Born on May 15, 1939; Edmond spent His personal and public life believing that every day on this Earth was Chance to make a difference. A champion for the Seneca Cayuga Nation, He became a symbol to Native people. Edmond Showed People of indigenous backgrounds how far they could rise. With unmatched determination, he seamlessly bridged gaps between timeless tribal communities and the demands of the 21st century. His work for surrounding communities As the District attorney and for his people drew attention and sometimes scrutiny. He was a rare person who believed Progress, understanding, and knowledge were the only way forward and he never backed down. Edmond was not only a leader of people and a fearsome attorney but also a Father, a husband, a son, a grandfather, and a neighbor. He was a brother and a friend. He overcame personal and professional challenges with a grace that belied the difficulty of the task.

Edmond was a founding member of the Seneca Cayuga Nation Community Development Department, which received several national awards for innovative use of self-help in housing and water projects in low-income Tribal communities. In 1983, He was elected deputy chief of the Seneca Cayuga Nation. In 1985, He became the Principal Chief of the Seneca Cayuga Nation and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 1991. He chose not to seek re-election in l995. In 1996 he was elected to the district attorney's office where he remained in office until his retirement in 2022.

During Edmonds's tenure, He met with Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton to present critical tribal issues, and He, The Cherokee Nation president and Navajo Nation President co-chaired a national conference between tribal leaders and cabinet members which helped facilitate the establishment of an Office of Indian Justice within the U.S. Department of Justice. Edmonds administration was also marked by a great deal of new development, including several new free-standing health clinics, Job Corps Centers, and greatly expanded services for children and youth. He was a force on many boards, including the Ford Foundation, and the Freedom Foundation. He resided as the chairman on Seneca Cayuga Nation tribal council until his passing.

He is survived by His wife Bonnie Wakeley-Nightfeather (of Stillwater, OK); His sons Ray Wakeley-Nightfeather and Ralph Wakeley-Nightfeather (of Stilwell, OK); His daughters Kara Cole and Kirah Nightfeather (of Tahlequah, OK); His daughters Christine Lange and Theresa Thomure (of Stillwater, OK) and sister Vanessa Mankiller (of Stilwell, OK); and by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

The Family has requested that any gifts in his honor be made as donations to the American Heart Association 

The service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Edmonds ashes will be brought to rest in the family Mausoleum on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/edmond-wakeley-nightfeather/obituary/

Copy