Enoch Kelly Haney obituary: renowned Native American artist dies at 81

Enoch Kelly Haney was an internationally known Native American artist and former Seminole Nation chief.  

Artist, chief, and politician

Enoch Kelly Haney was a celebrated Native American artist whose sculpture titled “The Guardian,” sits atop the Oklahoma state capitol. He was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and was the chief of the Seminole Nation from 2005 until 2009. He served in the Oklahoma senate and house of representatives and ran for Governor of Oklahoma in the 2002 democratic primary, losing to Brad Henry. His artwork, featuring paintings and sculpture, was showcased in the United States and around the world.  

Notable Quote

“My grandfather and father were great storytellers, so I have that ability to tell stories, about native people and their history and so forth. So I guess in one sense I’m still the keeper of the traditions,” – 2014 interview with The Oklahoman   

Tributes to Enoch Kelly Haney 

Full Obituary: The Okahoman

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