Stone Gardens: The final Cherokee tribe member who spoke only the vative tongue died at the age of 82 in Tahlequah

Mack Vann, Cherokee name Guyadahi (ᎬᏯᏓᎯ), belonged to the Wolf Clan. He was born on March 6, 1931, in Bunch, Oklahoma, to parents James Vann and Susie Ellis Vann.He grew up in the rural Cherokee-speaking community in eastern Oklahoma.

Cherokee was the only language spoken in his home. He learned some English in school but stopped attending early and did not use English much after that. He spoke Cherokee exclusively into adulthood.

By 2014, he was one of about 50 remaining Cheroke-only speakers in the area. At his death, he was called the last one

Vann was a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. He was a descendant of Andrew Ross, brother of Chief John Ross, who led the Cherokee during the Trail of Tears. He worked for years at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah.

There, he taught the Cherokee language and shared traditional knowledge. People called him the "Walking Cherokee Dictionary" because he helped translate and explain Cherokee terms. He also made traditional Cherokee bows by hand and worked as a healer.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing pool, attending hog fries, visiting the Holy City of the Wichitas (where he was a citizen and helped with programs), and going to casinos. He took photos with buffaloes when he could.

.Vann's wife, Fayeola Vann, died before him. He died on April 22, 2019, in Tahlequah, at age 88, from pneumonia during treatment for a heart condition.

He was buried at Rocky Point Cemetery in Sequoyah County, near Brushy.