Enoch Kelly Haney obituary: renowned Native American artist dies at 81
Enoch Kelly Haney was an internationally known Native American artist and former Seminole Nation chief.
Artist, chief, and politician
Enoch Kelly Haney was a celebrated Native American artist whose sculpture titled “The Guardian,” sits atop the Oklahoma state capitol. He was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and was the chief of the Seminole Nation from 2005 until 2009. He served in the Oklahoma senate and house of representatives and ran for Governor of Oklahoma in the 2002 democratic primary, losing to Brad Henry. His artwork, featuring paintings and sculpture, was showcased in the United States and around the world.
Notable Quote
“My grandfather and father were great storytellers, so I have that ability to tell stories, about native people and their history and so forth. So I guess in one sense I’m still the keeper of the traditions,” – 2014 interview with The Oklahoman
Tributes to Enoch Kelly Haney
Rest in peace, Enoch Kelly Haney (Seminole/Mvskoke), Principle Chief of the Seminole Nation, Oklahoma State Senator and Congressman, painter, and sculptor. pic.twitter.com/IkvSJZyMoA
— First American Art (@FirstAmArt) April 23, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chief and Senator Enoch Kelly Haney. His contributions to our state are mighty. pic.twitter.com/E6ipDCySCG
— Mayor David Holt (@davidfholt) April 23, 2022
The faculty, staff, and students of Bacone College are saddened to learn of the passing of the honorable Enoch Kelly Haney. Haney is a 1962 Bacone graduate who studied. Our thoughts, prayer, and smoke are given to the Creator today to wish him safe travels on his next journey. pic.twitter.com/15iNWaccoM
— Bacone College (@baconecollege) April 23, 2022
While there are many incredible works by Chief Enoch Kelly Haney for me, a proud Semvnole, the iconic “Mark of the Knife”, a portrait of a defiant Osceola stabbing a treaty that captures the the spirit of what it is to be Semvnole, will always be etched upon my heart. pic.twitter.com/MtQKbM70WL
— Frances Danger (@FrancesMFDanger) April 23, 2022
The board and staff of the Oklahoma Arts Council expresses condolences to the family of Enoch Kelly Haney, whose prominent State Capitol artworks represent only a portion of a legacy in leadership and service to our state that will stand tall for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/dPYvHvUXmp
— Oklahoma Arts Council (@OKArtsCouncil) April 23, 2022
Saddened to hear about the passing of Enoch Kelly Haney. I first met him in 2013 while standing in line at a post office in Norman. At the time, I was working as a roughneck on a drilling rig and had just finished a double shift. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/cipp0jjWcn
— Rep. Mickey Dollens (@MickeyDollens) April 23, 2022
Full Obituary: The Okahoman
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