Chief Greg Pyle Honored as 2010 Ambassador of the Year
Gregory E. Pyle, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is the 2010 Red Earth Ambassador of the Year. The award is presented annually to individuals, not necessarily of Native American descent, who have made significant contributions in presenting a positive image of Native Americans.
Pyle became Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in 1997 after serving more than 12 years as the Assistant Chief of the tribe. Under the leadership of Chief Pyle, the Choctaw Nation has put families first, with priorities on education, health and jobs.
During his administration, Pyle has initiated a Choctaw language program and promotion of interest in the history and culture of the Choctaw people that has stimulated a more positive image of Native Americans to the public. Pyle has negotiated millions of dollars in new contracts for the tribe, expanded existing programs and has initiated many innovative services for tribal members.
With his guidance, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma was named recipient of the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Chief Pyle is a 2007 inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, acknowledged as a Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor for Oklahoma State University, and recognized as the Small Business Administration Region VI Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
The Red Earth Ambassador award is represented by a bronze sculpture created by award-winning Native American artist Troy Anderson. Previous Ambassadors have included Ted Turner, founder of CNN (1996); Wes Studi, actor (1998); N. Scott Momaday, author (1999); John Herrington, NASA astronaut (2003); and Betty Price, Oklahoma Arts Council (2004). __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gordon Yellowman Named 2010 Honored One
Gordon Yellowman Sr., of El Reno, OK, wears many hats. He is a father, husband, tribal chief, administrator, artist, educator, historian and community leader. Yellowman will be recognized as the 2010 Red Earth Festival Honored One during the 24th annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival scheduled June 18-20 at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City.
Since its inception in 1987, Red Earth, Inc, the non-profit organization with a mission to promote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, museum and fine art markets, has selected a Native American master visual artist whose support of Indian art has been substantial throughout his or her life for this annual recognition.
Gordon Yellowman, Sr., a member of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, joins an impressive list of 29 Native American artists recognized with the prestigious award including Jereldine Redcorn, Allan Houser, Archie Blackowl, Mildred Cleghorn, Doc Tate Nevequaya, Mavis Doering, Enoch Kelly Haney, Mike Larsen, Harvey Pratt and Benjamin Harjo, Jr.
"Gordon is an outstanding artist, citizen, and an Oklahoma role model for all people," said Dr. Mary Jo Watson, director of the School of Art and Art History at the University of Oklahoma. "One of the most important aspects of his life is his service to his tribe, and the greater Oklahoma Indian community.
Yellowman has a vast knowledge of tribal history. His late father, Everett H. Yellowman, was a principal chief of the traditional peacemakers of the Cheyenne known as the Council of Forty-Four. Yellowman was honored at the age of 16 by his selection to be a Cheyenne Peace Chief. He now serves as one of the Four Principal Chiefs of his Tribe.
Yellowman is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Art at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and has lectured at the University of Oklahoma in art history classes. He shares his knowledge with students inside and outside of the classrooms.
Yellowman has received awards in the Red Earth juried art competition in 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2008. He is a recipient of the Native American Cultural Heritage Award presented by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and has been a guest curator of art exhibits at the Denver Art Museum and the Field Museum in Chicago. His community service includes being a member of the Smithsonian Repatriation Review Committee at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and as is a consultant for the Pamplin Museum in Portland Oregon. His is also a member of the Native American Advisory Committee at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History at the University of Oklahoma.
