By Debbie Adams
Steve Cheveyo Garay has made a commitment to live each day to the fullest– to enjoy life and to
help other people.
Garay is a pastor, instructor, writer, musician (flutes and guitars), crafter, family man, an
encourager– and much more.
“I have a heart for ministry and look at everything I do as part of my ministry. I like helping
people and strive to make a difference in the lives of those I meet. I try to do everything
according to the biblical standard of do it as though you are doing it for the Lord– which to me
means give it your very best,” Garay said.
For 25 years he has been the pastor at Oakview Church of God, located just off of King Street.
(His youngest son is now the associate pastor at the church.)
Garay is a man of many talents and interests– what he needs are more hours in the day to do
everything he wants to accomplish and to explore everything that he is curious about. He doesn’t
seem to just have hobbies; he jumps in with both feet when he finds something novel to explore.
Over the years he has been an insurance salesman, storyteller, columnist for the Senior News,
and director of the Roanoke Valley Christian Writers group. He will retire in May from his “day
job” as Prep Department supervisor at Keltech. He is probably most well-known in Vinton as the
Tai Chi and Tai Chi Cane Defense instructor at the Vinton Community Center.
That brings us to his most recent ventures– becoming a Tribal Diplomat for the Central
Appalachian Cherokee Tribe, crafting leather goods, and learning to play the Native American
flute.
The Central Appalachian Cherokee Tribe is a 501(c)3 community-based and educational tribe
(not affiliated with any federal tribe.) Hearing the oral history of his Native American ancestry
throughout his childhood, Garay has been able to confirm this through DNA documentation and
joined the tribe in 2025. Both maternal and paternal ancestors were Native Americans.
According to the tribe, their members are descendants of the Cherokee people who once
thrived in the area of what is today East Tennessee, East Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, parts of
North Carolina, and southern West Virginia. Tribal membership is based on Native American
blood quantum and/or family history (oral or documented).
Their purpose is “to help support the communities of the central Appalachian region through
volunteerism and philanthropy, and to keep the memory of our ancestors alive. Many
descendants of the Central Appalachian Cherokee assimilated or died before the Indian
Removal Act of 1830, as well as before the organization of the Dawes Rolls from 1899-1907.
We want to remember them, as we know that their life was hard, and their true identity was
considered shameful in this time of American history.”
In a tribal naming ceremony, Garay was given the name of “Cheveyo,” the Hopi word meaning
“Spirit Warrior,” an apt name given his life’s work. He went on to join the Tribal Council as a
diplomat and spiritual leader.
On March 5, Garay was able to join other members of the tribe at a recognition of the tribe’s
“Blanket Mission” at the Virginia General Assembly by Delegate Lily Franklin of Blacksburg.
She noted that “250 years ago, almost exactly to the day, the Cherokee of Virginia were forcibly
removed due to the Cherokee Wars of 1776. That meant that the Central Appalachian Cherokee
tribe would no longer be recognized by Virginia, and it’s been that way for 250 years.
“The Cherokee were forced out and sought refuge in the Appalachian Mountains. That’s where
the tribe’s history intersects with my family, and with so many other families across Southwest
Virginia.
“It was tough living. Resources were scarce. They didn’t even have blankets to keep warm. But
the Cherokee are resilient, and survivors eventually assimilated, joining the new way of life that
emerged in the region.
“Today, the Central Appalachian Cherokee tribe is handing out blankets to people in need with
their program ‘The Blanket Mission.’ Through the mission, police officers, EMTs and first
responders are carrying blankets donated by the tribe to areas of Appalachia, so that folks being
displaced, whether through flood, or fire, or children in need, can have a source of warmth and
comfort.
“For the Cherokee, blankets are a symbol of protection, warmth, honor, and unity. We’re grateful
that they continue to share those values through this program. And we’re honored that they’ve
joined us today, almost 250 years later, in the same House chamber that forcibly removed them
from recognition.”
For more information on the Central Appalachian Cherokee tribe, visit their website at
www.cacherokeetribe.squarespace.com.
Leatherwork is one of the ways Garay shares with others what he has discovered about his
Native American culture. He also plays the Native American flute as another way to honor his
roots. He plays at festivals and craft fairs where he also sells his leatherwork, and at museums
and cultural events.
He named his new business “Cheveyo Leatherworks.” He starts with pieces of leather he obtains
from across the country to design and create an extensive variety of products, including
bookmarks, large and small notebooks, medicine bags, bowls, possibles bags, flute bags, bracelets, Bible covers, key fobs, and cat bowls. He has plans for learning to make and sell
moccasins next.
Growing up in the heart of the historical Cherokee tribal region of Southwest Virginia, Garay has
incorporated his ancestors’ native tradition into every product that he designs– each one original
and unique– carrying forward the traditions and artistry of leather craftsmanship. While he
creates the designs, his wife, Audrey (also a published writer), helps with the actual sewing
process of the leather using a heavy-duty sewing machine.
Garay says Cheveyo Leatherworks is thriving. He has added online transactions, but the craft
shows and word-of-mouth have been his best methods of sales. His notebooks, possibles bags,
small medicine bags, and bookmarks are his most popular items.
In addition, he sells Native American flutes on commission. Garay recently read a book about
flute makers in the United States and located one in nearby Bedford who had over 100 flutes in
storage and was willing to share the collection a few pieces at a time.
Another of his upcoming projects is an apprenticeship with a flute maker in Roanoke in order to
master the craft himself. Garay is a self-taught flute player.
To see more examples of his craft, visit Garay at https://cheveyoleatherworks.net/ or his
Facebook page. Or meet him in person at upcoming events: the 11th Annual Spring Craft and Vendor Show at the Berglund Center on May 9, and the Spring Craft Boutique Sale at the Moneta Library on May 16.
He continues to teach the Tai Chi Cane Self Defense class at the community center on Mondays
at 5:30. Most people think of Tai Chi as a gentle form of exercise with extremely slow circular
movements perfect mainly for seniors, but actually Tai Chi is a form of martial arts derived from
Chinese Kung Fu. This class involves an actual walking cane which individuals learn to use for
self-defense. While there are still simple methodical movements, one following another, there
are also powerful moves, blocks, and explosive strikes using the cane.
Our next article on Garay will most likely be in the fall, after his return from Houston where he
will be recognized by the Sport Karate Museum, founded by Professor Gary Lee. Its purpose is
to preserve the History of Martial Arts in America.
