Brad Wagnon

Brad Wagnon is a lifelong resident of the Gideon Community and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He is a graduate of Tahlequah High School and Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Native American Studies. Brad taught Cherokee History, Culture and Language at Tahlequah High School for 10 years and has worked for Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach since June 2015. Brad’s position as Community Outreach Coordinator put him in contact with Cherokee citizens all over the United States. Brad is a retired Lieutenant on the Gideon Fire Department, where he began as a firefighter in 2005. He is the author of three children’s books, “How the World Was Made: A Cherokee Story” “The Land of the Great Turtles” and “The First Fire: A Cherokee Story”. These books are based on traditional Cherokee stories. Brad also has three Syllabary titles, The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Guide to the Cherokee Language, Baby’s First Cherokee, and Baby’s’ First Cherokee Numbers (arriving February 2026).

He and his wife Tanya live on his family’s land in Gideon. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his family.

Invite Brad to your event, school, and program. Contact him at bradwagnoncco@gmail.com to schedule.