Cameron is First Language Speaker of the Month

Jean Hancock Cameron, daughter of Jeff Hancock, FB Choctaw, and Annie Ensharkey Hancock, FB Choctaw, resided in the Ash Creek Community and attended elementary classes on campus at Eufaula Boarding School. Then, she attended grades 7-12 at Eufaula Public School, where she graduated with honors.

Speaking your native language was prohibited, but she learned the Lord’s Prayer in sign language by studying books and watching Acee Blue Eagle when he signed off before midnight on Channel 8, KTVX when it was in Muskogee. She performed this numerous times for school assemblies. She was honored when Chief Belvin asked her to be a Choctaw princess. This was declined by staff at the boarding school, thinking it would be a hardship for her parents for her to attend functions.

Cameron has enjoyed all her jobs, most notably working for the BIA in Muskogee. She later transferred to Jones Academy to be the Junior High Girls’ Counselor.

Cameron is a widow and a very proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

A retiree, she is active within District 12 and participates in their activities and community volunteer work. She also took Choctaw language classes offered through the tribe.

A member of the Body of Christ, she attends Ash Creek Union Church, where she is the secretary/treasurer, pianist and janitor. She also helps maintain the Ash Creek Cemetery, which her great-great-aunt donated land for.

Jean is glad her parents instilled in her to be respectful, study and work hard, share and think of the needs of others, have fun, but most of all have God in your life.