Chickasaws honored at annual Arts & Culture gala

This article appeared in the November 2016 edition of the Chickasaw Times

SULPHUR, Okla. – A Chickasaw suicide prevention advocate, a historic preservationist and Southeastern artists were among those recognized and honored during the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Culture Award ceremony Sept. 29 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.

Shelby R. Rowe, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was named the 2016 Dynamic Woman of the Year by Governor Bill Anoatubby.

Ms. Rowe is the manager of education and prevention programs for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“Ms. Rowe exemplifies what it means to be a dynamic Chickasaw woman,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

“For more than 20 years, she has been serving in Public Health, and has been a leader in suicide prevention since 2007. Her dedication has undoubtedly saved many lives.”

Ms. Rowe has has dedicated herself to fighting the prejudice and discrimination that affects those touched by suicide.

SEE CHICKASAWS HONORED, Page3

She played a key role in the creation of the first Arkansas State Plan for Suicide Prevention, served on the board of the National Association of Crisis Center Directors and spearheaded the Arkansas Suicide Prevention initiative. As executive director of the Arkansas Crisis Center, she expanded the statewide crisis hotline chat services. She is also the former president of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Arkansas Chapter.

Ms. Rowe earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and philosophy from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Following the tradition of a strong Native woman, she is involved with her adult sons, Austin Greer, Trevor Greer and Micaiah Kaiser. She is the daughter of Robert Rowe and Penny Quinnelly, granddaughter of the late Mona Lee Godfrey Rowe and Wayne Rowe and a descendant of a dynamic Chickasaw woman and 19th century women’s rights movement pioneer, Elizabeth “Betsy” Love Allen.

Ms. Rowe credited her Chickasaw family support for being named Dynamic Woman.

“I’ve always been proud of my Chickasaw heritage and the amazing women in our tribe,” she said. “My life mission has always been to be ready to notice an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I get to do that every day of my career and I am very proud to get to do that as a Chickasaw woman and I am very proud to be honored. This is the biggest honor of my life.”

Established in 2006, the Dynamic Woman of the Year Award honors Chickasaw women who have made significant contributions to the Nation, serve as role models to other Chickasaw women and who have made a difference in the lives of Chickasaws and other citizens, enriching their communities and society at large.

Silver Feather

Chickasaw artist Sue Fish received the prestigious 2016 Silver Feather Award.

Known for her basketry, Ms. Fish demonstrates her art at community and tribal events, sharing her passion for preserving tribal languages and culture. She has created and researched Southeastern basketry for 30 years and works to revive the art of river cane basketry.

“Ms. Fish’s commitment and dedication are fine examples that help preserve Chickasaw culture,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “Her efforts to preserve and revitalize Chickasaw basketry is an invaluable contribution to Chickasaw culture and heritage.”

Ms. Fish joined the team of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, Oklahoma, in 2007 as assistant to the chief financial officer. She also served 17 years with the University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute and 10 years working with the Chickasaw Nation. She is vice president of the Oklahoma Native American Basket Weaver’s Association and a member of the Oklahoma Basket Weaver’s Guild.

The daughter of the late Kelsie (Alexander) Morris and the late Colson Miller, Ms. Fish is a Chickasaw citizen who is also of Choctaw descent. Her grandparents, Watt and Minnie (Nelson) Alexander and Colbert and Lula (Frazier) Miller are all original enrollees.

Ms. Fish lives in Norman, Okla., with her husband, Willie Fish. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Ms. Fish accepted the award, one of the highest honors given by the Chickasaw Nation, saying her dedication to preserving the art of Southeastern basket making stems from a desire to maintain the heritage, culture and traditions of the Chickasaw people.

“It’s been a long labor of love, and being recognized tonight is something very special to me and I will treasure it greatly,” she said.

Created in 1999, the Silver Feather Award honors Chickasaws who have committed their lives to the preservation and revitalization of Chickasaw culture, language and life ways.

Past recipients include Adam Walker, Pauline Walker, Charlie Carter, Juanita Byars, Sim Greenwood, Geneva Holman, Leerene Frazier, Rose Jefferson, Stanley Smith, Marie Beck, Jerry Underwood, Catherine Pickens Willmond, Weldon Fulsom, Emma McLeod, Jerry Imotichey, Virginia Alexander Bolen and Sam Johnson.

Chickasaw Historical Society Service Award

Zane Browning, of Mabank, Texas, was honored with a Chickasaw Historical Society Service award. A charter member and vice-chair of the board of the Chickasaw Historical Society, Mr. Browning served several years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In 1979, he was named superintendent of the BIA’s Ardmore office where he served for more than 14 years during an important and formative period for the Chickasaw Nation’s modern government.

In this role, he assisted in establishing Chickasaw Nation compacts creating tribal authority for programs previously overseen by the BIA. He also facilitated the return of the official seal of the Chickasaw Nation, which was discovered in the BIA’s vault.

During his service to the Chickasaw Nation, he helped establish the Ardmore Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic, and expand tribal services to Purcell.

Mr. Browning received the Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1991 in recognition of his dedicated service and outstanding contributions on behalf of Indian people. He was inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame in 2007.

He is a graduate of Haskell Institute and attended Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.

Mr. Browning received a Chickasaw Historical Society medallion and a copy of the gubernatorial resolution signed by Gov. Anoatubby June 22, 1994, inducting Mr. Browning to the historical society.

SEASAM winners

Awards were also presented to winners of the Southeastern Art Show and Market.
The top winners in each category were:
Best in Show – Troy Jackson, Cherokee
Best in Division, Cultural – Kristie Vann, Cherokee
Best in Division, 3D art – Troy Jackson, Cherokee
Best in Division, 2D art – Norma Howard, Chickasaw/Choctaw
The show is open to all artists of Southeast and Woodlands tribes. The winning artworks, as well as works from more than 85 participating artists, were showcased Sept. 30 -Oct.1 at Chickasaw Nation Capitol grounds during the 2016 Annual Meeting and Festival.

Chickasaw Press, White Dog Press publications

New Chickasaw Press and White Dog Press publications were also released during the awards ceremony.

Chickasaw Press unveiled two new titles, including “Toli: Chickasaw Stickball Then and Now,” by Stanley Nelson and “Chickasaw Women Artisans,” by Alison Fields.

“Toli: Chickasaw Stickball Then and Now,” explores the game of to’li’ through the eyes of the Chickasaw people.

In this collection of profiles “Chickasaw Women Artisans,” delves into the artistry, inspiration and journeys of 20 Chickasaw artists.

“Chickasaw Basic Language Workbook I,” was also introduced. Authored by Michelle Cooke and the Chickasaw Language Committee, the workbook includes five chapters complete with vocabulary, practice exercises and tests.

White Dog Press’ illustrated children’s book “Mission to Space,” by Chickasaw astronaut John Herrington was released during the Arts and Cultural Awards. In the book, Cmdr. Herrington shares his passion for space travel and provides a glimpse into his astronaut training and his mission to the International Space Station. The book includes an English to Chickasaw vocabulary list with space-related terms.

The app “Chikasha Stories, Volume One: Shared Spirit” was also introduced. This app features five traditional Chickasaw stories and is available for both iOS and Android devices.

For more information on the books and other Chickasaw Press publications, please visit