Gadugi Continues On
By Mike Webb
Many wados to Mary Buzzard, Myra Bush Robertson and Liz Webb!
When Mary and Myra visited us in May 2022, they consulted with Liz on helping to design their community Logo. They discussed how they visualized their community, their needs and the kind of look they envisioned. Myra and Mary gave Liz a rough sketch of the elements they wanted to include, and the three of them spent a few hours developing a design. Liz worked up drafts in Adobe Illustrator while they were here, and then sent additional drafts to them after they returned to Oklahoma.
When Liz, Jolene, and I visited Marble City in October 2022 they resumed the planning for the logo. While we were there John Flute, Mary’s brother, proudly brought out thier new sign they were going to erect in the front of their organization’s new beautiful Activity Center. We were all very impressed with the design, and most importantly the color scheme. Liz suggested we incorporate the same color scheme in their new logo. After we returned home Liz got to work; she spent several hours re-designing her vision for the logo. She sent it to Mary and Myra for their input. They were blown away and loved it. They have adopted this new logo. WADO! Mary, Myra and Liz, this is a perfect example of GADUGI working together for the greater good of our communities….
SPECIAL NOTE: This is reminiscent of the design of the Cherokee Nation Flag which was designed by Stanley John, a full blooded Navajo and husband of a member of the Cherokee Nation. Liz of course is not Cherokee and she’s married to a Cherokee.
FYI…DID YOU KNOW?
Our Cherokee Nation Flag was designed by Stanley John, a full blooded Navajo and husband of a member of the Cherokee Nation. It was approved by the Tribal Council on October 9, 1978 and officially raised over Cherokee Nation Tribal Headquarters on September 30, 1979.
The Star in Center of Seal has Seven Points representing the Seven Matrilineal, Ancient Traditional Tribal Clans: Bird, Wild Potato, Blue, Deer, Long Hair, Paint and Wolf.
The Wreath of Oak Leaves and Acorns, surrounded by the name of the Cherokee Nation in English and Cherokee Syllabary, signifies strength and everlasting life. Oak is significant because it is used for the Sacred Fire kept perpetually burning. The Seal is a symbol of great promise for Cherokee People then and now.
September 6, 1839 is the signing date of the Cherokee Nation Constitution.
The Seven Stars surrounding the center image represent the Seven Cherokee Clans.
The Black Star represents those that died on the Trail of Tears (Cherokee Nation Flag was modified in 1989 by the Cherokee Nation Council to add the Black star). Mike Webb
Footnote: The CNCV Cherokee Nation Flag that we display at all of our events has signatures and dates of past and current Cherokee Nation Chiefs. We are now asking Cherokee Nation visitors to sign and date as well. Mary Buzzard and Myra Bush Robertson signed when they visited. Most recently last year for the Chief’s Picnic in Napa our flag was signed by Chief Hoskin, Julia Coates, Tommy Wildcat, Robert Lewis and the rest of the visiting dignitaries.
