Tommy Wildcat (b. 1967) is a full-blood Cherokee from Park Hill, Oklahoma, who has worked to promote Cherokee cultural awareness since 1988 and holds a degree in Cherokee Cultural Studies from Northeastern State University. He hand-makes each of his flutes from river cane gathered by his family along the Illinois River and was named Native American Music Awards Flutist of the Year in both 2002 and 2003.

Mood and energy: Grounded, traditional, storytelling. Recommended uses: reflection, meditation.

Sacred Ground Confidence Score: 4 out of 5 stars   Final recommendation: Approved.

Why this artist belongs in Sacred Sounds: A Cherokee Nation flute maker and cultural educator whose river-cane instruments and academic grounding in Cherokee studies anchor the collection in a specific, well-documented tribal practice.