Cherokee National Treasure Mary Aitson Passes Away at 93

Mary Aitson, a revered educator and Cherokee National Treasure, passed away on September 19 in Oklahoma City at the age of 93.

 

Born on November 11, 1931, in Christie, Oklahoma, Mary was the middle child among ten siblings. She pursued her passion for education, earning a bachelor's degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah.

 

Mary's teaching career spanned over four decades, with 38 years dedicated to the Woodward Public Schools, where she primarily taught sixth grade. She retired in 1993, leaving an indelible mark on countless students.

 

In retirement, Mary embraced her Cherokee heritage by mastering traditional basket weaving. Her intricate honeysuckle and buckbrush baskets, dyed with natural materials, garnered acclaim at various American Indian art markets, including the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City and the Santa Fe Indian Market.

 

In August, during the Cherokee National Holiday, Mary was honored as a Cherokee National Treasure for her dedication to preserving Cherokee art and culture. She described the recognition as a "cherished honor."

 

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. remarked, "Mary was a guardian of our cultural heritage, ensuring that the tradition would continue for generations to come."

 

Mary's baskets are displayed in prominent locations across Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Judicial Center and various Cherokee Nation properties. Collectors worldwide cherish her work.

 

She is survived by her children, Michael Aitson and Mechelle Aitson-Roessler, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on September 27 at the Red Wolf Community Center in Carnegie, Oklahoma, followed by burial at the Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church Cemetery in Mountain View.

 

Mary's legacy continues to inspire the Woodward community. Recent events, such as the Woodward County Free Fair held from September 2-6, and the 2nd Annual Woodward WonderFest on September 20, celebrated local culture and arts, reflecting the spirit Mary championed throughout her life.

 

As Woodward residents gather for these events, they honor the memory of a woman who dedicated her life to education and the preservation of Cherokee traditions.