Audra Smoke-Conner | |
|---|---|
| Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 1st district | |
| In office 2003–2007 | |
| Preceded by | Don Crittenden |
| 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) |
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 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]
Since 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]
Smoke-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]