Cherokee Nation Announces 2026 Cherokee National Treasures

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Three Cherokee Nation citizens have been named this year's Cherokee National Treasures for their work in preserving and promoting Cherokee art and culture.

The Cherokee National Treasure status is an honor presented by the tribe to individuals keeping Cherokee art, language, and culture alive through their crafts and work.

Russell Feeling, 82, of Locust Grove; Albert Ray Kirk, 81, of Park Hill, and David Pruitt, 69, of Stilwell, were selected for this honor ahead of the tribe's 74^th Cherokee National Holiday, where they will be recognized during an awards ceremony.

"We as a people are reaching a critical moment on whether we will look back upon our culture and lifeways, or continue to share it for the next generation," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "It is critical to reaffirm our commitment that we've made to preserve and perpetuate the Cherokee culture and artistry for following generations. These three artists deserve celebration and recognition for the mastery of their art. Cherokee National Treasures represent the best of what it means to be Cherokee."

Nominations are accepted in nearly 30 categories, ranging from traditional foods and bow making to beadwork, basketry and graphic arts.

Russell Feeling, of Locust Grove, grew up immersed in the Cherokee language and culture from his parents, learning to speak Cherokee and later learning how to read and write in syllabary. He is honored for his contribution to the Cherokee language and lifeways.

Feeling attended a three-room school in Mayes County before transferring to Chilocco Indian School, which he graduated from in 1963. After a short time at Haskell Indian Nations University, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965.

During his time in the Air Force, he learned to read and write in the Cherokee syllabary through letters sent by his mother, written exclusively in Cherokee. He was recognized by the tribe with the Medal of Patriotism in 2018.

Feeling now serves as the pastor of New Jordan Baptist Church, where he utilizes his platform to revitalize the Cherokee language through worship, prayer, preaching, and fellowship. The church is one of a few Cherokee-speaking churches within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in which a majority of its members fluently speak the language, and the services are provided in Cherokee.

Through language, storytelling, preaching, and song, Feeling creates spaces where Cherokee traditions and culture continue to thrive. His efforts reflect key Cherokee cultural values, including respect for elders, preservation of language, community fellowship, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. By offering Cherokee language classes at his churches and providing services in Cherokee, he helps to keep the language alive as part of everyday life and culture.

"Currently, I'm working on the next edition of the Durbin Feeling Dictionary. The language is something I was raised in. It was spoken and written by my mother and father, my whole family. We had written syllabary in the New Testament, which we studied in Sunday School and Church," said Feeling. "I wasn't necessarily expecting the title of National Treasure, but I'm here to answer any questions that anyone has about the language if they want to learn."

Albert Ray Kirk is honored by the tribe for his contribution to Cherokee society through his metalsmithing.

Kirk has developed his craft through over 35 years of experience in blade-smithing and metalworking. He is the only Cherokee recognized by the American Blade Smith Society as a Master Smith. Kirk also owns Raker Knives and Steel.

What began as a hobby in 1989 grew into a lifelong passion and career. His craftsmanship earned national recognition, including three first place awards, one second place award, and one fifth place award at the 2003 ABS World Championship in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kirk's work reflects the Cherokee tradition of learning from elders, sharing knowledge and helping one another. In addition to handcrafted knives, he creates traditional river cane flutes, cane whistles, and crawdad gigs. He continues the tradition of making crawdad gigs taught to him by Cherokee elder Hastings Shade, helping preserve and pass on traditional skills and cultural knowledge.

A strong believer in giving back, he regularly donates handcrafted knives to charitable fundraisers and continues teaching students of all ages, including his grandson, helping ensure traditional skills, cultural knowledge, and Cherokee values are carried forward to future generations.

"It's very humbling and honoring to be a national treasure. I've always had a high regard for them," Kirk said.

David Pruitt is honored by the tribe for his years of artistry in pottery.

Pruitt grew up in Adair County, where he learned traditional Cherokee lifeways through his time spent at ceremonial grounds and spending time with his family. Pruitt served the tribe for 36 years and is now retired, where he pursues art full-time.

Pruitt is a master craftsman in woodworking with experience in crafting bespoke furniture and building homes. He successfully transferred many aspects of his woodwork into his work with clay. His pottery has earned national recognition through purchases by corporate and private collectors as well as pieces exhibited in galleries and museums. He is inspired by his ancestral connection to Southeastern Woodland designs, which are present in all of his work.

"It's both an honor and a privilege to be selected as a National Treasure. I will be getting into all the art shows that I can. I enjoy doing pottery. When I start doing it, my mind goes to the potter and I forget about all the outside things, so I look forward to it," said Pruitt.