Dr. Mark A. Rafter who served for a time as Ambassador for Economic Development for the Tribe is also known amongst the American Chinese and Chinese as “Marco” created a new logo for the Chickamauga Nation. Once the new logo was approved by Tribal Chiefs.
Dr. Mark then sought out a long-time friend and famous Chinese American Artist Lucy Zhu who agreed to paint the new logo and donate it to the Tribe. Dr. Mark after listening to Tribal Chiefs and reading more than 700,000 pages of academically authenticated research providing over 2,000 years of history relating to their being on the continent from time immemorial, set about creating a new Chickamauga Nation Logo that incorporated all the Tribe’s Culture and History.
The Copper Oak Tree logo of the Chickamauga Nation symbolizes the core strength and endurance of the Chickamauga Nation for centuries in The Tree of Life. The Chickamauga Nation is one of the oldest Native American Tribes in the United States. The Copper Oak Tree has a study trunk and sprawling branches that stand tall and unwavering through the seasons of thousands years of the Tribes existence even through the harshest storms.
It has been one of the most diverse tribes with members from nearly every background. In ancient times the oak was regarded as a sacred tree. Often associated with wisdom and knowledge along with safety and protection. The cooper symbolizes the Tribe’s durability and endurance and while the Tribe like cooper, can tarnish it still is standing the test of time. This is an absolute truth for most Native American Tribes who have endured the taking of their land, the killing of the Buffalo, the loss of their culture. Cooper is used in the transmission of electricity and water and with the Tribe symbolizes the sense of connectivity. The acorns hanging from the branches represent the Chickamauga Nation as a Sovereign Nation engaging in treaties with the international community.
The Chickamauga Nation possesses a rich legacy of Treaties with the United States and other sovereign entities, dating back to the 17th century. These treaties recognized the Tribe’s sovereignty and political autonomy. The Chickamauga Nation’s treaty history, coupled with its inherent sovereignty and jurisdictional rights, provides a compelling argument for its recognition. The year 2024 was the 340th anniversary of the first Treaty signed by the Lower Town Chickamauga with the British Colony of South Carolina. The Chickamauga Nation holds at least twenty-two (22) Treaties with the United States, fifteen (15) Treaties with England and her American Colonies, three (3) Treaties with Spain, three (3) Treaties with Mexico, at least three (3) treaty with the Republic of Texas, is provided for in the Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803) and the Treaty of Ghent (1814), as well as numerous Land Grants from Spain and Mexico. The cooper oak tree symbolizes the Chickamauga Tribes’ sense of family that is deeply rooted as strong as the great oak. Chief Richard Botts once stated regarding being a Chickamauga Member, “…once you’re in…you’re in for life…” This is the oneness. The combining of the two oaks and cooper provide symbolize the Tribe in grounded wisdom and resilience with a touch of elegance. It is also a symbol to Tribal Members that there is always the strength of opportunity.
These were the thoughts when Dr. Mark created the new logo and delivered them to Don Aspinall of the Hooray who digitized the logo which was then sent to Steven Shen of Dr. Mark’s Team to have made into pins which were donated by Steve and Dr. Mark for “The Gathering” and then to Lucy Zhu for the painting. Dr. Mark first met Lucy Zhu when attending a USA Shenyang Chamber of Commerce dinner where Lucy’s Brother Mr. (Kevin) Zhu is Chairman and a well-known leader in the Chinese American community and the broader Southern California and global business network. Through the years there has always been a spirit of respect, collaboration, and the shared goal of building bridges between nations through art, commerce, culture and friendship. Lucy Zhu has been learning painting since she was young under the tutelage of her renowned father, a military artist, and graduated from the Lu Xun Fina Arts Institute. She specializes in meticulous, richly colored painting. She has published art books, and her work, “Winds of Harmony: Lotus,” which was acquired by Claes Nobel, a member of the Nobel Family for which the Nobel Prize is named after.
Dr. Mark and Lucy are trusted friends committed to goodwill, mutual respect, and the belief that shared values can prevail over division. Lucy exemplifies how art contributes to dialogue, mutual respect, and open exchange remain the foundation of strong international relationships, reinforcing the idea that positive developments in business and diplomacy are possible when relationships are nurtured and trust is built. In addition to Traditional Chinese art Lucy has developed a unique style and several of those pieces have been done in reprographics one of which was donated to Chickamauga Western National Executive Chief of the West Region Chief Jimmy W. Kersh. In today’s rapidly shifting global climate Lucy Zhu’s donation of the Chickamauga Nation Tree of Life Logo serves as a vital touchpoint for diplomacy and friendship at the grass roots community level that creates an environment where partnerships can grow organically, supported by trust and mutual respect.
