Tribute to Troy Wayne Poteete (1955 - 2026)

Friday morning, February 2, 2026, I received news that stopped me cold. My long-time friend, extra dad in so many ways, mentor, and unapologetic lover of all things Cherokee—Troy Wayne Poteete—was taken from us far too soon.

I loved you, Troy, in all of your craziness, your depth, your humor, and your unwavering love for our People. You were a National Treasure. You stood shoulder to shoulder with so many people I love and admire in the Cherokee Nation to protect us, preserve our history, love us fiercely, and push us forward—sometimes loudly, sometimes stubbornly, always honestly. I hope our young people fully understand what you sacrificed personally and professionally to accomplish work that still positively impacts the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee People today.

Troy and I worked together—sometimes quietly, sometimes elbows-out—on issues that mattered deeply to him. We spent some time on the technical and legal complexities surrounding the Arkansas Riverbed, because he understood that land, water, and jurisdiction are never just abstractions for Cherokee people—they are history, sovereignty, and survival.

But where Troy truly dug in with me was in the long, exhausting fight against fake Cherokees and the countless sham groups stealing our culture, our ancestors’ physical remains, and far too much money from unsuspecting people through “membership fees” and more. He took that work personally because it was personal. He knew the harm wasn’t theoretical—it diluted our sovereignty, distorted our history, and exploited our People.

Troy was one of the original members of the Cherokee Nation Fraud Task Force under Chief Chad Smith. He stood firm in that work until the task force was disbanded after Smith was no longer in office. Even then, Troy never stopped calling out fraud when he saw it. He understood that protecting Cherokee identity is not about exclusion—it is about truth, accountability, and respect for those who came before us.

That kind of work doesn’t earn applause. It earns enemies. And Troy did it anyway.

In a twist of timing only the universe could pull off, Friday would have been the 93rd birthday of our mutual friend and former Councilmember Don Garvin, who served Troy's district after he retired from Tribal Council. I like to think those two are already catching up—probably arguing, probably laughing. I was too young when Troy Wayne served on Council, but I understand he was OSDA (good), helping his People and serving the greater Cherokee Nation in shaping our laws.

Though you left no children of your own, you left legacies. Many of us will honor you by continuing the work of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, the National Trail of Tears Association, and our Oklahoma Trail of Tears Association. We will keep gathering our families at community meetings, showing up for one another, telling the hard stories, and voting for leaders with honor and integrity—leaders who defend our Constitution and our People.

Some of our men will continue to wear the turbans you proudly made and wore—visible reminders that culture is not a museum piece, but something lived, claimed, and carried forward.

When we fought fake Cherokees, the entire crew had nicknames. You promptly started calling me Princess Sunbeams, both privately and publicly, with your big grin. And you, of course, were named none other than Chief Talks Trash. Cherokee humor was a constant.

Your work lives on in our communities. And because of that, you live on.

I know how deeply you loved Liz. You spoke of her often, always with pride, always with love.

And Lord help us—Cain’s Ballroom and Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys weekend will never be the same. I’ll never stop glancing toward the door, half-expecting you

to walk in, ready to dance. Tony and I will just have to make up for your absence the best we can.

Troy was unique.He was brilliant.He had a deep, unshakeable moral compass.He loved our Cherokee People.He was a keeper of our stories.

So raise a toast—good bourbon preferred—and sing Hank at the top of your lungs for my Ginali (friend), Troy Wayne Poteete. Mike, Jay, Jack, David, Chad, Meredith, and I have already made plans to celebrate you.

You mattered.

You still do.

Act in Memory of Troy:

In honor and memory of Troy Wayne Poteete, please consider donating to the National Trail of Tears Association, buying a membership, learning more about their work, or bringing your family to the next Conference or event.