Cornell Sankey and Denny MedicineBird are proud Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens, veterans, and lifelong public servants. With deep roots, cultural strength, and bold vision, they’re running to lead with integrity, unity, and action for youth, elders, and all citizens.
Cornell Sankey
Candidate for Governor
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Cornell Sankey is a proud citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and a lifelong public servant dedicated to building a stronger, more sovereign future for all tribal citizens. With deep roots in our communities and a legacy grounded in service. Cornell brings integrity, experience, and a heartfelt commitment to the people he hopes to serve as Governor.
Cornell is the son of the Late Milton Clarence Sankey and was raised in the Hammon, Weatherford, Canton, Watonga, and El Reno tribal communities by his mother, Ima Jean Whiteskunk. He honors the sacrifices of his mother, a single parent who worked hard to raise him and his brothers with strength and values rooted in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tradition.
He is a first-generation college graduate who has never stopped learning. Cornell earned his AA in Business Administration from Redlands Community College, his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Finance from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. His academic and professional journey reflects a belief that education is key to our collective success.
Cornell’s background bridges tribal traditions and policy with modern leadership. He gained early inspiration from his grandmother, Mary Elk
River Whiteskunk. His path was further shaped by the values and service of his grandfather, WWII veteran Edward Whiteskunk; his uncle, Warren Sankey, USMC Korean War; and cousin David Sankey, USMC Vietnam Conflict Silver Star recipient. Cornell himself proudly served in the USMC during the Gulf War, continuing a family legacy of defending and uplifting Native communities.
He brings to this campaign a clear mission to rebuild trust in tribal leadership, restore unity among our citizens, and advance opportunities for youth, veterans, and elders. With professional, cultural humility and a grounded sense of purpose, Cornell is ready to serve all tribal members with transparency and accountability.
“Our ancestors endured, survived, and overcame. Now it’s our turn to lead with courage and vision. The time to strengthen our sovereignty, invest in our people, and create lasting change is now. I humbly ask for the support of all Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens. Together, we will move our tribes forward.”
– Cornell Sankey
Denny MedicineBird, MPH, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Denny MedicineBird, Cheyenne name Aenohe, meaning Hawk, is a proud citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, a U.S. Army veteran, and a dedicated public health advocate. His name, Aenohe, was given to him in his earliest years by his late great-grandfather, Joe White Antelope—a name that continues to carry spiritual strength, identity, and purpose in his journey of service.
He is the son of the late Murray MedicineBird and Stevette Mopope, and a direct descendant of Chief White Antelope—whose sacrifice and prayers continue to guide Denny’s path. His lineage and upbringing have instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to his people and a commitment to honor those who came before.
Denny holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and has led initiatives across tribal health systems, focusing on culturally rooted prevention, youth development, and wellness. He has served as a Veterans Services Coordinator and Vice Chairman of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Veterans Board, working tirelessly to improve conditions for Native veterans and their families.
As a former Army medic who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Denny brings firsthand knowledge of leadership, discipline, and sacrifice. He has applied these principles in civilian service—developing programs to combat substance use, secure health equity, and strengthen tribal capacity through grants and policy planning. Denny’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor is grounded in community, culture, and transparent leadership. He is committed to paving a leadership path for our youth, empowering our veterans, and ensuring our elders are honored, respected, and protected. Now is the time for leadership rooted in tradition and driven by action. The Sankey-MedicineBird team humbly asks all Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens for your encouragement and support – together, we can rise, heal, and move forward. The time to change is now.
Hohou-Nease!