P. O. Box 1380
Jay, OK 74346
Council cell 918-316-4114

Delaware County native Melvina Shotpouch retired after 29 years in the Delaware County Assessor’s office as cartographer. She is a graduate of Jay High School and attended OSU Technical Center in Oklmulgee.

Melvina has served on the Council of the Cherokee Nation from 1991-1995, 1999-2004, 2004-2007. She I is currently serving another Council term from 2021-2024. She is one of the few surviving first Cherokee Language speakers, and is very culturally oriented. She received the Cherokee Nation Statesman Award and was recognized during the 2013 Cherokee National Holiday. She also served on the Jay City Council for 12 years. She has been a board member for the Jay Chamber of Commerce, Delaware County Historical Society, Jay Senior Citizens Center, Lighthouse Pregnancy Center and numerous other organizations.

Melvina has two sons, Kenton and Kip; and three grandchildren, Chase, Shelby and Kaybree.

Melvina, along with her family, has a passion for cooking. They have cooked for many benefits and fundraisers. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, it was nothing for the family to have two or three events per month for which they cooked. Melvina is also known for her catering expertise, providing food for weddings, reunions and festivals.

The Shotpouch family is known far and wide for their annual hog fry, which was initiated by Melvina’s grandparents and parents. Melvina and her siblings continue to honor and carry on the tradition, which will celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023.