community," said Gov. Anoatubby.
"Their commitment to protecting, educating and serving others epitomizes the spirit of the Chickasaw people."
Early Chickasaw leaders were brave warriors and negotiators and Jess Green has carried on this tradition, fighting for Chickasaws and Native Americans through legal battles and negotiations.
An attorney since 1977, Mr. Green has used his expertise to pave the way for several landmark decisions vital to Native American sovereignty including; establishing the first tribal juvenile court in the state and working on federal cases that paved the way for Native American gaming in Oklahoma.
He also works through his private-practice law firm in Ada, Okla., to better the lives of Chickasaw children and families.
His legal experience includes eight years as a state court judge, tribal court prosecutor, tribal court trial judge and Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice.
Mr. Green is a past member of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, where he served as chairman.
He has served in many professional positions including vice chair for the American Bar Association Judiciary Committee, chairman of the Oklahoma Bar Association Indian Law Section, chairman of the Chickasaw Bar Association and two terms as chairman for the Oklahoma Bar Association- Solo Small Firm and General Practice.
Mr. Green has received numerous awards and citations for his service including; a 2010 Service Award from Global Gaming Expo, Chairman Leadership Award from National Indian Gaming Association, the Warrior Award and the Outstanding Service Award from Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.
Born Sept. 21, 1952 in Ada to J.L. and Mary Jo Green, Mr. Green has a sister, Melissa Wilkerson and two children Destiny and Judd Green. A 1970 graduate of McLish High School, he graduated with honors from East Central University in Ada with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 1977.
Robert Johnson Perry has spent many years volunteering his time, skills and services to the Chickasaw Nation.
The son of the late Johnson and Sophia Frye Reeder Perry, Mr. Perry was elected to the Chickasaw Advisory Council during the 1965 Annual Meeting.
A chemical engineer, Mr. Perry was soon transferred to the Houston area, but continued to travel to Oklahoma to attend monthly Council meetings until 1978. He also served as secretary and chairman of the advisory council. Mr. Perry has also represented the Chickasaws on the Five Civilized Tribes Inter-Tribal Council.
Governor Anoatubby appointed him to the Chickasaw Industrial Development Board in 1993, where he served as chairman for five years.
He served on the Chickasaw Historical Society board for eight years and is currently an Emeritus CHS member. Mr. Perry has served on the Chickasaw Council of Elders since 2004.
An accomplished author, Mr. Perry has published three books, one winning two National Finalist Awards in biography and art. His book "The Turkey Feather Cape" and the feather cape he created are on display at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur, Okla.
He has won awards at the Chickasaw Southeastern Art Show and Market art contest and he currently serves on the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers National Board of Directors.
After his retirement, Mr. Perry and his wife moved to Ada to learn more about Chickasaw and Indian history and culture of all Oklahoma tribes.
Chief Tishu Miko, commonly known as Tishomingo, was the last great warrior chief of the Chickasaw Tribe. Born about 1735 in Mississippi, he was war chief to Ishtehotopa, the last King of the Chickasaws. Tishu Miko was also a wise counselor. When he advised King Ishtehotopa on any issue, his influence was so great the other counselors agreed. He was respected among his people as a brave and good man. He had seen many wars and fought bravely in battles.
Tishu Miko made several trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. in the interest of his people. He was not only one of the principal signers of the Treaties of 1816 and 1818 but also the Treaty of Pontotoc in 1832.
Article XII of the Treaty of Pontotoc contained a tribute to Tishu Miko. It also determined to give him out of the national funds $100 a year during the balance of his life on account of his long and valuable service.
A full-blooded Chickasaw, the old chief made the removal in 1838 with a party of Chickasaws migrating westward. He died from small pox at the age of 104 near Ft. Coffee about 1841.
The Chickasaws held a meeting in August, 1856 at a place on Pennington Creek called Good Spring, where the tribal seat of government had been re-located one year earlier. A 50 foot square brush arbor with log seats, benches as a platform was erected for this important first meeting of the independent government. This place was named Tishomingo in honor of the Chickasaw Chief, Tishu Miko.
A district in the old Chickasaw Nation, a county in Chickasaw Nation Indian Territory and a county and stream in present-day Mississippi are all named in honor of Tishomingo.
Tishomingo's image was also used as the warrior on the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation.
Hall of Fame Reservations
Hall of Fame inductees will make a red carpet entrance at 6 p.m. and the banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m.
There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required for the event, which is expected to accommodate approximately 525 guests.
Reservations will be accepted beginning July 1. To make reservations contact Krissy Easterling at 580-332-1165 or email krissy.easterling@chickasaw.net.
For more information about the Chickasaw Hall of Fame visit www.chickasaw.net/hof.
About the Chickasaw Hall of Fame and Honor Garden
In 1987 the Chickasaw Nation began honoring Chickasaws who made significant contributions to Chickasaw people or the Native American community by induction into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame. Since then, many Chickasaw men and women have been nominated and inducted into this prestigious circle of honor. Induction to the Chickasaw Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Chickasaw by the Chickasaw Nation.
Plaques of Hall of Fame inductees adorn the Chickasaw Nation Honor Garden.
Located adjacent to the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Okla., the Chickasaw Nation Honor Garden is crafted from natural elements including rock, granite and copper. The architecture is an original design inspired by the four directions and incorporating spiral symbols indicative of traditional Chickasaw culture.
At the center of the garden is a granite fountain adorned with copper feathers and natural stone. Built as an official Oklahoma Centennial Project, the fountain sits in a pool of flowing water which is directed down a path through the garden and then seemingly disappears into the landscape.
