2001 TNNAC Memphis Caucus nominees (also available at http://www.tnnac.org/westtnnominees.txt) --- 1. John "Ravenhawk" Cornelius Ellendale, Tennessee email: Jonh7777@msn.com Over Hill Nation of Cherokee Descendents We do not want state or federal recognition Chief, Long Hair Clan of West TN, Over Hill Nation of Cherokee Descendents Empl: Outside Sales Representative, Porter Paints High School Education, 10 yrs practicing Lakota spiritual ceremonies, some college. 10 yrs with Memphis Sundancers and the Sacred Hoop Group. Practicing Lakota spiritual ceremonies with the Santee Tribe and the medicine man Earl Swift Hawk of the Rosebud Reservation. Currently the Chief of the Long Hair Clan of West TN, a clan of the Over Hill Nation of Cherokee Descendents. The Principal Chief currently is Man Many Trees. As Indian Commissioner I can offer and promote recognition of and the rights of Indians and Indian descendents to pursue cultural, religious and spiritual traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful. I will communicate with Tennessee's Indian communities to bring fairness and make sure their voice is heard. My main goal will be to bring local, state, and federal governments to understand the needs and interests of the Native Americans in TN. Also, to help provide for and protect Indians as needed, to prevent undue hardships and unfair treatment of Indians due to their beliefs and culture. I have no set personal interests, I just want the Native Americans to be treated with respect and dignity. As Indian Commissioner I will be open-minded and fair to our people and let the Creator guide my actions. (nomination, Dawn Spirit Feather French, seconded by Brad Spirit Wolf French) --- 2. Jack G. Phillips Bartlett, TN email: jgphllps@memphis.edu Cherokee/Creek Southern Cherokee, North Carolina, enrolled membership Retired state construction administrator Memphis State University courses State Tech / fed. gov. construction Organizer(?) of Tenn. Asso. for over 50 years, graves protection for (priorities?, sorry having trouble reading handwriting on this...Judy) Nashville NAIA Advisor to North Carolina Southern Cherokee and enrollment... --- 3. Cubert Bell, Jr. Memphis, TN Choctaw Mississippi Band of Choctaws Empl: Federal Express Corp Chucalissa Museum Graduated from Raleigh-Egypt H.S. 1993 I am the head man dancer for the West Tennessee Indian Social Dancers. I have been working with the youth in West TN by teaching and keeping our traditions alive. --- 4. Ruth Knight Allen Memphis, TN email: Longwlker@aol.com Mother - Choctaw, Father - Cherokee, Tenn. Roll number 011 Founding member Far Away Cherokee Assoc/NAIA - Memphis, founding member AIA - Millington, Kateri Tekakwitha Circle of the River, Memphis Pow Wow Assoc. (dormant), Native American representative with Diocese of Memphis. Empl: Girl Scout Council of the Mid-South, Memphis, TN High School, vocational emergency medical tech., national registry - ambulance and instructor EMTNR-A *Commissioner (Indian Position) on previous TCIA 1983-90, and secretary during that time. Responsible for drafting and finalizing the "Recognition Criteria of Native Americans in Tenn." over a six year period while on the TCIA. *Six years on the National Governors' Indian Council and secretary for the last two of those years. *Serve on the Delta Initiatives Steering Committee and responsible for "the Native American Heritage Route" chosen for the Delta initiatives. I believe I will add experience and knowledge to the new structure of the Commission. I listen and make myself available to those who need, but I also have strength when strength is needed. Those who have known of my involvements trust my judgement to stand up for the rights of the Native American people at home and elsewhere. It is also known that I have contacts and check out people and situations where there are questions on authenticity and or traditions. I am detail-oriented and know the need for accurate and timely records. I believe that communication among all of us is essential to the success of this venture. --- other delegates: 5. John Stabley 6. John Smith 7. Jessie Vowell 8. Alice Henry 9. Mike Maxey 10. April Cornelius 11. Brad French 12. David Booker 13. Dawn French 14. Kay Akins 15. Helen Wagner |