Celebrating Cherokee Culture: Douglas Martin Receives the Seven Feathers Culture Award
AUSTIN, Texas – Douglas Martin, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Austin, Texas, has been recognized as the 2026 honoree of the Seven Feathers Culture Award for his dedication to fostering deeper connections to Cherokee culture among tribal citizens, especially those living outside the reservation.
Martin, 44, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award: “When I heard I won the Seven Feathers award, I was really honored and grateful.”
As a finger weaver and Cherokee language learner, Martin leads the Central Texas Cherokee Township, a Community & Cultural Outreach (CCO) group that aims to connect at-large Cherokee citizens through cultural education, community gardening, and local partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging for those who may feel disconnected from their heritage.
“Our philosophy, especially after COVID, was we wanted to become like an outpost of Cherokee Nation,” Martin remarked. He seeks to ensure that at-large citizens feel they have a stake in their Nation, particularly for the benefit of their children.
Involved in the Austin Cherokee organization for over a decade, Martin has taken on leadership roles, providing cultural presentations that highlight Cherokee history, language, games, and arts. He also organizes activities for Native children to engage with their roots.
Additionally, Martin spearheaded the Texas group’s Cherokee Three Sisters Gardens initiative, celebrating food sovereignty through heirloom seeds. Launched in 2022, the program has expanded to eight gardens across various institutions.
Martin is also an accomplished artist, specializing in fiber art and beadwork. His efforts have led to Cherokee finger weaving being recognized as a folk art of Texas. He passionately shares his skills with others, emphasizing the importance of community learning.
The rise of digital resources has made it easier for at-large citizens to connect with their culture, with online courses and various media available for learning.
“My goal is for the youth to grow up saying, ‘I was Cherokee,’” he shared, emphasizing the importance of instilling pride in future generations.
While Martin is honored to receive the Seven Feathers award, he credits his community and the Cherokee Nation for their support. “This is a community effort,” he said, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins their initiatives.
For further details about the Central Texas Cherokee Township, check out its Facebook page.
