|
Cherokee's Bushyhead earns national award
 Ben Bushyhead of Cherokee, director of development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians-Cherokee Family Services, has been selected the 2004 National Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers.
The award is presented each year to a non-social worker whose contributions have greatly benefited society.
Since the early 1970s Bushyhead has held a variety of positions throughout the country. He is a past appointee to the White House Council on Mental Health Awareness. From 1980–1985 he was director of the Montana United Indian Association. He has served as a pastor and was Director of the National United Methodist Church Native American Center from 1985-90. He worked as a pastor in Milwaukee prior to returning to Cherokee in 2000. Over the years he has conducted cultural diversity and racism workshops, established youth programs, worked with children, and worked with prisoners and those suffering from substance abuse and mental illness.
Bushyhead received the award Saturday (Nov. 20) in Asheville during the annual fall conference of the NASW–North Carolina Chapter.
"Ben will always speak for those who have no voice and advocate for the welfare of those who need a hand and not always a handout," said Stan Benick, executive director of Cherokee Center for Family Services.
|
