TVLSE, Oklv. – On June 20, the Living Legends ceremony took place to honor citizens of the Mvskoke Nation who have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of others in their community. In this ceremony, which was introduced by MCN Press Secretary Jason Salsman, five citizens of the tribe were presented with Living Legends awards, and an additional three were presented with the new Chief’s Choice Awards for their service to the community.
The qualifications to become a Living Legend are as follows: citizens must be an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee Nation, they must be at least 55 years old, and they must have “brought recognition to and/or made outstanding contributions to the quality of life and development of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on a local, national, or international level.”
The first Living Legend to be introduced was Harry Monroe Beaver, a 75-year-old artist and teacher originally from Claremore, Oklahoma. He currently resides in Okmulgee County on original allotment land. Harry has taught art and pottery classes, participated in fashion shows at Muscogee Festivals, and represented the Muscogee Nation as a teacher and demonstrator in various locations across the United States, such as the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the Muscogee Monument in Macon, Georgia, and the Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum in Moundville, Alabama. He has also won four separate awards for his artwork, and has long been known as an advocate for Native American rights and recognition.
“I’m just doing what I enjoy doing: working with people and doing my art.” Beaver said with a smile as he accepted the award.
The second Living Legend inductee was Dr Negiel Bigpond, a 74-year-old minister and teacher who is a full blood Muscogee and of Euchee descent. He was born, raised, and continues to live on the Muscogee Reservation. Dr. Bigpond is known throughout the United States for his work as a pastor, evangelist, and leader. He has worked over 30 years as a minister, and has preached to people in more than 200 Native American and First Nation reservations. Like Harry Monroe Beaver, Dr. Bigpond is also an advocate for Native Americans. He worked on the development of a joint resolution of apology to Native Americans for the horrific policies by the United States government. He was named one of the Ten Most Influential Christian Leaders of 2006 by Charisma Magazine for this and other work he has accomplished.
“I am proud to represent the Muscogee people, as well as the Euchee people, and it’s been an honor to be around and to listen to the language of the Creek Nation. The Creek Nation is keeping that language alive, well, and kicking.” Dr. Bigpond said after accepting the award.
The third inductee at the Living Legends ceremony was Rebecca Barnett, a teacher and translator, originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a proud Muscogee citizen who comes from the Raccoon Clan and the Tokepvcce Tribal Town in Oklahoma. She has helped spread the knowledge of the Muscogee language, starting from when she was a young girl. The Mvskoke language is her first language, and the first language her family learned as well. She has worked as a teacher since 2009 where she taught the Mvskoke language at Connors State College for three years, and at the College of the Muscogee Nation, where she has been Mvhayv for 11 years. There she teaches both the Muscogee language and traditional cooking.
“I accept this honor for the people of the trail that brought it. I don’t stand here by myself. My family and the people that brought this language on the trail. That’s why I have it, so I accept this honor on their behalf, or I wouldn’t be standing here.” Barnett said in closing.
After Ms. Barnett left the stage, the fourth recipient, Dean M. Hughes, was scheduled to receive his award. However, he was unable to attend due to an injury. As such, his award was accepted by James Jennings on his behalf. Dean Hughes was involved in teaching for decades ever since he received a teaching degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1973. He has served as a teacher and superintendent across multiple Native American reservations, including the Muscogee Reservation and the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. He has also served on the Muscogee Nation’s Trade & Commerce Authority Board. Even after retirement he continues to help the Nation by serving on the Board of Regents for the College of the Muscogee Nation, currently serving as its Vice Chair.
The final Living Legends inductee recognized was Mona Lowe, also known as Koko. Mona is a prominent figure in the Muscogee Nation, being an active volunteer at many events such as pageants, fundraisers, competitions, and the Muscogee Nation Festival. She is a fluent Mvskoke speaker who enjoys working with the Muscogee Language Department and the Muscogee Language Camp. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge of Muscogee culture, including cooking traditional Native American food. She is also an active athlete, being a member of the Lady Legends Basketball team and a participant in the elder softball games during the Muscogee Nation Festival. Mona has worked with Muscogee Nation since the 1980s, and is more than happy to continue being active in her community. According to Salsman during the ceremony, “Koko truly has a servant’s heart.”
