Report: CCO Conference of Community Leaders
CNCV leaders recently traveled to the Cherokee Nation reservation to attend the 22nd annual Community and Cultural Outreach (CCO) Conference of Community Leaders: Mary Crenshaw and daughter Natalie Crenshaw, Paul David Terry and father Donald Terry, and Sabrina McKinney.
The Conference was full of informative culture and history, inspiring capacity and leadership building sessions, and connecting with at-large and on-reservation groups (over 650 community leaders in attendance) - all to bring back information, innovation, and inspiration to our community! Our cup was filled thanks to all these amazing people.
At-large Community Leaders wrapping up a three-day tour around the reservation
CNCV leaders then participated in cultural enrichment days to bring back more - viewing the newly opened Salina Wellness Center and Clinic, playing Cherokee marbles at the new Wilma Mankiller Park with Cherokee National Treasure Danny McCarter and James Callie, making beaded edged medicine bags and cornhusk dolls with Pam Bakke, basket weaving, art appreciation at the Outpatient Health Center and viewing the soon-to-open new W.W. Hastings Hospital from the outside, which will expand services and access for patients.
At-large leaders attended board leadership capacity training, toured downtown Tahlequah museums including the History Museum, Supreme Court Museum, Cultural Pathway (Keli Gonzales was on feature) and the Spider Gallery, participated in a Lunch and Learn about Cherokee dugout canoe culture with the Telliko Canoe Society (watch the presentation here!), toured the Fort Gibson Historic site, and participated in a stomp dance demonstration - ceremony central to us as Cherokees. We even got to visit with our friend Chef Taelor Barton.
Wado to Board Member, Elena Hansen for crafting beautiful finger-weave keychains and making fun stickers to gift other leaders!
Board member Mary Crenshaw reflects on her time at Conference:
I had a wonderful time attending this year's CCO Conference! It was a meaningful experience to visit Oklahoma and see where my family is from while connecting with fellow Cherokee citizens from across the country.
The conference offered many valuable learning opportunities. I attended informative sessions on nonprofit financial literacy, board governance, fundraising, and community values. I also enjoyed historical presentations exploring the legacy of the Cherokee Freedmen and the history and significance of traditional dugout canoes.
One message from Conference that especially stayed with me was, "You plant trees now for shade you will never sit in." It was a powerful reminder that the work we do today—serving our communities and preserving our culture—helps strengthen our people for those who come after us.
I returned home inspired, with new ideas and a deeper appreciation for our shared history, culture, and community.
So true, Mary! ᏩᏙ!
Board Member Paul David Terry shares:
We had a wonderful time at CCO, connecting across the Nation and with At-Large leaders. Many of us participated in crafts and games. It was a special trip for my dad, Donald Terry, who attended CCO for the first time. It was his first conference, an opportunity to connect with our sister city, Marble City Activity Organization, and explore many parts of the Nation, including finding his brick at the Veterans Center.
Please enjoy these photos of the trip!
— Sabrina McKinney
