Enoch Kelly Haney, politician and artist who left a lasting mark on the state Capitol, dies
Enoch Kelly Haney, the former Seminole Nation Chief who served in the state Legislature, ran for governor and had his art showcased around the world, including on top of the Oklahoma state Capitol, died Saturday. He was 81.
Born in Seminole County and most recently a resident of Norman, Haney served 22 years in both the state House and Senate, including as chairman of the Senate's Appropriations Committee. He was the first full-blood Native American to serve in the Legislature, according to the Seminole Nation, which elected him chief in 2005.
"An inspiration to many, an accomplished (artist), his work with the state and later as Chief highlighted his career. But his greatest achievement is that of family,” said Brian Palmer, assistant chief of the Seminole Nation, in a statement on Saturday, which confirmed Haney's death.
In 2002, Haney ran for governor in the Democratic primary but was beat by former Gov. Brad Henry.
Haney was also an accomplished painter and sculptor who created "The Guardian" statue that is on top of the state Capitol dome.
“The towering statue exemplifies the valor of Oklahomans and their ability to overcome the most horrific catastrophes such as the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City,” Haney’s Arts Council profile states. “The Guardian is a reminder that just below him within the halls of our grand Capitol, the true guardians of Oklahoma, our elected officials and others, are working every day to improve this already magnificent state.”
In a 2014 interview as he prepared a new exhibit of his art, Haney spoke about how his art was grounded in his heritage.
“My grandfather and father were great storytellers, so I have that ability to tell stories, about native people and their history and so forth. So I guess in one sense I’m still the keeper of the traditions,” Haney said.
Haney said his mother recalled that he started drawing things he saw and sculpting with clay as early as 2 years old.
“At age 6, I used red clay from our front yard to create Abraham Lincoln’s head,” Haney said. “I started studying Indian art under Dr. Dick West at Bacone College in Muskogee. I went to the University of Arizona and then graduated from the Oklahoma City University School of Art in 1965. It was at OCU that I developed style and learned about realist painting and surrealism.”
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Enoch Kelly Haney, Seminole leader, artist and politician, dies at 81
