ADA, Okla. — Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby inducted five Chickasaws into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame April 16. Inductees include a citizen important to the preservation of the Chickasaw language, a trailblazing aviator for the United States Marine Corps, an artist and advocate, an athlete dedicated to cultural preservation and an Air Force veteran who is also an accomplished attorney and lived a life of service.
The 2026 inductees, Geneva Holman, Col. Jessica Owens, Jack Pettigrew, Carlin Thompson and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Deanna Tuley, were honored in ceremonies at the Ataloa Theater on the East Central University (ECU) campus. Tuley was honored posthumously, and her award was accepted by her sisters, Carolyn Tuley and Joan Marshall, and her partner, Tom Anderson.
“Our tribe has always had exceptional warriors, storytellers, language bearers and servant leaders because these are part of who we are — it’s who we have always been,” Governor Anoatubby said.
“Five Chickasaws who looked at something that needed doing — a need waiting to be met, and they answered the call. In doing so they have carried on a long legacy of service and making an impact on those around them.
“These Chickasaws, like many before them, have carried forward what our ancestors built and worked for,” Governor Anoatubby said. “They have carried forward our culture, our language and traditions of service. We are Chickasaw, and service is in our blood. Tonight, our five inductees have reminded us of that truth.”
Geneva Holman
1928 –
Geneva Holman has been integral in the preservation of the Chickasaw language. She was born in the Steedman community of Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. Her father Jeff Alexander and stepmother Elsie Frazier Alexander raised her, after her mother Mary Jane Shields Alexander passed away.
Her grandfather John “Johno” Alexander was a well-known Chickasaw doctor. His legacy of healing and respect for tradition shaped Holman’s deep spiritual connection with the Chickasaw people and culture.
Some of Holman’s earliest memories are of her family and church speaking Chikashshanompa' (the Chickasaw language), singing Choctaw hymns and sharing stories of their Chickasaw heritage. Growing up, she attended school at Kullihoma. She would gather with her classmates to speak Chickasaw, keeping the language alive despite being discouraged from speaking it in the classroom.
She has continued to share the stories of her childhood, school, church and traditions, safeguarding the history of Kullihoma School and Boiling Springs Church. Through Holman’s work to preserve the Chickasaw language, she has often been featured in video and audio recordings for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Culture and Humanities and Chickasaw.TV. During these recordings, she shares traditional Chickasaw stories in the Chickasaw language as well as her personal experience as a fluent Chickasaw speaker.
In 2004, she received the Chickasaw Nation’s Silver Feather Award. This prestigious honor was awarded to Holman for her dedication to sharing Chickasaw language and culture.
Holman has been a member of the Chickasaw Language Committee since its inception. She serves as a mentor for language students and has co-authored several books. She also attends ongoing weekly meetings to discuss the Chickasaw language and ensure its cultural and historical accuracy. As a Chickasaw speaker, she was selected to be featured in the Chikasha Ilanompoli (We Speak Chickasaw) edition of the 2026 Chickasaw calendar.
Holman remains an active member of the Chickasaw Language Committee and her church, Boiling Springs United Methodist.
Colonel Jessica M. Owens, USMC, Retired
1978-
Col. Jessica Owens, USMC (Ret.), is a trailblazing aviator and leader whose 24-year career is defined by historic firsts and unwavering dedication to the United States. After commissioning in 1999 and earning her wings as a Naval Aviator in 2002, Col. Owens became the fifth woman in United States Marine Corps history to fly the AH-1W Super Cobra and subsequently the first to reach the rank of Colonel.
Her distinguished combat service includes a 2004 deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and a 2005-2006 tour in Iraq. Between 2008 and 2014, she served as a Reserve Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor with HMLAT-303, while simultaneously contributing to advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs at Northrop Grumman. She also served as an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
In 2015, Col. Owens transitioned to the Active Reserve as the Director of Safety and Standardization for the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing before becoming Assistant Chief of Staff in 2016. Her late-career leadership included serving as the Deputy Reserve Affairs Policy Branch Head and, in 2022, assuming duties as the Chief of Readiness for the Marine and Family Programs Division.
She is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal with bronze numeral nine, the Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award) and the Navy Achievement Medal. Her legacy was honored when her uniform was featured in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., as part of the “Fly Marines! The Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation: 1912-2012” exhibit.
Col. Owens retired in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Marine Corps Aviation.
Jackson D. Pettigrew
1942-
Jack Pettigrew is an international artist and First American advocate. As an artist, he emphasizes Chickasaw culture by crafting traditional wooden musical flutes, pastel art and other cultural crafts. He also pursued the fair treatment of First Americans through his work with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and as a member of a Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) Indian Advisory Council.
Pettigrew was an equal opportunity specialist with OCR, Division of Higher Education within HEW from 1973-1979. He also served as the vice-chairman of the Indian Advisory Council (IAC) from 1974-1979. In these positions, he provided support, guidance and cultural stewardship across tribal education and governmental educational institutions. His work with OCR and the IAC helped close gaps in higher education, financial aid and civil rights protections. He worked with tribal leaders, community inter-tribal centers and university presidents to build policies that protected the identity and sovereignty of First Americans.
As a child, Pettigrew embraced his Chickasaw heritage by building flutes, drums, bows and arrows with his brother, Wendell. His revived interest in flute making came when he and Wendell could not identify any Chickasaw flute makers in their area or in retail shops. This led Pettigrew to study the craftsmanship and strive to adhere to the authenticity of his Chickasaw ancestors.
His artwork includes sculpting, pastels, painting, silversmith work, flute, pipe making and other mixed media. His work is represented in galleries and private collections in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as in China, Japan, Germany, England and France. Pettigrew is specially honored to be the only Chickasaw flute maker to be displayed in the Shaolin Temple in China. The flute was presented on behalf of the Pettigrew family and the Chickasaw Nation. A documentary filmed in 2020-2021 titled “Spirit Flute: Healing of the Heart,” highlights Pettigrew and his traditional flutes.
Carlin Thompson
1953-
Carlin Thompson is a Chickasaw speaker and dedicated language preservationist. He is also a remarkable athlete who ran track and field for Ada High School from 1969-1972.
Thompson won individual state championships in the 220-yard dash and 440-yard dash for three consecutive years. During his time with Ada track and field, he also led the team to four state championships. As a high school athlete in the state of Oklahoma, he accomplished breaking 48 seconds in the 440-yard dash. He met the state record with a time of 47.9 seconds. In 2009, Sequoyah High School honored Thompson by naming their 400-meter race “The Carlin Thompson 400.” The plaque, dedicating the race to him, names him as the “Greatest Native American Sprinter.”
In addition to his notable athletic career, Thompson is a devoted member of the Chickasaw Language Committee. As an original member, he has been instrumental in establishing methods for preserving Chickasaw vocabulary. He has co-authored several books and served in numerous workshops in Oklahoma and the historic Chickasaw Homeland. Thompson is featured on Chickasaw.TV, Chickasaw Nation Culture and Humanities YouTube channel and the Chickasaw Times. He was highlighted in the 2026 Chickasaw calendar celebrating Chickasaw speakers.
Through hard work and commitment, Thompson has honed his talents and inspired many fellow athletes. He continues to carry his Chickasaw heritage forward by sharing his language and culture with others.
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Deanna Marie Tuley
1953-2023
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Deanna Tuley was a highly decorated Air Force veteran, an accomplished attorney and a dedicated leader within the American Red Cross. During her remarkable life, she continued a deep connection to her Chickasaw heritage.
Tuley was an avid scholar who excelled in academics. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in foreign service in 1976, Tuley received her commission through officer training school. In 1982, she obtained her Juris Doctorate at the Washington College of Law at American University after being accepted into the Air Force Funded Legal Education Program.
Tuley served in several significant legal positions in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., Colorado and Washington state. She retained admission to the bar of Washington state, Colorado, Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well as the bar of the Supreme Courts of the United States, Virginia and Colorado. Her contributions to the Air Force had a profound and positive impact on security and the Department of Defense. After 20 years, Tuley retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1998. She was honored with the Defense Superior Service Medal, the second-highest non-combative award in the Air Force, as well as four Meritorious Service Medals.
In retirement, Tuley obtained an advanced degree in conflict resolution from Pepperdine University. She managed her own legal practice, where she supported First Americans and underrepresented groups, and fought for their right for mediation.
The passion and commitment that defined her Air Force career carried into Tuley’s volunteer service. She began breeding and training golden retrievers to serve as hospital/therapy dogs. While working with the American Red Cross, she organized and trained a team of dog owners which would become the largest animal visitation program in the country. Tuley co-authored the animal visitation program guidelines that are standard for Red Cross teams. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross from 2009 until her passing in 2023 for which she received the Fort Carson’s Exemplary Volunteer Service Award.
About the Chickasaw Hall of Fame
Since 1987, the Chickasaw Hall of Fame has honored Chickasaw citizens, past and present, who have made a profound impact on the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw people and the greater community. Since that time, Chickasaws from a variety of fields and professions have been inducted for their significant achievements and contributions.
The Aaholiitobli' Honor Garden at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, commemorates each member of the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. Their influence leaves a lasting mark on the rich legacy of the Chickasaw people.
Induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon citizens of the Chickasaw Nation.
To learn more about the 2026 Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductees and view the ceremony, visit HOF.Chickasaw.net.