The Chickasaw Nation is now accepting nominations through June 29 for the 2018 Dynamic Woman of the Year Award.
Established in 2006, the Dynamic Woman of the Year Award honors Chickasaw women who have made significant contributions to the Chickasaw Nation and its citizens, served as role models to other Chickasaw women and who have made a difference in the lives of Chickasaws and other citizens, enriching their communities and society at large.
As leaders in education, health care, arts, cultural advocacy, legal professions, social services and community development, Chickasaw women have dared to forge new roads that continue to serve as a force of empowerment for girls, women and men of all ages.
Chickasaw women, ages 35 and older, with proof of citizenship through Chickasaw Nation Citizenship documentation or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), are eligible for the award.
Nominees should exhibit the qualities of the Dynamic Woman through the actions and accomplishments such as the ones listed below.
- Pioneers in their fields or in a project that benefits the Chickasaw Nation and its citizens.
- Women who have distinguished themselves in a professional field including, but not limited to, education, health care, law, history, cultural advocacy and preservation, language preservation and revitalization, government, civic leadership, aviation and space, business, technology, journalism, banking and finance, children’s issues, social services, arts and entertainment.
- Women who have perpetuated the Chickasaw spirit by sustaining Chickasaw traditions and culture in the family and the community.
- Women who have championed other women, women’s issues or served as an advocate for issues important to women.
- Women who, through their lifestyles, exemplify the character, strength and values of the Chickasaw Nation and its people – honor, integrity, perseverance, visionary leadership and commitment to family and community.
The 2017 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year, Brenda Kingery, is known for her contemporary paintings that visually tell stories about her life, travels and Chickasaw heritage.
Ms. Kingery earned her master’s degree in fine arts and art history from the University of Oklahoma. She continued postgraduate studies in fine arts from Ryukyuus Daigaku University in Okinawa, Japan and graduate studies in Chinese language at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Ms. Kingery was keynote speaker at the 2018 Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference at the WinStar Convention Center in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
For a nomination form or more information, visit Chickasaw.net/DwAward or contact the Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division at 580-272-5520.
