Emilee Edwards
At just 25 years old, Emilee Edwards of Vian is already making her mark as a passionate artist, dedicated cultural advocate and proud member of a close-knit community.
A graduate of Connors State College with an associate degree, Edwards currently works as a curriculum specialist for the Cherokee Nation Language Department. Her days are spent helping preserve and share the Cherokee language, a role that speaks to both her heritage and her heart. It’s also an occupation that she works alongside with her dad, Jeff Edwards, a renowned Cherokee artist.
“We’ve been to art shows together, and I always laugh when I sell something before he does,” she says.
Outside of her work, she finds peace and inspiration in the natural world. She cares for her livestock, rabbits and chickens with the same sense of devotion that runs deep in her family’s roots.
“We’re hardworking, loving and kind,” Edwards says. “We’d give the shirt off our backs to help someone. We’re humble and God-loving. That’s how I was raised.”
Her artistic talent has not gone unnoticed. An award-winning graphic designer, her creations are deeply influenced by the beauty of nature and the Cherokee culture she holds dear. Her work often features the Cherokee syllabary, blending tradition and modern expression in a powerful way.
Though she’s unsure exactly where the future will lead, Edwards is following her faith and exploring the possibility of returning to school to earn her bachelor’s degree. Whether she opens her own business or rises through the ranks of the Cherokee Nation, her commitment to her roots remains unshakable.
What she loves most about Sequoyah County? The community.
“If you break down, there’s about 10 or 15 people that’ll pull over to help you,” she says with a smile.
In a world that often moves too fast, Edwards is a reminder of the strength found in tradition, the beauty in kindness and the hope that comes from trusting God’s plan, one day at a time.
