Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award

Geographic Scope: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)

Purpose: Honors the legacy of Beloved Woman Lula Owl Gloyne, the first registered nurse of the EBCI. This award recognizes individuals whose contributions have profoundly improved healthcare for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Background

Lula Leta Owl (later Lula Owl Gloyne) worked in a small clinic in the basement of the Agency's administration building in the 1920s, serving the community with distinction. She became the first registered nurse of the EBCI and was later honored as a Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Tribe. In the early 1930s, she traveled with Tribal officials to Washington, DC, to advocate for a fully functioning hospital on the Qualla Boundary, resulting in Congress funding the construction of the Cherokee Indian Hospital in 1936.

Nomination Criteria

Awardees should demonstrate the following:

• Contributions to Healthcare: Significant contributions to advancing healthcare for the EBCI
• Selflessness: Acts in the best interests of others, promoting health and wellness
• Accomplished: Demonstrates exceptional achievements and serves as a role model and mentor
• Resilient: Advocates for the prosperity of future generations
• Visionary: Demonstrates forward-thinking and innovation in healthcare

Past Recipients

• 2025: Mistee Cutshaw
• 2024: Susan Crowe
• 2023: Dr. Victoria Harlan
• 2022: Mary Wachacha

Recognition

The award is announced and celebrated at the Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala (14th Annual Gala held in June 2025).