Frankie Darlene Hargis (July 19, 1965 – August 15, 2021) was a Cherokee politician who served as the registrar of the Cherokee Nation from 2018 to 2021. She was previously a member of the tribal council representing District 7 from 2011 to 2018.
Frankie Hargis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 7th district | |
| In office 2011 – November 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Joe Crittenden |
| Succeeded by | Canaan Duncan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1965 Claremore, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | August 15, 2021 (aged 56) |
| Citizenship | Cherokee Nation United States |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Northeastern State University |
Life
editHargis was born July 19, 1965, in Claremore, Oklahoma and raised in Stilwell.[1][2] She graduated from Stilwell High School and later earned a B.A. in education from Northeastern State University.[1][2]
Hargis worked for the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Enterprises in various capacities.[1] In 2006, Hargas supported limiting Cherokee citizenship to those with Cherokee blood, arguing that Freedmen, descendants of former slaves, should also be excluded.[3] She backed the Cherokee Nation tribal council's amendment requiring Indian blood for citizenship.[3]
Her political career began in 2011 when she was elected to the tribal council in a special election, representing District 7 (western Adair County).[1] She succeeded Joe Crittenden.[4] Hargis was re-elected in 2013 and again in 2017.[1] During her tenure, she secured $80,000 for a domestic violence shelter in Stilwell, $4.2 million for a child development center in Stilwell, $11 million for the expansion of the Wilma P. Mankiller Clinic, and $1 million for roads and bridges in Adair County.[1] She sponsored 333 pieces of legislation.[5] In November 2018, Hargis resigned from her Tribal Council seat after being selected by principal chief Bill John Baker to become the Cherokee Nation's Registrar.[6] Canaan Duncan won a special election to serve the rest of Hargis council term.[7] She held the registrar position until her death.[1]
Hargis had two sons.[1] She died unexpectedly in Stilwell on August 15, 2021, at the age of 56.[1][2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i "UPDATED: Registrar, former Tribal Councilor Frankie Hargis dies at 56". cherokeephoenix.org. 2021-08-16. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ a b c "Frankie Hargis Obituary 2021". Hart Funeral Home- Stilwell. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ a b Chavez, Will (2006-07-14). "Council amends constitution to exclude Freedmen". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ "6 incumbents to remain on Tribal Council". cherokeephoenix.org. 2013-06-23. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ "Council of the Cherokee Nation - Frankie Hargis". cherokee.legistar.com. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Jackson, Tesina (2018-11-28). "Deadlines upcoming for Cherokee Nation elections". Tahlequah Daily Press. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Hunter, Chad (2019-01-06). "Canaan Duncan secures tribal council seat". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-08.