| Criminal History/Felony: N/A
Heritage
Enrolled member, Chikamaka Band.
Nominee chose to participate in the TNNAC Indian preference process. Indian preference granted by TNNAC (2009).
Educational Background
1951 Graduated from Grundy County High School
1966 Completed Carpentry Apprenticeship, Napa Junior College, California
Work History
1951-62 Airplane mechanic, U.S. Air Force
1962-67 Carpenter, Napa California
1967-79 Contractor, building homes in Grundy County
1978 Joined Tennessee Air National Guard
1979-93 Technician, Tennessee Air National Guard
Retired at age 60 from Air National Guard with more than 25 years of service.
1994-2005 Farmed, raising animals for eleven years
1999 Carpenter – still do some carpentry work and furniture building
Military Service
1951-62 U.S. Air Force, honorable discharge
1978-93 Technician, Tennessee Air National Guard
Family
I am one of 15 children and my family is of Chikamaka descent. James Everett Meeks is my nephew. My sister, Evelyn is his mother.
Community Involvement
I am in Tribal leadership of the Chikamaka Band.
I was appointed as Registrar and serve in that position.
I have attended all Chikamaka Band meetings since that time– most are monthly.
I participate in cultural activities of Chikamaka Band.
I attend TNNAC meetings. I have served TNNAC as member at large one year, served as alternate and was elected vice-chair for Nashville caucus on Oct. 17, 2009.
TNNAC Convention Delegate 2007 and 2009.
I have attended TCIA meetings in Memphis, Nashville and Chattanooga, I attended all TCIA meetings in Nashville since March 2004, and three meetings in Chattanooga. I also attended one TCIA meeting in Memphis.
I help people in research for their Indian connection.
Statement of Suitability as Commissioner
I have a desire to see Indians of TN regain their identity and rebuild their culture where the native culture has sort of slipped away. We need to teach the younger generations skills and language of their native heritage. |