In Memoriam: Rob Wood

We are very sad to announce the passing of our revered and beloved Rob Wood at the age 75. 

Rob had a long history of at-large Cherokee Nation leadership and Indigenous advocacy. He was an active board member of the original Cherokee Club of Northern California and founding member of the reorganized Cherokees of Northern Central Valley in Sacramento. Rob was our first organizing Spokesperson. 

Rob's steady guidance got us off the ground and up and running. Rob continued his participation and membership until his death. He also championed the protection of tribal cultural resources for over two decades at the California Native American Heritage Commission. He was a tribal advocate at the California Department of Parks and Recreation, where he was integral in work relating to the California Indian Museum, State Capitol Museum, and the repatriation of tribal ancestors. He served on the Board of Directors for the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation ensuring the honoring of California Native Americans.

Rob, along with our other Cherokee Elders Jim Crouch, Odell Landers, Franc Blackbird, and myself, were honored and recognized at our last October membership meeting. Today, we stand on their shoulders. Jim Crouch, Odell Landers, my wife Liz, and I attended his funeral, extending our condolences from the CNCV to Hannah and Laurie.

Seven is an important number in the Jewish Religion, as it is in the Cherokee Culture. At the internment, we were told that, traditionally, family and guests could toss dirt from the grave onto the casket. I picked up seven handfuls, tossing seven times on Rob's casket.

Rob will be dearly missed by many. A celebration of life by his family is planned for summer 2024. Please see Rob's obituary in the link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sacramento-ca/robert-wood-11676766
 
-- Mike Webb