*The entirety of this work is protected by copyright (see Copyright information section).
The Shawnee People & Tribe: History, Culture, Affiliations
A general, very informative video about the Shawnee that Cousin Saundra Stewart shared with me:
A genuine artifact! A Shawnee warrior’s weapon used at the Battle of Point Pleasant. Held in the collection of Jim and Jeri Lee. Permission for Dorene Soiret to post here granted by Jim Lee.
Another genuine artifact…this piece of Shawnee pottery (circa 1800) is held in the collection of Jim and Jeri Lee. It was found in a creek bed, where they had their source of water. Permission for Dorene Soiret to post here granted by Jim Lee.
Trade beads recovered from the Battle of Point Pleasant. Collection of Jim and Jeri Lee:
Pipe tomahawk presented to Chief Tecumseh, ca. 1812, Gift of Sarah Russell Imhof and Joseph A. Imhof
17/6249, Smithsonian, National Museum of the American Indian.
Artifacts displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. Culture/People: Oklahoma Shawnee.
Previous Owner: Chief Joe Billy (Pem Mep To/i’le’ni we ga wi’), traditional leader of the Big Jim Band of Absentee Shawnee [Shawnee, Oklahoma-Pottawatomie County] 1835-1917, Artifacts collected in 1910.
Headdress: A Ceremonial/Ritual Item. Native Term: pa na” kwe ho wa” na.
Dress Shirt, Native Term:
Man’s Vest, Native Term: betc wa ga te’ gi dje’ kiti.
Man’s leggings, Native Term: ma te’ ta wa li.
Woman’s Leggings, Native Term: ma te ta wa ti:
Hat Band, Native Termpi’ tak ho un” tci bi’ tcik:
Pipe Bowl and Pipe Stem, Native Name ho’ kwa ga:
Men’s Turban, Native Term wi’ e’ ci’ wai ya p’ta ko:
Mirror, Native Term wa ba mo wa:
Fan, Native Term we’ we’ tho’:
Fire Starting Flint and Steel, Native Name
I thought this would be a great forum to display the artwork of my VERY talented family.
Competitive Dancers!
Cousin Sharon’s oldest son and oldest granddaughter in all of their Absentee Shawnee regalia glory!
Native American Relics
Recreated by Pete Atkins, Direct Male-Line Descendant of William Atkinson/Adkins, Sr., using traditional methods. Pete’s wife Donna is also a gifted re-creator of Native American “relics”…she assisted Pete with the basket quiver, the cordage for the fishnet and wove by hand the back strap for the quiver!
*Of note, Cousin Pete is also a participant along with me in the third phase of the Native American DNA study being conducted by the authors of Cherokee DNA Studies, Real People Who Proved the Geneticists Wrong. The new book with the results of the Third Phase of the Study is due to be published soon. The title of the upcoming book is “Cherokee DNA Studies, More Real People Who Proved the Geneticists Wrong.”

Various Necessities of Daily Living used by Native Americans

Various Necessities of Daily Living Used by Native Americans

Ax and Knife

An Obsidian Blade

Cherokee Basket
Cousin Pete is also a gifted metal worker!
The knife sheath is buck skin with hand-stitched porcupine quill work!
NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE SPECIALIST/REENACTMENT PARTICIPANT
My third cousin David Adkins and his family live in West Virginia. After his family, of course, his passion is playing the Native American flute. He performs and gives demonstrations. He is also participates in reenactments. He is scheduled to participate in the Mary Ingles event in September…but that might have to be postponed or cancelled.
INCREDIBLY GIFTED, MULTI-TALENTED SINGER/SONGWRITER KARA CLARK!
Another that I love from Kara:
Kara is not only a gifted musical artist, but is blessed with other talents as well. This clay sculpture represents one of her fifth great aunts, Mary Watts. She died on the Trail of Tears.
A planter representing Cherokee Chief Dragging Canoe.
BIBLE JOURNALING
My cousin Debbie Adkins Vance is also a very talented artist. She is co-pastor with her husband Clifford at their church in West Virginia. Debbie loves to paint with acrylics…but one of Debbie’s passions is Bible journaling.
At Debbie and husband Clifford’s church retreat, Debbie conducted an art class for the ladies (and a few younger gentlemen)!
The finished product!
EMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST!
My Cousin Jack Adkins is an Emmy award-winning graphic artist!
I’m so honored! Look what Cousin Jack made for me! Thanks, Jack!
Cousin Jack’s latest….isn’t it awesome?!!!
Jack won his Emmy while working with this guy…recognize him?
CLARENCE OSBURN — ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE!
Clarence has been creating his art since he can remember! Here’s a great article that was written about him and his artwork:
PHILIP LEE, EXPERT DRIVER! SON OF JIM AND JERI LEE!
NEW FOOTAGE! Weekend of May 1, 2022
In this link we get to sit in the driver’s seat along with Philip for ANOTHER exciting win! This was just one in series of wins this weekend by Cousin Philip! Congratulations, Cuz!
10/30/2021 — AND THE WINNER IS…..AGAIN….PHILIP LEE!!!
Another exciting and successful day at the races for Philip Lee and family. Left to right, Jeri Lee, Philip Lee and Jim Lee.
Philip atop the winner’s pedestal!
Cousin Philip Lee is the son of Jim and Jeri Lee. Congratulations, Philip!
July 14, 2021: ANOTHER WIN!!! Philip tearing it up again, this time in the 2021 Prime Meridian Racing League in the Indy Car-Road America virtual race…pitted against European drivers! This is a race held virtually. It is very realistic and the drivers endure many of the physical challenges as when they are in their cars and racing on the real track. Near the end of the race, one of the announcers mentioned about Philip, “A miraculous, fantastic day for Philip; pulling out that hero lap in qualifying and then defending it, really not suffering any challenge from arrears [sic]!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRAiDav6biE
Jim Lee, another race car driver in the family!
Looks like racing is in Philip’s DNA! Here’s Philip’s father Jim Lee racing with Paul Newman in 1982! (Jim is car No. 33)
Lori Robbins, Master Quilter!
A.C. Leffel, Guitar Virtuoso!
Unbelievably Talented Photographer, Cousin Sheila Smith-Lee!!!






Look what an unbelievable talent Sheila has in restoring old photos!

We have a famous gospel group in our family! The Adkins Brothers Quartet, made up of father Asbury, Kenny, Gerald and Vernon Adkins!
Cousin Velina Hewett, her daughter and grand daughters perform at Sycamore Schoals Native Culture Festival:



Velina is also a gifted artist!






Cousin ᎠᎦᏍᎬ ᎪᎦ is a master potter!





