Persistence, Family, History, Old Settlers, and Love: Ganel Fenenga Profile
Cherokee Nation citizen, Ganel Fenenga, was born in Bakersfield, CA as the third generation since 1911. She’s a graduate of Bakersfield High School, class of 1985. Gan attended Brooks College of Design in Long Beach, Ca, majoring in commercial interior design. She opened Design Concepts, an interior architecture, furniture, and graphic design business in San Diego which she operated for three years. Later, she moved to Jerusalem, Israel where she became an Israeli citizen, studied, and learned Hebrew. Ganel proudly holds 3 citizenships. While there, she worked for a commercial architectural firm specializing in hotel and restaurant design.
Ganel returned to Bakersfield in 1995 enrolling at California State University, Bakersfield where she majored in Art, with a minor in Anthropology/Archaeology. This is where she met archaeologist Dr. Gerrit Fenenga. Before she would allow herself any serious thoughts about her handsome instructor, Gerrit was required to meet and run through the gauntlet of her Cherokee grandfather Jesse Robert “Bob” Rogers. Gerrit’s run was successful; he survived unscathed, unbruised, and was instantly accepted by his soon-to-be Grandfather in-law Bob. Ganel and Gerrit were married in September 1997. They have two sons. Jacob Gerrit Oconostota, 24, graduated in Business Administration from CSU Monterey Bay. Their second son, Michael Franklin Outacite, 20, is beginning his studies at UC Davis in the fall of 2024, as a Psychology major. Both sons were given Cherokee names at birth.
Gerrit followed in his father’s footsteps as an archaeologist. Gerrit’s father, Franklin Fenenga, was one of the patriarchs of American archaeology. During his illustrious career and among many accomplishments, he became the Georgia State Archaeologist and Director of Museums for the Georgia Historical commission. He developed and managed the reconstruction of New Echota, the Capitol of the Cherokee Nation at the time of Removal. He directed research and excavations. Gerrit’s mother furnished the Worchester house with period furnishings. During the pandemic, Gerrit while rooting through boxes in the attic came upon a collection of historical and archival materials relating to the reconstruction of New Echota. Ganel and Gerrit donated this find to the Cherokee Heritage Center archives in April 2021, which now resides within the Cherokee National Research Center in Tahlequah.
Ganel’s hobbies include learning the Cherokee and Hebrew languages, lap swimming (1.5 hours daily), books, gardening, oil painting (she’s very talented), creating jewelry, and cooking. They have resided near Placerville with their dog Oski for the last 21 years. Dr. Fenenga’s specialty is in California and Western Cultural Heritage and Native interests. His unique background melds with Ganel’s historical Cherokee family research. Her 8th great grandfather was “The Great Warrior of Chota” Chief, Oconostota. Her 6th great grandfather was the first governor of Tennessee, John Sevier. Her family were “Old Settlers”, as well. Combining Ganel’s, Gerrit’s, and Gerrit’s father’s research, and her grandfather’s Cherokee stories, Ganel published her historical family book, “The Cherokee River of Tears”. The book is dedicated to her grandfather Jesse Robert Rogers and available on Amazon. I recommended reading it. This book is filled with important Cherokee cultural history, it’s a good read, and provides valuable research. Gan and Gerrit usually have copies for you to purchase also, so you can save on shipping.
In 2023, they found out about the CNCV through Rob Wood, who they’ve known and with whom Gerrit has worked in tandem for more than 30 years. Gerrit, employed by the California State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF, today Cal Fire), had a close and continual association with the State Native American Heritage Commission and worked closely with Rob Wood. Rob informed Ganel and Gerrit about the CNCV, which they quickly joined, and have become actively participating members, helping and working alongside us from Day One. They each have their own Volunteer Gadugi Red Apron (Red Gadugi Aprons are lifetime commitment of service). Ganel and Gerrit are always eager and continue to help the CNCV in any way they can. The CNCV welcomes Ganel, Gerrit, and their sons Jacob and Michael. Please take the time to welcome, visit with, and get to know Ganel and Gerrit.
-- Mike Webb (Buck/ ᎠᏗᏙᏗ Adidodi Spoon)
