Dream Keepers Awards honor 11

TULSA, Okla. – The Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission honored 11 during the 17th annual Dream Keepers Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the OU-Schusterman Center at 4502 E. 41st St.

The public event included a traditional Native dinner and silent auction.

The GTAIAC hosts the banquet each year to honor Native American leaders in local communities who “exemplify strong character and have made a difference through solid dedication to public service.”

With November being National Native American Heritage Month, the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission “will honor these Dream Keeper awardees and celebrate our diversity,” a release states.

Awards went to:

• Mekko George Thompson (Muscogee Creek): Kenneth Anquoe Lifetime Achievement Award

• Buddy McCarty (Cherokee Nation): Lewis B. Ketchum Excellence in Business Award

• Mary Baker Shaw (Cherokee Nation): Charles Chibitty Family Community Contributor Award

• Beverly Harjo (Pawnee/Choctaw): Will Anquoe Humanitarian Award

• Suzanne Sanders (Muscogee Creek/Seminole): Rennard Strickland Education Leadership Award

• Lester Revis (Yuchi/Cherokee): Perry Aunko Indigenous Language Preservation Award

• Mel Cornshucker (United Keetoowah Band): Moscelyne Larkin Cultural Achievement Award

• Susan Arkeketa (Muscogee Creek/Otoe Missouria): Dr. Ralph Dru Career & Professional Award

• Dee Ketchum (Delaware): Jim Thorpe Sports Excellence Award

• Mary Watashe (Euchee/Muscogee Creek): Red Eagle Sacred Circle of Spirituality Award

• Gary Chink Whitecloud (Otoe-Loway/Muscogee Creek): Roberta Gardipe American Indian Veterans Award.