Criminal History/Felony: N/A
Heritage
Cherokee. Enrolled on (TCIA) Commission’s Roll. Nominee chose to participate in TNNAC’s Indian preference process. Indian preference granted by TNNAC (2009).
Educational Background
Brainerd Senior High School, Chattanooga TN
Edmondson Junior College, Chattanooga TN, A.S. Paralegal
Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens TN, B.A.S. Accounting
T.R.E.E.S. (TN Real Estate Educational Systems, Inc.)/Appraisal School (Trainee)
Work History
1989 to Present: Right of Way Agent, State of Tennessee,
Department of Transportation, Chattanooga TN
Military Service: N/A
Family
My Cherokee heritage goes way back on both of my parents sides. My mother’s grandmother (by her father) was a Graves. There is only one Graves still listed on the rolls with the EBCI, Cherokee, NC.
My dads side of the family has a great deal of Cherokee history involvement. Nathan Hicks was a Scottish trader who lived among the Cherokee and married a tribal member. Their son, my G-G-G-G Grandfather, was William Hicks who became Chief of the Cherokee’s in the late 1700’s. My cousin, Michell Hicks, Chief of the EBCI, and I are related to the very same Hicks family that lived in the Polk County areas. I am also related by blood to the Cherokee Price family in the Ocoee area. My other side to my dads family is the full blood Cherokee Stansel who was my other G-G-Grandfather that came from South Carolina who married a Hall from Cleveland. My cousin, Jeff Stansel, Park Ranger for the Vann House is of this same family. Researching family is very enjoyable.
Community Involvement
Before joining Chattanooga InterTribal Association (CITA) in 1994, I worked as a liaison for different agencies to properly handle and connect our people needing aid. I attended meetings all over and helped where I could. Once I joined CITA, I became involved and served on two committees. The first was the fund raising committee and the other was an auditing committee. Before leaving CITA, I began to form and organize by the request of the National Trail of Tears (TOT) Association what was to become the Tennessee Chapter Trail of Tears Association that became a legal organization in mid 1990’s. I served as its first President serving two consecutive terms. The Chapter today still does great work in preserving and researching our people’s history. I am still a member of the Tennessee Chapter, as well as, the Georgia Chapter.
During the design stages, I personally worked very close with Congressman Zach Wamp and other officials locally in order to save Moccasin Bend and place it under the Federal jurisdiction that it has today. I will still continue to work on this local issue.
Year after year, I have stayed in contact with Native Americans across Tennessee. I attend events and other functions. I have been active in attending the Tennessee Indian Commission since the late 1980’s. Later, I was appointed serve on the Ad Hoc Committee for Rep. McAfee to re-establish the Tennessee Indian Commission by re-writing and revising the statutes.
Finding a definite need in Tennessee for our people that need different types of aid and none being found, it was this that caused myself and three others to form a public charity in early 1997 known as Native American Services of Tennessee. It is an all Indian board that serves the people of Tennessee and provides aid in the areas of healthcare, education and other cultural needs. The public charity has become very successful by having a fund raising Pow Wow event every year. We are looking at a 3rd successful year for this event. In between the event, we have helped out numerous people in all three of the charities purpose areas.
For many years I have worked very close with the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) on preserving our peoples past and present. We would not have a lot of our history preserved if it weren’t for this great group of people. I am very proud to work beside them on projects. I continue to work with them today.
In 2009, I was placed on the Friends of Red Clay Board. I have very close family ties to this Park. So far we have been involved in several events in the promotion of this park and look forward to more events.
I am a (2009) TNNAC Convention delegate.
In conclusion, I must say having been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 20 years and having served in many capacities with other Non-Profit organizations, I am very versed in parliamentary procedures and I strongly believe in adhering to the Rules and Regulations laid out by the entity I serve. These things will I do for our people in Tennessee. I will represent you, the people.
Statement of Suitability as Commissioner
I was raised around my Cherokee family members my entire life. I know the culture. My family participated in many events over my lifetime. In my later years, it became more relevant for me to continue the involvement in Indian affairs and ceremonies. Having been very active in the Native American community here in Tennessee, as well as, other areas across the United States, I personally understand the need for good leadership and balanced understanding. I am fully capable of being a Commissioner to represent Native Americans throughout the Chattanooga metropolitan area and other areas as well because I am able to work with all people. As I have done my entire life, I will always deal directly and be very straight forward on all Native American issues and matters placed before me as a Commissioner. I will deal fairly with all people/groups and will be consistent in the handling of all situations. All will know where I stand on any subject. |