Jean Chaudhuri

JEAN CHAUDHURI Jean Chaudhuri (1937-1997) rejoined The Great Spirit 10 years ago on February 17 in Tempe, Arizona, soon after Valentine's Day. Her maiden name was Jean Hill and she was of the Bear Clan of the Muscogee (Creek) Tribe of Oklahoma. In extending the family tradition Jean was deeply involved in community service in every community she was associated with including Oklahoma, Ohio, South Dakota, Florida, New Mexico, Tucson and Phoenix- Arizona. Influenced by the Creek Confederacy values she always attempted community oriented alliances with organizations and groups irrespective of ethnicity, culture, religion or race. She sought no personal recognition. Nevertheless she received many awards locally, regionally and nationally in her lifetime and posthumously as well. The awards include but are not limited to the national Jefferson Medal for public service, Dr. Martin Luther King "Living the Dream" Award, "Outstanding Native American Leader" in the Phoenix Native American Recognition Days. The range of Jean's involvements included Creek community activity in Oklahoma, Urban Indian service work in Tucson and elsewhere, anti alcoholism programs, educational tutoring, protecting the environment, initiatives against world hunger, children's dance, Plays "Indians Discover Christopher Columbus", and "Four Seasons of a Indian Woman's Life" and public speaking. Jean also coordinated religious services to Native Americans in Arizona correctional facilities. In Phoenix with the grassroots Phoenix Indian School Preservation Coalition Project she worked hard to preserve the richness of Indian cultures in the diversity of Phoenix. She is the major author of the published book "A Sacred Path-The Way of the Muscogee Creeks" (see Amazon.com). Her love is preserved in the hearts of her family and friends including her husband Joyotpaul (Joy), her sons Joydev(Paul), Jonodev, her sister Richinda, her nephew Lance, her daughter in law Gabriella and her grandchildren Sam, Lila Jean and Ross.

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