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WOODROW PROCTOR, center, Flint District Representative, accepts aplaque on behalf of his family from Chief George Wickliffe, left, and AssistantChief Charles Locust, honoring his father, Jim Proctor, during the dedicationof the new Jim Proctor Elder Community Center.


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FAMILY MEMBERS of one of the most prominent leaders in Keetoowah Cherokee history, the late Jim Proctor, gatheredalong with tribal officials and friends, in front of the Keetoowah Cherokee Elder Community Center named in his honor,during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Tribe Opens Jim Proctor Elder Community Center

On May 16, over 250 people werepresent as the United Keetoowah Banddedicated their new Elderly CommunityCenter at the UKB Complex just southof Tahlequah. The dedication of the newcenter was named in honor of the late Mr.Jim Proctor, former council representativefor the United Keetoowah Band ofCherokee Indians in Oklahoma.

Mr. Proctor served as council representativein the 1980s and was veryinstrumental in keeping the UnitedKeetoowah Band together. Mr. Proctorwas one of the most significant peopleon the UKB tribal council; he nevermissed a meeting and worked very hardfor the tribe. He was also one of theindividuals who voted to purchase andbegin Keetoowah Bingo.

"I knew Jim, he was on the samecouncil with me, he served many yearson the council, if it wasn't for thesemen keeping the tribe going, what theywent through, we wouldn't be sittinghere today, we probably still be passingthe hat around trying to stay alive,trying to survive," stated Chief GeorgeWickliffe. "That's hard work, and we'rebeing rewarded right now, we're gettingbigger. Let's be happy, let's always beKeetoowah." It was a common practicein the past to pass the hat around tohelp finance the meetings and for travelexpenses. "I remember dad passing thehat around so they could buy coffee fortheir meetings," said Woodrow Proctor,Flint District Representative and son ofthe late Jim Proctor.

Former UKB Chief John Hair spoketo the audience and to the Proctorfamily. "Once in a lifetime as you gothrough life walking on this Earth, youmeet a person that immediately makesan impression on you. That is the impressionJim made on me when I methim. That's when I said, as long as wewalk this Earth, I want to be his friend.He was my councilor, every time I had aproblem, or wanted to know something,who did I call on? My elder, Jim Proctor,"said Former Chief Hair.

Woodrow Proctor, the eldest of thesiblings, thanked everyone for attendingand honoring his father. "I have a reallygood feeling in my heart today," statedProctor. "When I was fifteen-years-old,my dad would meet with these councilmenunder a shade tree by the frontporch. Their main purpose at that timewas to keep the Keetoowahs together. Iremember my dad saying in Cherokee,'One of these days people, one of thesedays, you're going to see it, your goingto get help from the Keetoowahs someway, some how, your going to see it.'We are here today Keetoowahs, and Iwant to thank all of you for recognizingmy dad and my family, brothers andsisters. Wado!"

Mr. Proctor accepted a plaque on behalfof his family from Assistant ChiefCharles Locust dedicating the center asthe Jim Proctor Elder Community Center.Immediately following the ceremony,family and friends along with ChiefWickliffe, Assistant Chief Locust andother council members participated inthe ribbon cutting ceremony outdoors.

Entertainment was provided by theUnited Keetoowah Cherokee YouthChoir, the Kenwood Children's Choirand the Cherokee Baptist Choir. A traditionalmeal was also provided for thefamily, friends and dignitaries attendingthe event.

The center will house the UKBTitle VI Nutrition Program, which providesfree meals Monday through Fridayfor Native Americans 55 and olderwho have a tribal membership card.The May menu is listed on page 6. TheTitle VI Nutrition Program also deliversMeals on Wheels and sponsors Eldersactivities such as arts and crafts, fishingtrips, theme dinners, and other special functions and events.

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