Tribal Council District 4
Don Garvin
1112 Skyview Dr.
Muskogee, OK 74403
Home: 918-683-1118
Email: Don-Garvin@cherokee.org
Residence and family information: Don lives in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is a descendant of George and Nancy Blair; both came to Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears, and Obediah and Margaret Benge. He is the son of Ben “Tuff” and Elsie Garvin. He married Jo Elaine Williamson in 1959. They have one daughter, Jill, who is married to John Tipton. They have two granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
Education: He grew up on a farm/ranch and graduated from Central High School. He attended Connors and then graduated from Oklahoma State University. He has a master’s degree from Southeastern State University. Also, he completed the U.S. Infantry Officers Training School at Ft. Benning, Ga. He first served in the U.S. Infantry with the rank of first Lt., and then later in the U.S. Air Force Reserves with the rank of Captain. Don was a mathematics teacher and basketball coach at Alice Robertson and a math teacher at Sequoyah High School for seven and a half years. He has been a real estate broker and a home building contractor for many years. He is an ordained Deacon at Central Baptist Church in Muskogee.
Describe the leadership experience you would bring to the Tribal Council.
Don has worked with the public all his life, first as a classroom mathematics teacher working with students and their parents. Additionally, he spent many years coaching basketball, again working with the public. His military training included many leadership courses at the Infantry Officers Training School. He has had 35 years of experience of running a successful real estate and building contractor business.
During the past 3- 1/2 years he has been the councilman from the Three Rivers district. Also, he has been very active working with the Five Tribes on the Inter-Tribal Council. His record of committee meetings, budget hearings and council meetings is tops. He thinks you shouldn’t hire out if you don’t want to work.
Describe the role of the office for which you are a candidate in relation to the other branches of the Cherokee Nation government.
“The most important role of a council member is to represent his/her district. Each representative must always be on the alert to see that a fair share of the resources go to their district. District 4 needs to continue the fight for the new joint venture health clinic that would be built on the 11 acres on Augusta Street in Muskogee. The role of the council is an extremely crucial one. They need to represent the Cherokees in a dignified and respectful manner. I believe all things should be done decently and in order. Council members should have character, integrity, respect and experience. I had perfect attendance at all council meetings and near perfect attendance at all the standing committee meetings. I am a member of all eight committees. I voted no on the council pay raise.”
What are your priorities for the Cherokee Nation?
“The Cherokee citizens need someone to serve on the Council that will sit down and talk out the problems that are facing the Tribe. We need someone that will attend all the meetings. I will be a hard worker for all the Cherokees. I have the experience and educational training to help lead the Cherokee Nation. My top priorities are (1) To make sure our elderly have adequate food, housing and health care; (2) Education of our youth; (3) Preservation of our language and culture; (4) Health clinic in the Three Rivers District; (5) Our sovereignty.”
What is the biggest challenge facing the Cherokee Nation today and how do you plan on solving it?
“The biggest challenge facing the Cherokee people is jobs, education and health care. We need to bring more industry to the Cherokee Nation area. We need to train our people for better jobs and better paying jobs. We need to make Sequoyah High School a world-class High School.”
“Thank you for your past confidence in electing me. I have done my best to meet your expectations and needs. If I am re-elected, I promise to always be looking for ways and means to help the Cherokee citizens. The nation has accomplished some great things during the last 31/2 years. I look forward to continue representing the people of my district and all Cherokee people as we take forward looking steps based on hard work and thoughtful decision making. I am retired and have the time and concern to make a difference. I need your support and prayers for the work ahead. I think the Cherokees are number one and deserve the very best.”