Cherokee Elder Matching Program & Communal Center

Living in OK near my Rez (Cherokee Nation) one would think I’d have been immersed in my native culture, but this is not the case. I did grow up learning our culture and traditions through the lens of a Native parent deep in the culture of assimilation, but after divorce, and my native parent no longer being in the picture, my sister and I lost touch with our heritage. This is common in Oklahoma, not just for Cherokee, but many white-passing Natives. 

This program/website would match reconnecting natives with elders willing to help teach traditions to a those wanting to deepen their cultural understanding of their heritage creating a legacy for themselves as well as future generations. Younger generations would simultaneously help support their elders with care, support and connections. There is lots of programming within the 50+ represented tribes in Oklahoma, but this website would help those who are willing to have a reference point for powwows, stomp dance, cultural learning and 1:1 connection with elders creating a symbiotic sense of community within US First Nations tribes, honoring elders and supporting the passage of cultural traditions.

I would begin this with tribes in Oklahoma including, but not limited to Cherokee Nation, Osage, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Muscogee. 

I know how to build out a website, I am well-connected,  have connections all over the state in various tribes and have no issue presenting my idea to decision makers. 

Well, it’s a concept that’s not been started.

Reconnection combats gatekeeping within tribes and creates opportunity for those wanting to learn cultural tradition from their elders while supporting elders.  

I’m a registered citizen with Cherokee Nation, attendee of events, year 1 Cherokee language learner,  consistent attendee of Muscogee events as well and connected to many tribal citizens in the state of Oklahoma. 

This is not something being done in ANY of the tribes within OK to my knowledge. It increases the interconnection within tribes while supporting elders and helping with reconnection of those who didn’t get the opportunity for immersion growing up.

Elders are supported by those they’re mentoring, there’s a website that helps reconnecting natives to be matched as well as giving a list of events of participant tribes where they can continue their reconnection journeys. 

number of participating elders/reconnecting natives, tracking of meetings between elders/reconnectors, timely surveys asking participants how they feel things are going with metrics 

A website with a database of cultural activities as well as participating elders and reconnecting natives.

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma 

A community center with a commissary kitchen and general store in various places through the state/region which would provide a meeting space for matched members, classes by elders and established tribe members for reconnecting citizens. The commissary kitchen would provide a space for reconnecting citizens to learn traditional foods. The store and kitchen rental would provide revenue to support the non-profit.