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Research Needed / Re: Lelooska Foundation - "Chief" Lelooska - Ariel, WA
« Last post by Sandy S on June 06, 2025, 03:25:59 am »This well known, prolific family of artists and descendants claims they have recent Cherokee heritage. They do not. They have no Native American heritage for several generations back.
Marilyn Jean Hinkle/Shona-hah Smith/Gray Dove
Don Morris Smith / Chief Lelooska
Fearon Smith Jr / Smitty/ Chief Tsungani
Patricia Louise Smith / Patty Fawn/ Patty Fawn-Cook
Their "Indian" personas were invented in the late 1940s or so and continues to this day through the very active Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center in Ariel, Washington.
They began with making trinkets for the tourist trade, then opened a curio shop in Salem, Oregon. They performed in Pendleton Roundup events.
They have evolved their act over time. https://www.lelooska.org/
They misrepresent their art which is illegal to do.
https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act
Example of the misrepresentation, by "Patty Fawn" and her daughter https://www.adobegallery.com/artist/patty-fawn-and-nakweesee-cherokee-artisans
This is an especially disheartening fraud family to research. Active for decades. Art and totem poles all over the place. Countless student field trips run through their center. So much grant money.
Link for the uploaded photo of Don Smith in blackface https://archives.yvl.org/items/e2fa4131-3c59-43cb-9021-0e485ce0929d
Marilyn Jean Hinkle/Shona-hah Smith/Gray Dove
Don Morris Smith / Chief Lelooska
Fearon Smith Jr / Smitty/ Chief Tsungani
Patricia Louise Smith / Patty Fawn/ Patty Fawn-Cook
Their "Indian" personas were invented in the late 1940s or so and continues to this day through the very active Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center in Ariel, Washington.
They began with making trinkets for the tourist trade, then opened a curio shop in Salem, Oregon. They performed in Pendleton Roundup events.
They have evolved their act over time. https://www.lelooska.org/
They misrepresent their art which is illegal to do.
Quote
It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States.
https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act
Example of the misrepresentation, by "Patty Fawn" and her daughter https://www.adobegallery.com/artist/patty-fawn-and-nakweesee-cherokee-artisans
This is an especially disheartening fraud family to research. Active for decades. Art and totem poles all over the place. Countless student field trips run through their center. So much grant money.
Link for the uploaded photo of Don Smith in blackface https://archives.yvl.org/items/e2fa4131-3c59-43cb-9021-0e485ce0929d