Audra Smoke-Conner (born August 10, 1968) is a Cherokee politician who served on the Cherokee Nation tribal council for district 1 from 2003 to 2007.
Audra Smoke-Conner | |
|---|---|
| Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 1st district | |
| In office 2003–2007 | |
| Succeeded by | Tina Glory-Jordan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 10, 1968 |
| Citizenship | Cherokee Nation United States |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Northeastern State University |
| Awards | Miss Cherokee (1988) |
Early life and education
editAudra Smoke-Conner was born on August 10, 1968, to William and Deborah Smoke and Terri Stoner.[1] She grew up in Spavinaw, Oklahoma, where she attended grade school and junior high, later graduating from Ketchum High School in 1986.[1] She attended Northeastern State University (NSU), where she participated in work-study programs and worked for the Cherokee Nation's Summer Youth Employment Program.[1]
During her college years, Smoke-Conner competed for the title of Miss Cherokee three consecutive times, winning the title in 1988 after two prior attempts.[1] As Miss Cherokee, she served as an ambassador for the Cherokee Nation, visiting various communities and sharing the tribe's history and future aspirations.[1] Smoke-Conner earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from NSU in 1989, specializing in television and radio broadcasting.[1] In May 2000, she earned a master's degree in college teaching.[1]
Career
editSince 1991, Audra Smoke-Conner has worked as a guidance specialist at the American Indian Resource Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.[1] Her role involves promoting post-secondary education among students in Mayes and Adair Counties, encouraging them to pursue educational training for improved job opportunities.[1]
In May 2003, she was elected to the Cherokee Nation tribal council, representing District 1.[1] As a council member, Smoke-Conner focused on informing citizens about available tribal services and programs, as well as addressing housing and education funding concerns.[1] She served on several council committees, including education, executive finance, health, language and culture, rules, resources, and employment, the latter of which she chairs.[1] Smoke-Conner expressed a desire to enhance communication between the Cherokee Nation and local communities, particularly by organizing community meetings and working to increase Cherokee cultural and language activities in local schools.[1] Additionally, she advocated for the establishment of a Head Start facility in northern Cherokee County.[1] Smoke-Conner ran for re-election in 2007 but was defeated in a run-off election by Tina Glory-Jordan, a local attorney and former Cherokee Nation district court judge. In the run-off, Smoke-Conner received 580 votes (37.04%) compared to Glory-Jordan's 986 votes (62.96%).[2]
Personal life
editSmoke-Conner married to D.J. Conner and they have three children: Trey, Lynsey, and Macey.[1] As of 2004, the family resided in Peggs, Oklahoma.[1]