Cherokee Nation Tribal Council honors Cherokee citizen, internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Barbara McAlister

ribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd, left, and Deputy Speaker of the Tribal Council Victoria Vazquez, right, presented Cherokee Nation citizen and acclaimed mezzo-soprano Barbara McAlister with a shawl

Published May 21, 2019

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Tribal Councilors recognized Cherokee Nation citizen and internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Barbara McAlister during Monday night’s monthly meeting.

McAlister, of Muskogee, retired from a distinguished operatic career and is now teaching vocal performance to both youth and adults in northeastern Oklahoma. Tribal Councilors presented McAlister with a shawl made by Cherokee National Treasure Dorothy Ice in honor of McAlister’s contributions to the arts.

“We are very honored to recognize Cherokee mezzo-soprano Barbara McAlister,” Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd said. “In addition to her storied singing career both in the United States and abroad, Barbara is a 2019 recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award. She was recognized by Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Arts Council for her longtime leadership and contribution to the arts. We are so honored that she represents our tribe.”

Cherokee Nation citizen Megan Jacobs, a four-year student of McAlister, also shared her operatic talents during a performance for the Tribal Council.