|
|
An Oklahoma tribe is rebuilding the home of an American Indian elder that passed away during Oklahoma’s recent rash of wildfire’s.
“Never did I think this would happen,” Norean tiger tells the Native American Times. “I thought I would have to move to town or something. I never thought it would be rebuilt immediately.”
Her husband Kelly died on Dec. 26th after suffering burns sustained when fires broke out in the Hughes County community of Holdenville. Tiger, 69, was a pastor at Hilltop Indian Presbyterian Church in Wewoka. The blazes completely destroyed the couple’s home, located in the Pecan Grove area of Holdenville. Nothing was salvageable, family members said.
Within days, the Creek Nation launched a project to rebuild the home. Norean says the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is also assisting in the project. Norean is Creek and Kelly was Creek and Seminole.
“They have been bringing in dirt to level the ground there, the couple’s daughter Julia said. “We have been told that [within two days] they would lay the foundation down.”
A familiar figure in the area, Kelly Tiger for years officiated at funerals and was renowned for staying in touch with his Native American heritage. In the days following his death, accolades poured in from across the state.
“He was a people person,” Norean said about her husband. “It didn’t matter if you were white or black or Indian. He was determined to d what he could for his fellow man.”
Even though her home is being rebuilt, Norean says that the fire destroyed countless priceless mementoes.
“Some of the furniture in the house belonged to Kelly’s mother and that’s gone,” she said. “I had filed away all the sermons that he preached and those are gone. Everything pertaining to what he did in his life is gone.”
Norean said that she is extremely grateful for all the help her family has received from members of the community. “Please mention that,” she said.
|
|
