Native American Flutist of the Year Tommy Wildcat headlined the American Indian Day as a part of the 5th Annual Civil Rights Conference.

Wildcat is an accomplished fullblood Cherokee flutist from Tahlequah, Oka., who has recorded seven full length albums under the record label Warrior Records. Wildcat is widely known as a traveling flute player, flute maker, lecturer, and historical story teller, but most famous for his achievement as the Native American Music Award’s Flutist of the Year.

This year’s performance included many traditional Cherokee songs which are used to honor elders, family, friends and the heritage of the Cherokee people. Originally, the flute was played by men as a serenade for the women of the tribe, but now it is more commonly played as a form of Cherokee worship.

Tommy was unique not only in his style of music, but also in the fact that all of the flutes he plays he made himself. Wildcat is a self-taught flute maker.

UTM History Professor and Cherokee Indian Brent Cox said, “You always make your own instruments because it is sacred and special to you when you play. The wooden instrument is a connection between the earth, the person and the Creator.”

“I have never heard anything quite like this. It was amazing.” said Diana Foster, a senior Communications major.

The message the Cherokee wanted to leave is that they are real people that really do exist with traditions just like every other culture. Tommy Wildcat entertained with an American Indian touch.