Melvin Battiest is an enrolled member of the Muscogee nation of Oklahoma and he is also of the Choctaw people of Oklahoma.

Melvin is the executive director of Native Wings Like an Eagle Incorporated, a 501c3 non-profit organization in Oklahoma that provides reintegration services for enrolled tribal members released from incarceration, living outside of the reservation boundaries of their tribal nation.

Melvin and his wife Tammy also have a prison ministry called Native Wings Ministry that visits several prisons in the state of Oklahoma, bringing hope to the captives with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Melvin served 38 years of incarceration in the Penal system of Oklahoma for a crime he did not commit. He gave his life to the Lord 12 years after his incarceration and then spent the remaining 26 years ministering the gospel to his fellow prisoners. Melvin was released in November of 2021 and continues to minister the gospel of hope outside the prison walls.

Melvin speaking at Eagles Landing in Olathe, Kansas on May 22nd, 2026
https://youtu.be/S_njqzLvp-M?si=pFzhA-9QWMFmzhsC