Resident recognized for Choctaw ancestry
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Roberta Jean Martin Fricke was recently named the first Native American Heritage Member of the Arkansas Society Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars by the organization’s State Gov. Mary Reid-Warner during a presentation held in Hot Springs Village.
Fricke was admitted to the society on March 11 through her Choctaw Indian ancestor, Sophia Ann Brashear. Reid-Warner said in a news release that recognition of American Indian heritage by the state society, with the awarding of a special certificate, was suggested by Sheila Beatty-Krout.
Under Reid-Warner’s administration, all new members of CSDIW who join through proven Native American ancestry will be given the distinction of “Native American Heritage Member.” Her objective is to recognize those who have American Indian ancestry but may not be a member of any tribe, like Beatty-Krout, whose family was rejected citizenship in the Cherokee Nation on a technicality by the Dawes Commission.
The Dawes Commission was established by Congress in
1893. Its purpose was to exchange Indian tribal lands in the southeastern United States for new land allotments to individuals in Oklahoma. More than 250,000 people applied to this commission for enrollment and land, and only some 100,000 were approved.
CSDIW assists and encourages the preservation of records and historic sites associated with our native and immigrant American ancestors. Among its activities is the awarding of Native American scholarships. These are awarded to enrolled tribal members who plan to work with a tribe or nation in the fields of education or social service, and whose career goals involve working with Native Americans. The Arkansas Society also contributes to Bacone College, the Indian College in Muskogee, Okla.
Membership in CSDIW is open to females 16 years of age and older. Eligible candidates must prove lineal descendant of a native or immigrant American ancestor who participated in any capacity in actual hostilities, one against the other, or in any other activity with each other, during the period of May
14, 1607 to 1900.
For information regarding activities and membership in CSDIW, call Reid-Warner at 501-922-6598.