Cherokee Nation native Jaxen Smith is a senior at Rogers State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a focus in Athletic Training. Smith grew up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he mostly participated in athletics, worked at the American Indian Resource Center, and was active in the community. At Sequoyah High School, Jaxen participated in track and field, basketball, and football. In addition, he participated in a number of clubs, including College Horizons, HOPE Club, Student Council, and National Honors Society.
The reason Jaxen felt such a strong connection to his culture and heritage was because of his grandma, Anita Smith. Together, they would hunt, gather wild onions, cook, and engage in a variety of other activities. She demonstrated to him what it meant to be a real Native American—strong, brave, and loyal. She worked with the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority for many years, helping her people through the many programs available to help Cherokee citizens.
As a youth rider, Smith took part in the 2024 Remember the Removal Bike Ride to discover more about the foundation of his inner strength. He decided to do the ride in order to vulnerably and truly respect his ancestors' suffering. He met new people, formed sincere connections, and gained a fresh perspective on his ancestry and culture. He says we are stronger than ever today because of the tenacity and fortitude of our Cherokee people.
