Cherokee National Treasure Dorothy Sullivan passed away at age 87 on Feb. 13, 2026. She was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and spent much of her life as an educator before retiring as a high school art teacher in 1992. After retirement, she devoted herself fully to painting, creating works that celebrated Cherokee history, culture and traditions. In recognition of her contributions to Cherokee art, she was named a Cherokee National Treasure for painting in 2020.

Dorothy’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries and are displayed in Cherokee Nation facilities as well as private collections throughout the United States and around the world. She also completed commissions for the National Park Service and the Trail of Tears Association, using her artwork to share and preserve Cherokee stories. Throughout her career, Dorothy received numerous honors for her work, and her paintings continue to inspire appreciation for Cherokee artistry and heritage.

Cherokee National Treasure Mary Rector Aitson passed away at age 93 on Sept. 19, 2025. She was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Adair County. Mary attended Whitmire School through eighth grade and then graduated from Stilwell High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah. She met her husband, Lucius Weeks Aitson, at the university, and they married during their senior year on Valentine’s Day. Mary and Lucius were both educators. She retired from Woodward Public Schools in 1993 after teaching for 38 years.

Retirement for Mary meant returning to her roots and learning to weave Cherokee baskets. She participated in and received awards at various American Indian art markets and exhibits. She spent much of her time weaving traditional honeysuckle and buckbrush baskets with natural dyes. Her works are displayed in the Oklahoma Judicial Center and Cherokee Nation properties, and her baskets are held by collectors around the world.

Mary received numerous awards for her basket weaving, including the “Honored One” recognition from Red Earth in 2018. Most recently, she received the distinguished designation of Cherokee National Treasure in 2025.

Cherokee National Treasure Weynema Smith passed away at age 92 on May 12, 2025, just one day short of her 93rd birthday, surrounded by loved ones. Weynema was born May 13, 1932, in Notchietown, Oklahoma. She had six brothers and seven sisters. She grew up in Gore, within Sequoyah County, and early on began to nurture her love of Cherokee artistry. In 2023, she was recognized as a Cherokee National Treasure, an honor that meant everything to her.

She also loved teaching and working with students at Tenkiller School. She was a grandmother, a member of the DD Etchieson Methodist Church and a singer in the Cherokee Adult Choir.