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National Treasures committee explains blind scoring and criteria; members discuss how to include at‑large artists
Summary
The Cherokee National Treasures Advisory Committee reported on criteria for selecting Cherokee National Treasures — in‑person artwork review, craftsmanship, cultural relativity and community engagement — and committee members and councilors discussed whether the selection process adequately accommodates at‑large (urban) Cherokee artists.
Jane Oste and Donetta Johnson presented the Cherokee National Treasures Advisory Committee report to the Culture Committee, describing the selection criteria and review process for Cherokee National Treasure nominees.
Oste said the committee’s criteria require that “a piece of your artwork has to be represented in person,” and that evaluations consider craftsmanship, cultural relativity and community involvement. She said the selection process is blind, uses a point system and that reviewers do not discuss scores; the committee makes recommendations and the Nation’s chief makes the final decision.
Councilor Julia asked whether reviewers could still identify artists despite blind review and whether scoring records exist. Oste responded that if submitted artwork lacks masterful quality the committee cannot proceed, and emphasized that reviewers evaluate the work first and noted the committee “make[s] a recommendation, and the chief is the final word on who is this treasure.”
Several councilors raised concerns about whether the community‑involvement criterion disadvantages at‑large citizens (artists living outside reservation boundaries). Oste and other speakers said applications from at‑large nominees are considered under the same criteria and that the committee looks for community engagement in whatever form is feasible — teaching, mentoring, museum participation or presentations. Councilor Singh suggested broadening the definition of “community” to include social media, technology and activity in the wider Cherokee Nation community.
Councilor Teehee, who was inducted as a National Treasure in 2019, described her own pathway and said selections are based on the portfolio and community engagement presented rather than personality. Committee members acknowledged the issue as a topic for further discussion and suggested a deeper, off‑camera review of how community involvement is assessed for at‑large nominees.
Why it matters: Designation as a Cherokee National Treasure recognizes mastery of cultural arts and can raise an artist’s profile and opportunities to teach and exhibit. The committee’s discussion focused on ensuring that selection criteria fairly capture artists who work in urban or non‑reservation settings.
