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Hanson Today
By the People, for the People
Obituary: Troy Wayne Poteete, Longtime Cherokee Leader, Dies at 70
Poteete served on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and Tribal Council, and helped found the National Trail of Tears Association.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Troy Wayne Poteete, a dedicated public servant and esteemed historian who worked to preserve Cherokee history and culture, passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 70. Services in his honor will be held on Friday, February 13 at the Sequoyah High School Gym in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, followed by a burial procession to Fleetwood Cemetery in Hanson, Oklahoma.
Why it matters
Poteete's passing represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge and cultural passion for the Cherokee Nation, as he was a leading figure in preserving historic sites and expanding understanding of Indigenous history through his work with the National Trail of Tears Association.
The details
Poteete previously served on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court from 2007 to 2017 and was a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council from 1991 to 1999. He helped found the National Trail of Tears Association, according to the tribe.
- Troy Wayne Poteete passed away on February 5, 2026.
- Services in his honor will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1 p.m.
The players
Troy Wayne Poteete
A dedicated public servant and esteemed historian who worked to preserve Cherokee history and culture.
Cherokee Nation
The tribal government of the Cherokee people, which Poteete served in various leadership roles.
National Trail of Tears Association
An organization that Poteete helped found, focused on preserving historic sites and expanding understanding of Indigenous history.
The takeaway
Poteete's lifelong dedication to preserving Cherokee history and culture through his work in tribal government and with the National Trail of Tears Association has left a lasting impact on the Cherokee Nation and the broader understanding of Indigenous history.
