Smithy B. “Benny” Smith of Lawrence recently received the Principal Chief’s Leadership Award from the Cherokee Nation.

The former Haskell Indian Nations University coach earned the honor because of his leadership and giving spirit with the Cherokee Nation and its communities.

Smith was raised in the traditions, practices, customs and values of Keetoowah Cherokee life. With Cherokee as his first language, Smith taught four college semesters of Cherokee language courses.

The grandson of Red Bird and Lucy Fields Smith, he was educated by Cherokee elders in the ancient ceremonial and spiritual customs. He completed his teaching certification in 1962 and received a master’s degree in 1966.

During his educational career, he taught at several small schools and coached at Haskell from 1971 to 2002.