Agnes Cowen

Agnes Louise Cowen (née Stacy; May 1, 1927 – August 29, 1999) was a Cherokee educator and politician who worked on bilingual education and language preservation initiatives. She served as the first elected female Cherokee Nation tribal councilor, representing the at-large district.

Early life and education Agnes Louise Cowen was born on May 1, 1927, in Welling, Oklahoma, to John Stacy and Jenny Spade. She attended schools in Welling and later studied at Northeastern State University where she earned a master’s degree in education.

Career

Education Cowen worked in education with a focus on bilingual and Native American educational initiatives.

In 1983, Cowen lost by absentee votes in a run-off election for the deputy chief of Cherokee Nation post against Wilma Mankiller. Cowen demanded a recount and filed a suit with the Cherokee Judicial Appeals Tribunal and U. S. District Court alleging voting irregularities. Both tribal and federal courts ruled against Cowen.

Personal life On August 6, 1969, Cowen married David Cowen. They lived in Gore, Oklahoma. She had three children. Her personal interests included gardening, sewing, quilting, and writing.

Cowen died on August 29, 1999, in Gore, Oklahoma, at the age of 72. Her funeral was held at Reed-Culver Chapel in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and she was interred at Manus Cemetery.