The Longhouse has created the Western Reserve Native Sons and Daughters Ring of Honor to honor those dads who have given so much to our organization in the past. We are run by a group of Longhouse Chiefs and Tribe Chiefs, about 15 of us dads in total, and while it is incredibly rewarding to see the results of our efforts, it is also hard work. The Ring of Honor will enshrine certain dads from over the years whose kids have grown up in the organization, and seen their dad take the reigns on various projects, camps, activities, and generally leading the way to make sure the Western Reserve Native Sons and Daughters continues from our generation to the next and the next.
2025: JJ Sutphin
JJ spent over a decade dedicating his time and energy to his children, tribes, and our organization. He originally became Chief of his daughter’s Mohican Tribe and then his son’s Dakota Tribe. Then he held numerous Longhouse roles including Tally Keeper, Longhouse Chief, and Sachem. During his time, he was instrumental in moving our organization from YMCA Indian Guides & Princesses to Native Sons & Daughters. Finally, after the Longhouse, JJ continued serving by leading the National Longhouse, which, oversees all Native Sons & Daughters Local Longhouses in the United States.
JJ has 2 wonderful children who were in the organization, Lily, and Presley. JJ has too many memories and they are all very meaningful to him. His favorite memory with his daughter starts at their very first camp, watching her interact, admire, and learn from the other girls. Then over time he watched his daughter evolve into a mentor, organizer, and elder to the younger girls. With his son, he loved spending the day creating and building pinewood derby cars and then watching him compete with pride in his eyes. Camp Fitch will always be his kids’ favorite events, with a wagon ride up to the Peggy Gray’s Candy Store being the climax and then rounding off the camp with Ceremonial fires.
Lastly, JJ made a ton of life-long friendships during his time and still maintains and grows them to this day!
2024: Eric Kuhen
Eric was Tribe Chief of the mighty Penacook Tribe. Eric then moved on to the Longhouse as the Medicine Man, designing great patches for our ceremonial vests and contributing greatly to our whole organization. Eventually Eric was voted Longhouse Chief and was an amazing leader and was crucial in saving our Golf Outing fundraiser which again ensured that this great organization would thrive for another generation. Eric was then Sachem, which is the elder of the Longhouse. He was amazing at writing scripts for all camps and was in the organization for at least a decade.
Eric has two fantastic daughters who were in the organization, Ellie and Caroline, who grew up in our organization, embodying our motto of “Pals Forever, Friends Always”, year after year enjoying camps, hikes, smores, some great stories around the campfire and many many Daddy Daughter Dances.
2023: Chris Karman
Chris (Soaring Bald Eagle) spent 13 years (2003-2016) in Native Sons & Daughters. He was a founder and tribe chief of the Penacook Daughters Tribe and tribe chief of the Shawnee Sons Tribe . Chris spent 8 years in the Western Reserve Longhouse for both Sons & Daughters. He held numerous roles including: Medicine Man, Rain Maker, Longhouse Chief, and Sachem. As a leader of our organization, Chris focused on maintaining our long-standing traditions, supporting over 50 campouts, and introducing Square Dancing to camps. After retirement Chris continued his commitment to Native Sons & Daughters by event sponsoring more than 15 Annual Fundraisers, through his company Daniels Amish.
Chris has 4 amazing children who were in the organization: Allison (Prancing Horse), Libby (Floating Butterfly), Julia (Gliding Horse), and Sam (Brave Arrow). Chris has so many fond memories including the following: building campfires, Daughter Dances, snowstorm camping, epic Tug of War contests, sledding at Kendal Hills, hiding other tribes flags during camp, Pinewheel Derby Dragway, and finding the legendary Snipe Bird at Camp!