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1104 | Toward the Future, Grounded in Culture: Cherokee Teacher Ahyoka Youngdeer

In her words, Ahyoka Youngdeer is a “ᎩᏚᏩ person,” living by “the old ways” to the best of her abilities. She grew up surrounded by Cherokee elders who instilled important values within her that she carries to this day. Now, Ahyoka follows their example, sharing her knowledge and teaching the Cherokee language. As a Two-Spirit woman, Ahyoka also provides a voice in her community where representation is needed. Although she navigates the world with a complex identity, it is Ahyoka’s Cherokee foundation that grounds her in all her pursuits, including her quest for the International Miss Two-Spirit crown.

1104 | Bringing the Future Into Focus: Filmmaker Tim Nagasawa

Tim Nagasawa, a native of Los Angeles, California, has built a career in the film and television industry working on some of Hollywood’s biggest productions. Now he’s on a journey to visit Oklahoma for the first time to learn more about his family roots, his Cherokee heritage, and to pass along filmmaking experience and knowledge to a new generation of artists.

1103 | Laney Cully: Weaving a Path Forward

Cultural knowledge is meant to be shared. While it’s the responsibility of elders to pass knowledge on, it’s also the responsibility of the youth to seek knowledge out. Laney Cully is a basket weaver taught by her grandmother, Cherokee National Treasure Thelma Forrest ᏥᎨᏒ. Today, Laney continues her family’s legacy of basketry, and as a student of Museum Studies, she works to ensure our history and culture are shared with future generations.

1103 | Anna Sixkiller: Carrying Cherokee Values

Cherokee National Treasure and first-language Cherokee speaker Anna Sixkiller reflects on the pivotal moments in her life that strengthened her dedication to preserving Cherokee culture. As a Cherokee language translator, Anna creates space for the language to thrive. She also holds classes to share her traditional knowledge with her community. Whether she’s working on a television script or weaving a basket, Anna’s Cherokee identity shines through in all she pursues.

Story Suggestions for OsiyoTV

Submit your idea for a person you think should be featured on our show: Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People.

1103 | Back to Bell: Boxing Champion Thomas Muskrat

Thomas Muskrat, originally from Bell, Oklahoma, dreamed of being a boxing world champion. At the height of his career, his path took a sharp turn that led him home to coach young boxers. Thomas reflects on his life choices and shares how every decision led him to a life well lived.

1102 | Stories From Beyond the Sky Vault: Cherokee Artist Rebecca Lee Kunz

Nature has a voice. You can hear it if you listen, and it can inspire you. Rebecca Lee Kunz is a multi-media artist who translates nature’s messages into imagery that tells a story. Whether she is creating a painting, block print, or illustration, Rebecca imbues every piece with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

401 | Behind the Scenes: Karen Berry, Traditional Cherokee Finger Weaver

Karen Berry is a Cherokee gourd carver and textile artist who specializes in finger weaving. Along with her mother, bead artist Martha Berry, Karen seeks to keep Cherokee traditions alive through the arts.

806 | Designs That Speak Cherokee: The Art of Jeff Edwards

Artist Jeff Edwards has the Cherokee language on his brain, both figuratively and in his artwork. Jeff honed his graphic arts skills designing materials for Cherokee Nation language programs, and now he uses those skills to create unique, award-winning art that always incorporates the Cherokee syllabary.

1102 | Brick by Brick: Johann Webber

Building a better future happens one brick at a time, and if anyone knows about bricks, it’s Johann Webber. A talented young Cherokee, Johann is the mastermind behind “Bricks for All,” a nonprofit organization educating Cherokee youth with the help of hands-on creativity. Johann’s unique approach explains science and engineering concepts using an unexpected tool, LEGOs!