Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People: Season 8, Episode 8

SEASON 8, EPISODE 8

In this episode, Kelsey Samuels serves the survivors of domestic abuse and shares how important it is support and honor the women in our Cherokee communities and throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. Plants are medicine in Cherokee culture and a small group of traditional Cherokee elders called the Medicine Keepers are doing what they can to protect sacred plants and preserve that knowledge for future generations. John Guthrie is an artist and advocate of equine therapy with a twist – tiny horses! We follow along as John provides inspiration for his community through canvas and with his animal friends. In our Cherokee Almanac, we explore the life of Cherokee Freedman and civic pioneer, Joseph “Stick” Ross whose leadership and commitment to community left an indelible legacy throughout Cherokee Nation.

IN THIS EPISODE

Breaking the Cycle: Kelsey Samuels

Kelsey Samuels is the Executive Director of the Community Crisis Center who serves survivors of domestic abuse in Northeastern Oklahoma. Kelsey shares how it is important to support our community members, honor our women, and create safe spaces to break generational cycles.

Cherokee Medicine Keepers, Protecting Plant Knowledge

Plants are medicine in Cherokee culture and a small group of traditional Cherokee elders are doing what they can to protect sacred plants and preserve that knowledge for future generations. We were honored to spend time with our medicine keepers and document part of their journey to save an important part of Cherokee lifeways.

Horses and Art: Cherokee Artist John Guthrie

John Guthrie claims to know two things: horses and art, and it’s plain to see he’s an expert in both areas. His art communicates Cherokee history and stories, and his work with horses is a benefit to his entire community. John’s nonprofit work is equine therapy with a twist: tiny horses! Mini-horse therapy has helped John in his personal life and countless others who have been lucky enough to spend time with his adorable animal friends.

Cherokee Almanac: Civic Leader Joseph Stick Ross

Joseph “Stick” Ross was a Cherokee Freedman and civic leader in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in the late 1800s. Upon his emancipation, he became a prominent businessman and was one of the first Freedmen to serve on the Cherokee National Council. His leadership and memory are forever etched into the history of our nation.