Myths and Tales of the Southeastern Indians, by John R. Swanton first published in 1929 as a Bureau of Ethnology Bulletin and is a collection of more than 300 tales of the Creek, Hitchiti, Alabama, Koasati and Natchez Indians.
The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters by Patrick D. Lester, is the first comprehensive
biographical listing of Native artists to be published in more than 25 years. It includes over 3,000 names
with tribal affiliations, publications, exhibits, awards, human interest commentary and excerpts from
professional reviews.
Application dates is the Friday of the second full week of each month until funds are exhausted.
Eligible are individuals (1) enrolled in a course of study or program in an accredited institution or an approved graduate training program in a health profession and are scheduled to complete course study in the same year as application, or have a degree in a health profession and a license to practice; or (2) are eligible for selection for civilian service or to hold an appointment as a Commissioned Officer in the Regular or Reserve Corp of the Public Health Service, meet the professional standards for civil service employment in the IHS or be employed in an Indian Health program without service obligation.
Contact: IHS Loan Repayment Program, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 100, Rockville MD
20853 (301) 443-3396.
The Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Joe Byrd is calling on tribal members to provide input in reforming Cherokee Nation election laws. The reforms are in response to many complaints by tribal members during the 1995 summer elections. The Chief promised reform during his bid for office and wants tribal members to participate actively in the process. An election reform commission will be established soon, according to Chief Byrd, to address suggestions from tribal members, tribal administration and the tribal council. Mail suggestions to: Cherokee Nation Public Affairs Department, Attention: Election Reform, PO Box 948, Tahlequah OK 74465
Tribal Council and Gaming
The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council passed a resolution to adopt an act relating to Cherokee Nation Class III Gaming during the council meeting of October 16. Says Chief Joe Byrd,"Although we are not pursuing or advocating Class III Gaming at this time, it is important to have rules and regulations to follow if and when the State of Oklahoma permits gaming such as those found in the Class III Indian Gaming Act."
The resolution will allow Chief Byrd and/or his designee to be authorized to sign documents and take action required to permit Class III Gaming defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on Indian land under the jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation, on behalf of the Nation.
Progress on Chapel
For those following a project near to the heart of Wilma Mankiller, the Sequoyah High School students
in Tahlequah will soon have a place of worship. October 11, Chief Byrd met with tribal entities to
develop efficient plans for construction of the 2800 square foot Chapel. The committee will be
comprised of the Tribal Services Department Building Trades and Construction Technology students, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, and the tribe’s construction projects. Most of the $67,000 cost was raised through private donations which began in December, 1992.