Chief Chad Smith and wife Bobbie Smith, who holds the shawl given to her in honor of being named Woman of the Year by the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. PHOTO COURTESY CHEROKEE NATION COMMUNICATIONSTAHLEQUAH, Okla. – For her dedication to preserving the Cherokee language, Cherokee Nation’s First Lady Bobbie Smith was honored as Woman of the Year 2010-11 by the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women.

The award took place during the Miss Indian Oklahoma Pageant held recently in Norman, Okla.
“It was an honor and a surprise to receive this award,” said Smith. “I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the support of my husband and children who are understanding of my busy schedule, as well as the support of the Cherokee Nation for allowing me to do what I love to do and volunteer as a Cherokee language translator.”
Formed in 1969, the OFIW is a non-profit organization whose goals are to create a bond of friendship among its members, to promote the preservation of the cultural heritage and identity of each Indian tribe, and to develop positive ways to depict modern American Indian women.
“Bobbie is most deserving of this award,” said Angela Kihega, president of OFIW. “Her devotion to the education and teachings of the Cherokee language is invaluable and helps empower Indian women throughout the state of Oklahoma.”