Jack Pettigrew is an international artist and First American advocate. As an artist, he emphasizes Chickasaw culture by crafting traditional wooden musical flutes, pastel art and other cultural crafts. He also pursued the fair treatment of First Americans through his work with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and as a member of a Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) Indian Advisory Council.

Pettigrew was an equal opportunity specialist with OCR, Division of Higher Education within HEW from 1973-1979. He also served as the vice-chairman of the Indian Advisory Council (IAC) from 1974-1979. In these positions, he provided support, guidance and cultural stewardship across tribal education and governmental educational institutions. His work with OCR and the IAC helped close gaps in higher education, financial aid and civil rights protections. He worked with tribal leaders, community inter-tribal centers and university presidents to build policies that protected the identity and sovereignty of First Americans.

As a child, Pettigrew embraced his Chickasaw heritage by building flutes, drums, bows and arrows with his brother, Wendell. His revived interest in flute making came when he and Wendell could not identify any Chickasaw flute makers in their area or in retail shops. This led Pettigrew to study the craftsmanship and strive to adhere to the authenticity of his Chickasaw ancestors.

His artwork includes sculpting, pastels, painting, silversmith work, flute, pipe making and other mixed media. His work is represented in galleries and private collections in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as in China, Japan, Germany, England and France. Pettigrew is specially honored to be the only Chickasaw flute maker to be displayed in the Shaolin Temple in China. The flute was presented on behalf of the Pettigrew family and the Chickasaw Nation. A documentary filmed in 2020-2021 titled “Spirit Flute: Healing of the Heart,” highlights Pettigrew and his traditional flutes.