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Committee hears community outreach updates: cemetery restoration limits, ID events and National Treasures exhibits; members observe passing of national treaure
Summary
The Culture Committee discussed community outreach programs including a $500 cap for cemetery restoration funding, upcoming ID events, and National Treasures exhibitions; members observed a moment of silence for recently deceased National Treasure Mary Aitson.
Committee members heard multiple community and cultural outreach items including cemetery restoration funding rules, upcoming identification events, and National Treasures programming. The committee also paused for a moment of silence after the report that National Treasure Mary Aitson died on Sept. 19.
Savannah Smith, reporting for community and cultural outreach, told councilors that the restoration/cemetery funds can cover fencing and similar repairs but noted the program is structured around a $500 allowance per application. When Councilor Black Fox Qualls asked whether funds could cover fencing at a damaged site, Smith replied, "Yes, ma'am. It could." Later Smith clarified that the allotment is the $500 figure and how applicants choose to spend it is up to them.
Smith said the department had an ID event in Kenwood and planned another in Springfield, Missouri; committee members asked for a public contact list and building‑use information for community facilities. "We do have an approved public list to send out," Smith said when asked about contact points for organizations and facilities.
Vivian Cottrell, chair of the Cherokee National Treasures Advisory Committee, reported on exhibits and events: a Celine Courthouse Museum exhibit opening Sept. 16 and a National Treasure student art show that drew 39 student works and 15 mentor treasurers on July 26. Cottrell told the committee the National Treasure student show was successful and reminded members that sign-ups for the mentorship program open in October. "We'll also have the sign ups in October next month for the National Treasures," she said.
Cottrell reported that two new National Treasures were confirmed during the national holiday (Mary Aitson in basketry and Ron Mitchell in painting) and then informed the committee of Mary Aitson's passing, asking for a moment of prayer. The committee observed the moment of silence.
Councilors asked staff to distribute event and luncheon dates to Gail for calendar posting; Cottrell noted a National Treasures lunch scheduled for Dec. 11 and said services for Mary Aitson were set for the coming Saturday in Woodward.
No formal committee actions were recorded on these outreach items; members requested distribution of contact lists and event dates for community outreach and constituent information.
