ElECtION EdItION

May 2013 • cherokeephoenix.org 185 Years of Cherokee Journalism CHEROKEE PHOENIX U.S. Supreme Court hears ‘Baby Veronica’ dispute

The ICWA was enacted in 1978 when Native A Cherokee Nation citizen American children were being removed from fights to keep his daughter their homes and typically placed with non- Native adoptive or foster parents. It gives tribal using the 1978 Indian Child sovereign governments and their citizens a Welfar Act. voice in Native child protection and ensures children remain connected to their ancestry BY STAFF REPORTS and traditions. The Obama administration, 18 states, WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme multiple tribal nations, current and former Court on April 16 heard oral arguments in members of Congress and children’s welfare Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl, a case involving groups all supported the Brown family and the a Cherokee Nation citizen fighting for custody ICWA with legal briefs. of his biological child by invoking the federal During oral arguments, several justices Indian Child Welfare Act. debated what the ICWA’s intention is. CN citizen Dusten Brown is fighting to Lisa Blatt, attorney for the Capobiancos, keep his daughter Veronica and is utilizing the argued that Brown’s custodial or legal ICWA to ensure she remains at the family’s connection to the child was non-existent and home in Oklahoma. the ICWA was irrelevant. She accused the In 2009, Brown’s former fiancé, a non-Native Brown family and the CN of using the ICWA Hispanic woman, made arrangements for to grow the tribe’s population. their daughter to be adopted without Brown’s “You are basically relegating the child to a consent. The adopting couple, Matt and piece of property with a sign that says, ‘Indian, Melanie Capobianco of South Carolina, is also keep off. Do not disturb,’” Blatt said. non-Native. Justice Anthony Scalia said, “He wants Brown, who served a year in Iraq in the his child. How is that not breaking up an U.S. Army, was prepared to sign custodial Indian family?” rights to the child’s biological mother, but not Brown, who was represented by attorney his parental rights. When he learned of the Charles Rothfield, has rights as a parent that are biological mother’s plan to give up the child, he protected under the ICWA, states a brief filed immediately filed to stop the adoption. Citing on Brown’s behalf by the CN. ICWA guidelines, Veronica was reunited with Justice Sonya Sotomayor asked whether her Cherokee family and biological father in a stranger is better qualified to raise a child Oklahoma. than a father. She sourced the South Carolina Cherokee Nation citizen Dusten Brown and his daughter Veronica admire some When Veronica was 2, the South Carolina Supreme Court’s report that said Veronica’s horses on April 5 at an undisclosed location. The father and daughter are part of U.S. Appellate Court ruled ICWA trumped South best interest were served by living with and Supreme Court case in which a South Carolina non-Native couple are attempting Carolina state law. According to a later South being raised by her father. to get Veronica back and adopt her. Two South Carolina courts have ruled to give Carolina Supreme Court ruling, the Brown “If the father’s fit, why do you think that the the girl to her father, citing the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, and ending an family has a “deeply embedded relationship” attempted adoption by the South Carolina couple. COURTESY PHOTO with its heritage. See VERONICA, 2 Shotpouch ruled ineligible A Supreme Court ruling The Election Commission places Melvina Shotpouch nullifies Melvina Buel Anglen Cara Cowan Lee Keener outside of District 10. Shotpouch’s candidacy after Watts BY WILL CHAVEZ she fails to respond. Senior Reporter Five Tribal BY JAMI CUSTER Councilors Reporter asked justices TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court declared on April 15 to clarify TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation that the boundary line between new Tribal questions Election Commission on April 19 ruled Melvina Council Districts 9 and 10 is Highway 20 in raised in the Shotpouch ineligible to run for the Dist. 10 Tribal Delaware County and not old Highway 20, redistricting Council seat in accordance with a Supreme Court which is approximately 1,000 yards to the case. decision that places her residence outside of the south. The ruling places Dist. 10 candidate district. Jack Baker Julia Coates Melvina Shotpouch of Jay outside of the According to a Supreme Court order filed on district for which she is campaigning. April 19, the boundary for Districts 9 and 10 in The majority of the two districts are in the Delaware County is Highway 20, as originally county with Dist. 9 being in the southern half established in Legislative Act 26-12. That act High court and Dist. 10 in the northern half. The Tribal passed on July 16, 2012, and created the tribe’s Council’s Rules Committee clarified the 15 new representative districts. boundary between the two districts as being denies motion According to the address on her candidacy old Highway 20, now Lindly Street, on Feb. 28 filing, Shotpouch lives about a 1,000 feet south after the tribe’s Election Commission asked Former Dist. 10 Tribal Council of the boundary in Jay along old Highway 20 or for redistricting for clarification about which highway to use. candidate Melvina Shotpouch walks Lindly Street, putting her residence in Dist. 9. Under EC rules, CN citizens Elizabeth on April 15 outside of the Cherokee reconsideration Courthouse in Tahlequah, Okla. CN citizens Elizabeth Blackwell and Matthew See RULING, 4 JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Dawson protested Shotpouch’s candidacy after the Tribal Council’s Rules Committee on Feb. 28 voted to clarify the border between Districts The legislators wanted 9 and 10 as old Highway 20. The clarification a review of a ruling that resulted from the EC asking which Highway 20 to use for the boundary. deems the new 15-district The EC on March 19 denied Blackwell and council map constitutional. Dawson’s challenge, citing the clarification. That decision forced the two CN citizens to appeal to the Supreme Court. BY WILL CHAVEZ On April 15, the court ruled for the Senior Reporter appellants by re-establishing the Districts 9 and 10 boundary in Delaware County as the TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation current Highway 20 or Main Street. Supreme Court on April 15 denied a motion “It is therefore the ruling of the court from five Tribal Councilors that asked the court that the boundary for District 9 and 10 as to reconsider its ruling deeming the tribe’s new originally established by LA 26-12 and upheld 15-district council map constitutional. by the court to be constitutional is Oklahoma “This court, having considered the 20 or Highway 20 as it exists today as the appellant’s amended motion to reconsider boundary for the purpose of the election,” EC and all pleadings and arguments made for and Chairman Bill Horton said on April 19 while against the same, finds and orders that said reading the court’s order. motion should be and hereby is denied,” the Election Commissioner Lindsay Earls court’s order states. then made a motion to re-establish the Chief Justice Darrell Dowty and Justices boundary between Districts 9 and 10 as John Garrett, James Wilcoxen and Angela Former Dist. 10 Tribal Council candidate Melvina Shotpouch’s residence (A) Jones signed the order. Justice Troy Wayne along “old” Highway 20 or Lindly Street in Jay, Okla. A Supreme Court ruling re- established the district’s boundary as the current Highway 20 or Main Street, See MOTION, 4 which is nearly 1,000 yards north. GOOGLE MAPS See SHOTPOUCH, 5 2 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 NEws • dgZEksf Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013 States, groups line up in favor of federal adoption law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The U.S. Supreme This 2011 photo Appealing to states that have signed onto a brief supporting Court on April 16 heard an emotional family shows Veronica the state Supreme the federal law are Alaska, Arizona, California, challenge to a federal law on the adoption of trick-or-treating in Court, the Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Native American children, with several states, Charleston, S.C. The Capobiancos said Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New tribes and children’s welfare groups lining up to U.S. Supreme Court they had bonded Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, support the current rules. on April 15 heard with Veronica Washington and Wisconsin. The case involves a South Carolina couple a challenge to the and argued that In addition, the federal government has filed fighting to adopt a girl who, after a court federal law on the removing her was an amicus brief backing the law, as have more battle, was returned to her biological father in adoption of Native detrimental to than a dozen child welfare organizations. Oklahoma. American children, her development. State courts have been at odds on the law’s At issue is the Indian Child Welfare Act, a law with several states, But justices sided application. The American Association of that gives tribes and relatives a say in decisions tribes and children’s with Brown last Adoption Attorneys hopes the matter will be affecting children with Native American welfare groups summer, saying clarified by the court. The group has filed a heritage. Passed in 1978 because of the high lining up to support in an emotional brief supporting the Capobiancos’ case. It says number of Indian children being removed the current rules. opinion that, while the court has ruled on the rights of mothers and from their homes by public and private The case involves the Capobiancos unwed fathers – rights that, a past president of agencies, the act gives the tribe and relatives a South Carolina were “ideal parents,” the group said, federal law hasn’t defined, at a say in decisions affecting the child. In the couple fighting to federal law requires least for Native American children. current case, more than a dozen states and 23 adopt Veronica, who, that custodial “Those cases clearly state that unwed fathers current and former members of Congress have after a court battle, preference be given do not have an automatic fully protected right filed briefs supporting the law. was returned to her to the child’s Native to participate in decisions about the child,” Matt and Melanie Capobianco attempted biological Cherokee American parent. Seattle adoption attorney Mark Demaray said. to adopt a baby several years ago, but the girl’s father in Oklahoma. The Supreme Case law aside, Demaray said, the emotional father – a Cherokee Nation citizen whom she ASSOCIATED PRESS Court has aspects of the case are hard to ignore. had never met – argued that the child’s mother considered Native gave her up without his consent. The South federal law favored the girl living with him and American adoption before. In 1989, the court “We often refer to cases like this one before Caronlina high court sided with him, and she growing up learning tribal traditions. A South ruled that it was up to tribal courts to make the Supreme Court as a tragic situation we all was returned to Oklahoma. Carolina court agreed with Brown, who took decisions about Indian adoptions. In that case, want to avoid,” he said. “There’s no question When Dusten Brown challenged the the girl – named Veronica, and now age 3 – a tribal court ruled that a set of toddler twins this case is tragic for all the families and parties Capobiancos’ attempted adoption, he said back to Oklahoma in 2011. could stay with their adoptive parents. The 18 involved in it, particularly for this child...” ‘Baby Veronica’ inspires petition to change ICWA

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – After 18 happy Oklahoma, said. “It’s happening over and over months in his Owasso home, Ross Harp’s again.” foster son was taken away for just one reason, The Supreme Court will decide Veronica’s Harp said. case this summer. But either way, Ferrill hopes “We’re white, and the baby wasn’t,” he said. to see Congress change the ICWA. “How is that not racist?” First, the “best interests of the child” should Hoping to change the Indian Child Welfare be considered before deciding custody, she Act, Harp and several other advocates said. And a birth mother or father should delivered a petition on April 17 to U.S. Rep. be allowed to choose an adoptive family Jim Bridenstine’s office in Tulsa. regardless of their descent, she said. Passed in 1978, the federal law gives a tribe Cherokee Nation officials consider both the right to intervene when an Indian child is proposed changes unnecessary. placed in the custody of a non-Indian family. The law already takes into consideration the “If there was an African-American Child “best interests” of the child and even the wishes Welfare Act,” Harp said, “or an Asian Child of the birth parents, said Chrissi Nimmo, a CN Welfare Act, everybody would be making assistant attorney general. a fuss. But because it’s happening to Indian But the law also protects tribal sovereignty, children, nobody cares.” giving the CN jurisdiction over its own With 23,000 names from across the country, children, she said. including more than 1,000 from Oklahoma, Custody battles erupt when judges, the petition was inspired by the Baby Veronica adoption agencies and attorneys don’t follow case, which was heard by the U.S. Supreme the guidelines, Nimmo said. Court a day earlier. “The way to avoid this situation,” she said, Veronica spent the first two years of her life “is to fully comply” the ICWA “from the in South Carolina with a non-Native American beginning of the case.” couple who was trying to adopt her. But Ken Navarro, who signed and But the Cherokee Nation intervened on helped deliver the petition, said that as now behalf of her biological father, Dusten Brown, interpreted, the act puts the interests of the who’s a tribal citizen. tribe ahead of what’s best for the child. Now 3, the girl lives with Brown in Nowata. Navarro ultimately won the right to adopt But her adoptive parents in South Carolina a 2-year-old boy but only after he briefly lost still hope to win her back. custody and fought a lengthy court battle “It’s not just Baby Veronica,” Dawn Ferrill, with the CN, he said. “It’s all very traumatic, a foster parent who circulated the petition in especially for the child. And for what?”

Nimmo said she was pleased with the tone and questions during oral argument and the VERONICA court’s understanding of the issues presented. from front page “There were no unexpected questions and the argument was very fair. We are very federal statute requires that it be given to a optimistic about the outcome of this case,” she stranger rather than to the biological father?” said. “We appreciate the enormous outpouring Sotomayor asked. of support in this case and eagerly await the However, Chief Justice John Roberts decision. We hope the court will uphold seemed sympathetic to the adopting couple Congress’ recognition of the rights of tribes and pressed Rothfeld about why Brown should and parents of Indian children and specifically win custody of Veronica in spite of his early the right if Dusten Brown to raise his daughter.” renunciation of his duties as the father. Brown family members have said Veronica When Rothfeld said Brown was excited to has flourished in the 16 months since being learn his fiancé was pregnant, Roberts said, returned to her father and that Cherokee “He was excited, but there is no doubt he paid culture is a steady part of her life. nothing during the pregnancy and nothing at Nimmo said Veronica is thriving and it’s the time of the birth, right, to support the child evident that she belongs with Brown. or the mother?” “This child is happy, healthy, smart and Rothfeld began to answer. “That is true. But outgoing. She loves her daddy, and he loves I, I am,” he said before Roberts cut him off. her. Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation are her The chief justice said, “So he was excited by it. home and we hope the court will uphold the He just didn’t want to take any responsibility.” South Carolina Supreme Court decision, CN Assistant Attorney General Chrissi which was clearly the correct one.” 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT NEws • dgZEksf MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 3 EC bars Cherokee Phoenix from recording video informing Chaffin of an opinion from former the legal conclusions drawn in the opinion couple minutes before the meeting,” Allen said. However, Attorney General Attorney General Dianne Hammons that would then be undermined,” Hembree said. “A “We had it videotaped last time, and I think Todd Hembree says the specifically states the Phoenix has the right change in who the Cherokee Nation attorney that people who were concerned have had to video record open meetings and that video general is, does not change the validity of opportunity to see that videotape wherever it news organization has the recording is a means of sonic reproduction. an official opinion of the Cherokee Nation is. Should they choose, any citizen is perfectly right to video record public According to Hammons’ opinion, a “video attorney general rendered by a prior holder of welcome to attend the meetings, and I think camera does create a sonic reproduction of that office.” since we are autonomous … we should exercise meetings. the event, so a video recording falls within the Hembree added that a new opinion from our right to be an autonomous entity on how type of recording allowed under the statute him on this issue is not necessary. we want to run our meetings.” BY JAMI CUSTER … the Act itself indicates that ‘it is the public The Phoenix was on the meeting’s agenda Horton, who cast the tiebreaking vote, said he Reporter policy of the Cherokee Nation that citizens for discussion and possible action to allow voted no because he believes the Phoenix video shall be advised of the performance of public the news organization to video record EC recording meetings is a courtesy, not a right. TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Election Commission officials and of the decisions that are reached meetings. However, commissioners rejected “My opinion is this, I let them video the last Chairman Bill Horton on April 19 barred a in public activity.’ Since the video of the event the item by a 3-2 vote and most spoke as to why meeting and I thought it was out of courtesy,” he Cherokee Phoenix videographer from video and transmission of that video to the public is they voted to accept or reject it. said during the meeting. “And I got to thinking recording the commission’s special meeting, consistent with the public policy as stated in the Commissioner Lindsay Earls said she voted to about it, they’re going to be there every time citing the advice of the commission’s attorney. Act itself, it is also consistent with the letter and allow the Phoenix to video record the meetings recording, videoing. I just go back to my old way EC attorney Harvey Chaffin cited the the spirit of the law to allow sonic recordings because it is a benefit to Cherokee voters. of thinking. It’s kind of like stepping on our toes, Cherokee Nation’s Freedom of Information Act that may also contain video images.” “While I certainly don’t appreciate the way saying ‘we can do this, so we’re going to do it.’” in his advice to deny the Phoenix from video A Phoenix reporter also informed Horton it was done last time with them just showing In the days following the April 19 meeting, recording the meeting. of Hammons’ opinion prior to the meeting. up setting up and then asking if it was OK, I Horton said Chaffin informed him of Hembree’s According to Section 75-1-11(C) of the act, The reporter said Horton responded that the do think that our citizens have the right to see legal opinion that the Phoenix has the right to “all or any part of a meeting of a public body “opinion was under a different AG” and the what we’re doing here,” Earls said. “I would video record EC meetings. may be recorded by any person in attendance Phoenix would need to get an opinion from appreciate some notice and I would appreciate “I guess it’ll have to be (OK) since it came by means of a tape recorder or any other means current Attorney General Todd Hembree. being asked before it is done.” from the AG,” he said. of sonic reproduction … provided that in so However, Hembree said he agreed with Commissioner Martha Calico said she voted The Phoenix plans to video record future EC recording, there is no active interference with Hammons’ opinion and that he would not for the agenda item because she would “like for meetings in accordance with the FOIA and the the conduct of the meeting.” overturn a previous attorney general’s opinion. our citizens to know what is happening with attorney general’s opinion. Videos of the EC Chaffin said the way he interpreted the FOIA He said an official opinion of a CN attorney the election,” while Commissioner Shawna meetings will be available for public view at is it’s at the commission’s discretion on whether to general has the full force of law. Calico voted no and gave no reason. www.cherokeephoenix.org. allow video recording to take place at its meetings. “Should a differing opinion be issued or Commissioner Carolyn Allen said she voted Assistant Editor Travis Snell said he spoke order be entered by a Cherokee Nation court, no because she believes the EC is autonomous. [email protected] with Chaffin via cell phone prior to the meeting or should the laws used in the opinion change, “We were given no prior notice except a 918-453-5560 CN citizen runs Boston Marathon, escapes blast BY TESINA JACKSON of the restaurant and that we were being advised is seeing this. My family is seeing this’ and so a lot. I told Todd that walk was good because it Reporter and asked to stay inside the restaurant until immediately we started texting and Facebooking was good for my legs, which were sore, and it further notice,” Lori said. “We were sitting right and letting everyone know that we were OK.” was good for my soul, which was sore and sad. TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Like tens of across from the bar so we could see the TVs, After two or three hours in the restaurant, And so that walk back to the hotel was pretty thousands of people, Cherokee Nation and within just a couple of minutes we started the Enlows decided to walk back to the hotel therapeutic for me.” citizen Lori Enlow lined up to run the Boston seeing images of the explosions so we knew because all transportation and vehicle garages Lori, a nurse practitioner at the tribe’s W.W. Marathon on April 15, unaware of the carnage pretty quick that things were very, very serious.” were shut down so police and investigators Hastings Hospital, started training for the that was to occur later that day. Lori said she and Todd didn’t hear the could search the area. marathon a year ago after qualifying in the “It was a perfect day for a race, for sure,” she explosions, but after watching the TV she “So we stepped outside of the restaurant and Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. said. “The temps were perfect and the weather was in disbelief. there were thousands and thousands of people. The Boston Marathon commemorates the was beautiful and the race itself was awesome “My heart just sank,” she said. “Something When we stepped out, it was pretty bare and a city’s Patriots Day, the third Monday in April, with thousands and thousands of people that was such a joyous, almost sacred event in lot of people were trying to figure out how they which commemorates Lexington and Concord, cheering you...” Boston, for it to take such a very sharp turn were going to get home,” she said. “We counted the two battles in Massachusetts that started A little after 3 p.m. in Boston, two bombs and knowing too that there would be loss of no less than about 50 ambulances lined up, the American Revolution in 1775. This year the exploded near the marathon’s finish line around life with seeing those explosions you just knew. lots of police cars, official vehicles, and at one race drew approximately 27,000 runners. the race’s 4-hour, 9-minute mark, Three people And then my thoughts kind of moved toward crosswalk, we saw a completely decked-out Lori said at first she planned on running were killed and least 176 people were injured. all of the runners who would’ve been behind police officer with an assault rifle doing some the Boston Marathon once, just to say she did. Fortunately, Lori and her husband Todd, also that because I knew that they would shut down searching, so it was really surreal to see that.” But now she plans on running again next year. a CN citizen, were not near the blasts. the race and what were they going to do with After returning to the hotel, Lori said the “Because of this I definitely want to go back. I After Lori finished the 26.2-mile race in the thousands of runners who were behind. seriousness of what happened registered. want to be able to celebrate. I want to be able to 3 hours, 23 minutes, she said the plan was to Where were they going to go and how were “I did OK, initially. It wasn’t until we started have that experience. I just want to go back and take the subway back to the hotel, rest and then they going to find their families?” walking back to the hotel when I actually saw be able to celebrate with that town. I’m looking return. However, they decided to sit and eat Before cell service was shut down in the area, everything firsthand,” she said. “Not on TV and forward to having a better year next year, for two blocks away from the finish line. Lori said she and Todd called their families not through announcements over the speakers, Boston to have a better year and be a stronger “About the time we sat down, within just a to inform them they were all right. “When the but to actually step outside and see such a more tenacious town because of it.” few minutes, a voice came over the speaker explosions went off it took me a few minutes change in atmosphere, and when I saw those [email protected] system saying that was criminal activity outside and then I realized ‘oh, I’m not the only one that ambulances, that’s when it hit, and yes, I cried 918-453-5000, ext. 6139 4 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 NEws • dgZEksf Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013 Vietnam Wall visits SHS, promotes veterans’ healing

BY WILL CHAVEZ and there’s where healing begins to take place,” Senior Reporter he said. “You’ll see a lot of emotion here. One AND JAMI CUSTER reason we have it open 24 hours a day is because Reporter some guys won’t come until late at night when no one is here. They need their private time.” TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Dignity CN citizen David Stand served in the Air Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter- Force from 1966 to 1970 and in Vietnam in scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans 1969. He said he shed some tears when he saw Memorial in Washington, D.C., came to the memorial because nine men he served with Sequoyah High School April 17-21. in Vietnam did not come home and are listed The memorial was set up at the school’s on the memorial. football field and available 24 hours a day. It He said he was hesitant at first to visit the stands 8 feet tall and is 240 feet long. Its black, memorial, but worked up the courage because reflective surface is inscribed with the names he wanted to remember the men and high of more than 58,000 servicemen and women school classmates he served with in Vietnam. who died or are missing in Vietnam. Paper and Leroy Springwater, a Cherokee veteran of the pencils were provided so visitors could make Marine Corps who served in Vietnam in 1969 rubbings of names etched on the wall. and 1970, said he also came to honor the men Created by the Dignity Memorial network he served with who fell in combat. of funeral, cremation and cemetery service He said the memorial means a lot to the men providers in 1990, the Dignity Memorial and women who were in Vietnam, and maybe Vietnam Wall is dedicated to all Americans they can come to the wall and “say something who served in Vietnam and honors all veterans to the ones that didn’t come back.” of the U.S. military. Reed-Culver Funeral Home Springwater said five men from a platoon of in Tahlequah is a Dignity Memorial provider. about 40 men came home with him in 1970, Reed-Culver Funeral Home Manager so he knows many names on the wall and took Rodney Mattox said the wall has been A nighttime shot of the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, which Sequoyah High School time on a cold, windy April 18 to find them on traveling since 1990 and has been to numerous hosted April 17-21 in Tahlequah, Okla. The wall is a three-quarter-scale traveling the memorial. towns and cities across America to give people replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. CN citizen Linda Gritts Payne said the an opportunity to see it and reflect on what WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX memorial was special to her because her Vietnam means to them. brother’s name is listed on the wall. William He said about two years ago he and fellow that lost their life and gave their service to us the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built Gritts was killed in Vietnam in 1968. Tahlequah citizen, David Moore, began and to their country,” he said. “It has been a in Washington in 1982, veterans from that “He had only been in Vietnam a couple of working on getting the wall to Tahlequah. great effort from the entire community, the war began to see signs that their service was months when he got killed. He was killed on Mattox said it is a competitive process because county, Cherokee Nation, city of Tahlequah, the honored. He said when many of them returned the 13th of June, 1968, and he had just turned the wall only visits about 10 venues a year. local restaurants, local businesses – everybody from the war, they were treated poorly and 20 years old on April the 1st,” she said. Mattox said SHS and the Cherokee Nation has done a great job pulling together to make without respect. were a good fit because of the history of service this happen.” “A lot of them, they never got a welcome [email protected] from Cherokee men and women. Garland Thomas, Priesthood Motorcycle home, and so one of the things these moving 918-207-3961 “There are a lot of Cherokee Nation tribal Ministry national president, helped facilitate walls do is it allows the veterans, especially the members that are veterans, and it’s my the motorcycle escort for the memorial from Vietnam vets, to actually come to a wall to see [email protected] understanding that there are some on this wall Big Cabin to Tahlequah. He said that once those they served with that did not come home, 918-453-5560 April declared ‘Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month’ BY STACIE GUTHRIE As chief of the Cherokee Nation, I’m dedicated Reporter to protecting the rights of our people especially TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Principal the most vulnerable among us, the women and Chief Bill John Baker declared April as “Sexual Assault Awareness and the children deserve the opportunity to live a Child Abuse Awareness Month” safe and healthy life. for the Cherokee Nation on April 9 during a ceremony at the W.W. – Principal Chief Bill John Baker Keeler Tribal Complex. Baker said the CN would work to have been affected by sexual assault Baker’s administration said it bring light to abuse that happens all and child abuse as well as those has made combating domestic over the Nation’s jurisdiction and trying to help abused individuals get violence a top priority. According that everyone deserves a life of joy back on firm ground. Purple is the to a press release, the tribe, through without living in fear. color for the victims and orange is the Attorney General’s Office, “As chief of the Cherokee Nation, for the One Fire Task Force. implements a Violence Against I’m dedicated to protecting the rights “They are pinwheels for Women Act grant through the U.S. of our people especially the most prevention, a way to show our Department of Justice to help victims vulnerable among us, the women and support for victims and let us know of domestic violence, dating violence, the children deserve the opportunity we are here to help,” Baker said. “I ask sexual assault and stalking with to live a safe and healthy life,” he said. that we all look inside ourselves and victim advocacy, transitional housing “I believe a healthy Cherokee citizen Principal Chief Bill John Baker places a purple pinwheel in front find a way to contribute, find a way and civil legal assistance programs. is one who is loved and respected.” of the Tribal Complex in Tahlequah, Okla., as part of a ceremony to promote actions, activities and The release also states the tribe Baker said the tribe has recently naming April as “Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness programs like the One Fire Against also works with batterers in an created the Charles L. Head One Fire Month” for the Cherokee Nation. STACIE GUTHRIE/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Violence and the Victim’s Services intervention program. The tribe’s Against Violence Victims Task Force, Center and we will have an impact Victim Services Office coordinates which helps citizens find a way out Nation is committed to raising Officials said the ultimate goal with on our families and children.” services for abuse and mental health of relationships that can be harmful our children in a healthy and the task force was a Cherokee Nation CN officials said they hope to help victims with protective orders, job to them. He said the program also loving home free of fear and abuse. with no abuse. those who are abused find stable and placement, emergency housing and instructs victims that there are ways Prevention efforts are our best hope In honor of “Sexual Assault joyous lives again. Officials said they other resource referrals. out of violent situations and that they for reducing violence and abuse in Awareness and Child Abuse want the victims to know that the If you or someone you know is a are not alone. our communities. And the best way Awareness Month,” orange and tribe is fighting for them and want victim of sexual assault or violence, “For the first lady (Sherry Baker) to do that is to support our families.” purple pinwheels have been placed them to feel safe and secure. call the emergency hotline at 1-866- and myself, this is an issue that is Tribal officials said the CN is throughout the Tribal Complex, Baker said he urges all CN 458-5399 or Cherokee Nation One deeply personal, just as it was for working toward raising awareness for Cherokee communities and Cherokee citizens and employees to unite Fire officials at 918-453-5113. former Secretary of State Charles sexual assault and domestic violence businesses for the duration of April. and fight against child abuse while [email protected] Head,” Baker said. “The Cherokee to help educate the community. The colors represent those who raising awareness. 918-453-5000, ext. 5903

to the court. election, was irregularly moved from Dist. 9, Smith said the Rules Committee’s where she would have faced an incumbent, to RULING clarification was not on the committee’s Feb. MOTION the unrepresented Dist. 10. from front page 28 agenda but was addressed anyway, and the from front page The move occurred on Feb. 28 during a map’s amendment was not considered nor Rules Committee meeting after a majority of Blackwell and Matthew Dawson challenged approved by the council during its March Poteete did not sign it. councilors voted to clarify that the Dist. 10 Shotpouch’s candidacy alleging the Rules meeting. “The Supreme Court made the right decision southern border in Delaware County was old Committee’s clarification was illegal. The “The council can only speak by statute or in denying the motion to reconsider, and it’s Highway 20, not Highway 20. The clarification commission on March 19 denied their resolution. It’s a very precise and prescribed in the best interest of the tribe that was done,” put Shotpouch in Dist. 10. challenges, forcing Blackwell and Dawson to legislative process for the council to speak,” council attorney Dianne Barker Harrold, who “This Motion asks for reconsideration appeal to the Supreme Court. Smith said. argued against the motion, said. and clarification to evaluate the effect of Reading the Supreme Court’s ruling, He said the EC on March 19 relied on the Having failed to get the map deemed illegal the changed boundaries, ensure the correct Justice Jim Wilcoxen said part of the record Rules Committee’s clarification that changed through the courts, Tribal Councilor Cara decision was made, and that the council has in the case of Buel Anglen et al v. Cherokee the boundary line to deny the challenge to Cowan Watts, who filed the motion along with clear guidance for future districting decisions,” Nation Council and Election Commission, Shotpouch candidacy. fellow Councilors Buel Anglen, Jack Baker, the motion states. a case heard earlier this year, determined EC attorney Harvey Chaffin said when Julia Coats and Lee Keener, said it’s now up to The Supreme Court on April 15 did rule that that Highway 20 is a “pertinent part of the Shotpouch came to the commission to register Cherokee voters to elect representatives who the map the council passed on July 16, 2012, boundary in question.” as a candidate, the legal description for her will change the districts. which designates new Highway 20 as the Dist. “The court found the legislation (Legislative residence showed she resided in Dist. 9. “Since the Cherokee Nation Supreme 10 southern border, is the valid map. Act 26-12, which passed on July 16, 2012) and “So the question arose, ‘where is the Court chose not to uphold the Cherokee That ruling seems to place Shotpouch in map as submitted to be constitutional. There boundary?’ The commission informed her of Nation Constitution, Cherokee voters must Dist. 9, but the court stopped short of ruling was no evidence of new versus old Highway that,” Chaffin said. “The commission thought make their voice heard in the June 22 tribal on her candidacy. 20. This court found the map, as originally the best way to resolve that issue was to find elections and vote out the council members The Election Commission will take up submitted, was constitutional and does not the intent of the council. The commission was who created the new district mess and Shotpouch’s eligibility at a special meeting set care to change the same at this late date,” not satisfied on relying on (CN) Geo Data’s eliminated tribal citizens from the population for 4 p.m. on April 19. Wilcoxen said. “So, the original map with interpretation of the act. That’s why we went to for personal gain,” she said. The five councilors also asked the court if existing Highway 20 will be the map.” the Rules Committee.” The five legislators originally challenged the LA 26-12 is constitutional and if Cowan Watts Chief Justice Darrell Dowty added that the The tribe’s Geo Data department gathered map’s constitutionality in District Court. After could be forced out of office two years before court would have a written order within five days. the population data necessary for the map that court ruled the map legal, they appealed it her term ends because she was “assigned” to a Before the court adjourned, former and created it. to the Supreme Court. district where she does not reside. She resides Principal Chief Chad Smith, who represented After the Rules Committee’s clarification, The Supreme Court on Feb. 27 deemed the in Dist. 14 but was assigned to also represent Blackwell and Dawson, asked the court if it Shotpouch was placed in Dist. 10, Chaffin said. map and Legislative Act 26-12, which created Dist. 13 come Aug. 14. planned to rule on whether Shotpouch was Shotpouch’s attorney, Amanda Proctor, it, constitutional. The original motion also argued the new eligible to run in Dist. 10 because the ruling asked to the court to consider the hardship The councilors argued otherwise, district map splits counties and used various places her residence in Dist. 9. Shotpouch would be placed in if the court stating the districts are not compact and boundaries but did not identify them in “We really haven’t addressed her ruled the boundary is old Hwy 20. Proctor said contiguous in all instances, appear to the law. The District Court stated that qualifications for either district. You’re asking her client made a “good faith inquiry” about disrupt established Cherokee communities identifying district boundaries is the Tribal me for an advisory opinion after the fact, which district she resided in and was told and do not afford a reasonably equal Council’s duty. However, the motion states at and I’m really not prepared to give you that where she resided by “agencies of the nation.” division of the Cherokee electorate. trial it was agreed that Principal Chief Bill answer,” Wilcoxen said. “We made our ruling “If this court were to reverse the decision of The initial reconsideration motion, filed John Baker’s administration determined the in this. It’s Highway 20 as it exists now.” the Election Commission, my client would be March 1, states questions were raised in the exact boundaries through the tribe’s Geo Dowty said “no other relief was requested” prejudiced because she would not be able to case that needed to be clarified or possibly Data department. from the court regarding Shotpouch’s candidacy. re-file in whatever district this court found she reversed. It states the five councilors were “The pivotal issue in this case is whether properly lived in,” Proctor said. to offer proof that former Tribal Councilor [email protected] the Tribal Council’s Rules Committee...moved After the ruling, the EC announced it would Melvina Shotpouch, who entered the 2013 918-207-3961 the boundary line between districts 9 and 10 hold a special meeting on April 19, in part, to approximately 1,000 feet so that Shotpouch discuss the Shotpouch issue. would be eligible to run as a candidate for [email protected] council in Dist. 10,” Smith wrote in his motion 918-207-3961 CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT NEws • dgZEksf MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 5 Campaign management firm assisting council candidates SHOTPOUCH BY WILL CHAVEZ a hand when needed, protect our culture and said she had not heard of LockSher Logic and Senior Reporter honor our elders and families.” that the EC would have to study the firm before a from front page “Most professional consulting firms, decision is made on it. She added that the closest Highway 20. It passed unanimously, TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – A campaign whether in law, finance or politics, respect the comparison in the election laws for LockSher nullifying Shotpouch’s candidacy. management firm is assisting some Tribal confidentiality of their clients. I have no doubt Logic would be when a group lobbies for or Horton then clarified that anything Council candidates as they stump for legislative that is true of LockSher,” he said. “Because our against a referendum petition. south of Highway 20 is Dist. 9 and seats that will be voted on during the Cherokee elections are so transparent, Locksher’s clients The group would have to file a financial anything north of it is Dist. 10. Nation’s June 22 election. are readily identifiable through campaign disclosure form with the EC, she said. “So that takes out Lindsay Street, Tribal Councilor Chuck Hoskin Jr., who finance reports. What really matters in this “A committee like that, if they are expending and that is where Melvina Shotpouch is is running unopposed in the new Dist. 11, election is not which consultants a candidate money, they also might have to do that,” Calico said. from,” he said. “We were asked at that said LockSher Logic LLC is not a political may utilize, but what his or her ideas are to move She said LockSher Logic would need to fill time, ‘was she in (district) 9 or 10? Which action committee, or PAC, and that it handles our Nation forward. LockSher Logic is a service out campaign donor disclosure forms if they are side of the road does she live on? So (EC various campaign management activities for its used by some candidates who want to move handling money for candidates. employee) Wanda (Beaver), (Election participating candidates. our Nation forward, and is just one of many Hoskin said in some instances the staff of Commissioner) Martha (Calico) and I, A PAC’s focus is to raise and spend money resources candidates use to share their ideas LockSher Logic has assisted candidates in we all drove up there to verify which side to elect certain candidates and defeat others. with the voters.” fundraising efforts. of the street she lived on and she did live Most PACs represent business or ideological According to EC campaign finance reports, “While firms like LockSher are not required north side of the street, which would’ve interests. Hoskin said LockSher Logic is “a one- six current candidates and one disqualified to make filings with the CNEC, its assistance put her in 10 if Lindsay Street is the stop shop political consulting firm” that handles candidate have used LockSher Logic’s services. to campaigns is completely transparent, boundary. But the court has determined campaign aspects, but did not provide details The current candidates are Curtis Bruehl, Frankie as candidates are required to report all that it is not the boundary, so she’s in 9.” about those aspects. Hargis, Dink Scott, Joe Byrd, Janees Taylor and expenditures,” he said. After the court’s ruling, Horton said “This frees the candidates up to spend more Curtis Snell. The disqualified candidate is former LockSher Logic was incorporated on Feb. 14 he and Election Commissioner Carolyn time talking with and listening to voters about Dist. 10 candidate Melvina Shotpouch, who and is based in a house at 212 Wilson Ave., in Allen told Shotpouch to get something the issues. When I campaign, I would rather be was declared ineligible after the tribe’s Supreme Tahlequah. Based on Cherokee County records, in writing to the commission because visiting voters than sitting behind a desk,” he Court ruled the Dist. 10 southern boundary was Principal Chief Bill John Baker owns the house. it needed to decide what to do about said. “Consulting firms have been a fixture in Highway 20 in Delaware County. Shotpouch Hoskin did not comment about LockSher her candidacy. However, she never our (Cherokee Nation) elections for decades. lives just south of the boundary in Jay. Logic’s location and said he did not know if responded, he said. For example, former (Principal) Chief (Chad) According to the reports, each candidate Baker owned the property. He also did not “She didn’t fulfill her obligations, so I Smith used a firm from Oklahoma City. This is spent various amounts on “campaign services.” comment about who is in charge of the firm’s say she is just out,” Horton said. nothing new. What matters in these elections is The tribe’s current election laws do not prohibit day-to-day operations and said it utilizes a Shotpouch said it was disappointing ‘who is the best candidate?’” PACs or campaign management activities, but number of consultants. that she was ruled ineligible as a Dist. Hoskin emphasized that he does not work does govern how much money a single donor Hoskin said he did not know if the firm is 10 candidate. for the firm but has utilized its services. He may donate to a candidate. The maximum taking new clients but that it would continue “I was disappointed that I couldn’t run. also did not name other candidates using donation that can be made to a candidate by an to offer its services after the June 22 election to I wished I could,” she said. “The rules are the LLC, only that they were candidates who individual donor is $5,000. Also, all donors must local, state and national political candidates. the rules, and I didn’t know I wasn’t in.” “believe the fundamental purpose of the come “individual natural persons.” [email protected] Also, during the meeting, Cherokee Nation is to serve our people, lend CN Election Commissioner Martha Calico 918-207-3961 commissioners voted to require poll workers to attend training for the upcoming election and denied the EC extends contracts, adds physical addresses to voters list Cherokee Phoenix’s requests to receive the voters list and candidate campaign contracts) to the original amounts.” also be subject to free inspection during the EC’s financial reports from the EC at no cost. The Election Commission Each contract in 2011 was funded at $15,600. business hours. alters contracts for Allen asked that the meeting’s minutes reflect Election laws also state the voters list for [email protected] that a lot of work goes into running an election. public sale or viewing shall contain the voter’s 918-453-5560 commissioners and its “I don’t think people realize how much work name, last known address, last known phone attorney. goes into this,” she said. number, date of citizenship enrollment, dates Commissioners also voted to adjust EC of voter registration and re-registration, voting BY JAMI CUSTER attorney Harvey Chaffin’s contract to $24,000, district and precinct, the voter’s participation Reporter which is also the amount he started with in 2012. in past elections and any other information “I want to do the same thing with his contract. deemed relevant by the EC. TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee We have statements now that we are not able to After determining that no law forbids physical Nation’s Election Commission on April 9 pay. I recommend that we go back to the original addresses being a part of the list, commissioners amended contracts for commissioners and amount,” Martha Calico said. voted to include them. its attorney as well as approved adding voters’ Allen said the minutes should reflect that At Chaffin’s request, Earls motioned to move physical addresses to its voters list. Chaffin is working on 11 cases for the EC, which into executive session toward the meeting’s end Election Commissioners Martha Calico, take a great deal of time. to discuss pending litigation pertaining to the Bill Horton, Carolyn Allen, Lindsay Earls and The commissioners also voted to include EC. After returning from executive session, Shawna Calico voted to amend their contracts voters’ physical addresses on the EC’s voters commissioners said that no action was taken, by adjusting the total contract amounts for each list. EC officials said Tribal Councilor Chuck only discussion of the cases. commissioner back to the original amount when Hoskin Jr. made the request to include voter’s The meeting adjourned at 5:11 p.m. they joined the commission in 2011. physical addresses on the voters list that can be Please continue to check back for an update “Our contracts, a couple of our commissioners purchased by the public. on this story, which will include a complete are running low and a couple are still high and EC officials said the most recent voters list is video of this Election Commission meeting. one kind of in the middle,” Martha Calico said. $100 for a CD and $30 for an electronic format. [email protected] “My recommendation would be to amend it (all According to tribal election laws, the list shall 918-453-5560 6 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 OPINION • Zlsz Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

May 2013 Volume 37, No. 5

Bryan Pollard Executive Editor CHIEF’S PERSPECTIVE (Cherokee) Travis Snell Health care: an investment for Cherokee Nation’s future Assistant Editor (Cherokee) BY BILL JOHN BAKER wait times, improve the lives of elders, ease security and defense, information technology, Mark Dreadfulwater Principal Chief the burden of those with chronic illness, make construction, real estate, health care services Multimedia Editor childhood screenings easier and treat those and telecommunications. We have laid a strong When I ran for chief, suffering from behavioral health issues. and strategic foundation for long-term financial (Cherokee) I made a commitment We can provide a greater focus on stability at CNB. Dena Tucker to do more for prevention and awareness, helping to save lives CNB’s construction division will serve as the Administrative Officer Cherokee people – with critical wellness education. Investments project’s prime contractor and construction (Cherokee) more homes, more in prevention will make our health care manager. By managing this project in-house, Will Chavez access to education system more efficient and will have a lasting our construction division grows its capabilities and increased health effect. There is no greater resource for the CN and gains an invaluable experience that can be Senior Reporter care opportunities. than our people, and investing in our health is used to help secure future projects from the (Cherokee/San Felipe Pueblo) Recently, I worked with the Cherokee Nation investing in our future. federal government and private developers. Jami Custer Businesses board of directors to authorize In 2012, we increased the percentage of our Growing the economy, creating new Reporter $100 million, primarily from casino profits, profits that fund health care services by an jobs and improving health care access is (Cherokee) to finance renovations and expansions at four additional 5 percent and now for the first time an all-around winning model for the CN. Tesina Jackson Cherokee Nation health centers and build a ever, we are directly utilizing our businesses Additionally, the expansion will alleviate the new 100-bed surgical hospital in Tahlequah, profits to grow tribal health infrastructure, burden on other health care providers, which Reporter the Nation’s capitol. which will improve the health of our people. will benefit the state. (Cherokee) We are at a moment when we can make the This investment sets a national precedent for As chief of the CN, my commitment is to the Roger Graham right kind of choices that will reap benefits for a tribal nation a making strategic long-term Cherokee people. We have created a responsible Media Specialist generations of CN citizens. The CN operates the investments in systematic health care solutions, health care model that gives greater control largest tribal health system in the Unites States, all directly funded by profits from our casinos to CN citizens and will allow us all a better (Cherokee) with more than 1 million patient visits annually. and other businesses. opportunity to address our individual health Nicole Hill Carter All CN citizens deserve a healthy life and access I am proud to report that we have created needs. A strong nation is a healthy nation, a Advertising Coordinator to quality health care. economic opportunities through CNB that nation with access to quality health care. (Cherokee) This is a historic opportunity to improve and makes the CN stronger. At CNB, we are Joy Rollice upgrade CN health centers. Our goal is to make experiencing success across all business [email protected] the experience better for our people, reduce platforms – hospitality and entertainment, 918-453-5618 Secretary (Cherokee) Chelsea Moser Intern (Cherokee) GUEST PERSPECTIVE Stacie Guthrie Intern Making sense of Arkansas-Oklahoma’s joint principles, actions (Cherokee) Anna Sixkiller BY ED FITE argued it would cause dire ramifications to the quality conditions; 2) agree to be bound by Linguist OSRC Administrator growth of northwest Arkansas and its economy. findings of the joint phosphorus criteria study; (Cherokee) And, as predicted, when the term of 3) in lieu of further litigation, that they will In late February, partnership was concluding, Arkansas implement controls to achieve desired results of media sources representatives resurrected their concerns the joint study. Editorial Board reported that Arkansas and made it known they were considering A six-member committee will manage the John Shurr and Oklahoma had legal action to challenge implementation joint study – three appointed by Arkansas Gov. (Cherokee) executed a new Second of Oklahoma’s 0.037milligrams per liter Mike Beebe and three appointed by Oklahoma Statement of Joint phosphorus criterion for scenic rivers. Gov. Mary Fallin. All six shall be professionally Jason Terrell Principles and Actions At that point, Gary L. Sherrer, Oklahoma’s qualified to design and conduct scientific (Cherokee) related to Oklahoma’s secretary of the environment, convened a water quality studies. During the course of Robert Thompson III scenic rivers. Since then many have asked meeting with Arkansas officials to discuss the three-year study period, the committee “What’s the deal? Didn’t the two states already their concerns and explore alternatives for will be required to conduct public hearing(s) (Cherokee) deal with this issue?” the two states to continue building on the each year to receive public comments and for Gerald Wofford The answer is yes. In December 2003, both successes achieved. dissemination of interim reports. At the end (Cherokee) states executed an agreement memorializing After months of maneuvering on both sides, of the third year, a final report and all data Clarice Doyle a common goal for improving water quality Sherrer’s efforts paid dividends. Working collected or reviewed during the study shall in Oklahoma scenic rivers. In that agreement, together, Randy Young, director of the Arkansas be made publicly available. And the new study (Cherokee) Arkansas and Oklahoma committed to the bi- Natural Resources Commission; Teresa Marks, will be paid for by Arkansas with funds placed state partnership, through which we would director of the Arkansas Department of with the Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Cherokee Phoenix work cooperatively to mitigate excess nutrients Environmental Quality; along with Arkansas Compact Commission, which will disperse P.O. Box 948 originating from point and non-point pollutant Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and them at direction from the committee. Tahlequah, OK 74465 sources impacting these scenic rivers. Since Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, As was the case when the first agreement (918) 453-5269 2003, this partnership led to $300 million in consultation with their respective sister- was executed, I’ve found there are those scenic FAX: (918) 207-0049 being expended by northwest Arkansas and state environmental agencies, developed a rivers stakeholders who criticize this second 1-800-256-0671 northeast Oklahoma cities to upgrade waste framework that the two states believe “is in the agreement. To them, I would say that neither www.cherokeephoenix.org water treatment plants, along with poultry best interests to continue to work cooperatively Arkansas nor Oklahoma has clean hands on to protect and improve water quality in the issues. Regardless, I would argue that the ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS companies and contract growers developing a new market process that has achieved the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers and to avoid costly Illinois River, Flint Creek and Barren Fork are and protracted litigation and administrative cleaner than they were 10 years ago. The second Within the United States: removal of 75 percent of all poultry waste from proceedings which would further strain agreement demonstrates our willingness to $10 for one year these watersheds. relationships between the two states and work together and as long as we’re trying to get $18 for two years The synergy of efforts netted distract from those cooperative efforts.” along, then Oklahoma scenic rivers benefit. If $26 for three years considerable reductions in phosphorus levels and much improved water quality in What resulted was simply a three-year one of our two states should stop trying, then extension of the 2003 agreement. Both states will our scenic rivers will suffer; and, it’s paramount International: Oklahoma scenic rivers. continue work to mitigate impact from point that Oklahoma not push so hard that Arkansas $24 for one year Despite the gains, some don’t realize the first and non-point pollutant sources. However, is no longer willing to work with us. Please contact us at the number above to subscribe. agreement, as it was written, was doomed not to achieve overall success for this reason: a one-line the most important aspect is that both states have committed to 1) conduct a joint study to Along with being a Cherokee Nation citizen, Ed Published monthly by the Cherokee Nation with offices sentence inserted by Arkansas representatives determine the total phosphorus threshold, at Fite is the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission’s at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex, Tahlequah, Okla. “steadfastly insisted and maintained” Oklahoma’s new phosphorus criterion for which level a significant shift occurs in algae administrator and co-founder of Save the Illinois scenic rivers could never be attained. They production that results in undesirable water River Inc. Mail subscriptions and changes of address to the Cherokee Phoenix, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465, phone 918-453-5269. Please include the words “Change of Address” or “Subscription” on the envelope. Back Issues may be purchased for $2.50 postage GUEST PERSPECTIVE and handling. Please inquire to make sure the issues are in stock by writing to Back Issues, Cherokee Phoenix, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465; or call- Your great grandmother wasn’t a Cherokee princess ing 918-453-5269. Copyright 2013: The entire contents of the Chero- BY JAY DANIELS U.S. Supreme Court held that suits against the between the CN and federal government, kee Phoenix are fully protected by copyright unless Cherokee Nation Citizen tribe under the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 proclaimed slavery would no longer exist and otherwise noted and may be reproduced if the are barred by the tribe’s sovereign immunity occurred more than three years after the CN copyright is noted and credit is given to the Cherokee Once at a tribal from suit. The tribe’s right to determine its voluntarily abolished slavery by a Cherokee Phoenix, the writer and the photographer. Requests consultation meeting, citizenship prevailed. National Council act in February 1863. The to reprint should be directed to the editor at the In August 2011, the CN Supreme Court Emancipation Proclamation, or the 13th above address. Material provided through member- Larry Echo Hawk, ship with Associated Press NewsFinder, identified by former assistant reversed and vacated a CN District Court Amendment to the U.S. Constitution wasn’t (AP), may not be reproduced without permission of secretary of Indian decision in the case of Vann, et. al, v. adopted until Dec. 6, 1865, which occurred after the Associated Press. Affairs, asked me to Department of the Interior and immediately the CN resolution abolished slavery in 1863. Unsolicited Manuscripts and Photos: We will not join him for lunch. terminated the tribal citizenship of about 2,800 Article 9 also stipulates that the rights applied accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or Upon learning that non-Indians. The decision stated the 2007 to those slaves “who were in the country at the photos, nor responsibility for the publication and I was a Cherokee Nation citizen he asked my referendum amending the CN Constitution commencement of the rebellion, and are now return of such material. Please query by telephone or opinion of the Freedmen issue. I said “as a to exclude Freedmen descendants from tribal residents therein, or who may return within six mail before sending copy and/or photos. Bureau of Indian Affair’s employee, I can’t state citizenship was conducted in compliance with months, and their descendants, shall have all the Obituaries will be published at a cost of 10 cents my opinion.” Everyone laughed. He asked me the tribe’s laws, and the court does not have the rights of native Cherokees.” Did those Freedmen per word for the first 150 words and 20 cents per again and I responded in the same manner. authority to overturn its results. The Supreme who registered for the Dawes Roll meet the word for each additional word. We do not invoice Everyone laughed again. I was reminded by a Court’s opinion stated the only party that requirements of the treaty found at Article 9? obituaries. They must be pre-paid at the time of staff member that he was the assistant secretary would have proper standing to sue is the federal Does a now living Freedmen’s non-residency submission.A photo may be placed with the obituary for an additional $5.00 and will be returned if you and “you can answer his question.” No I couldn’t government, not the Freedmen descendants. within the 14 counties of the CN jurisdiction include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the and didn’t. In the 1831 case of Cherokee Nation v. terminate their rights as a tribal citizen? photo and your payment. Native Americans have always been a people Georgia, Supreme Court Chief Justice John There are still many questions to be decided The Cherokee Phoenix also publishes an In Memo- who made room for others. Making room in our Marshall defined the legal status of the and who better to make those decisions than riam section at no cost to families to honor Cherokee homes for family and friends when necessary Cherokees, describing the tribe as a “distinct the CN citizens. Once again we are taken back citizens who have recently passed away. That section isn’t always easy, but it’s what we do. We made political society that was separated from to a time of the non-Indian mentality that includes the name of the deceased; age; birthplace and room for those who came into our land. We others, capable of managing its own affairs, and Indians cannot manage our own affairs. And date of birth; place and date of death; and occupation. never shut the door on those who belong in the governing itself.” finally, contrary to the beliefs by many, your house. Tribal sovereignty refers to the fact that In Worcester v. Georgia, in 1832, Marshall’s great grandmother wasn’t a Cherokee princess. each tribe has the inherent right to govern itself opinion denied Georgia’s right to impose its Maybe she was pretty, elegant, suave and Oklahoma Press and to shape the course of its future to ensure laws on a Cherokee reservation within the state’s educated, but “we” had no Cherokee princesses. Association the continued and ongoing general welfare of its borders. There, I have wanted to say that publicly for the people without outside interference. The Freedmen issue is discrimination against past 40 years. The case Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez in tribes because non-Indian Southern slave Jay Daniels has 30 years of experience working Native American 1978 involved an application denying tribal owners weren’t required to grant “family or in Indian Country, managing trust lands. You Journalists Association citizenship to children born to female tribal member” status to their former slaves. can find resources and information at http:// Member citizens who married outside of the tribe. The Furthermore, Article 9 of the Treaty of 1866, roundhousetalk.com. 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT COuNCIl • d/wWf MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7 Council approves new lending institution for CNB

Shaun Shepherd was unanimously approved Cherokee Nation to the Cherokee Nation Waste Management Businesses, however, needs board of directors, while Patsiann Nix Smith was unanimously confirmed to the Cherokee a sovereign immunity Nation Foundation. waiver to enter into a The nomination of Curtis Keith Austin as a Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board member, contract. however, received some debate. Councilor Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the addition of Austin BY JAMI CUSTER would give the Cherokee Phoenix additional Reporter business leadership. “The Phoenix board needs to be diverse,” TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Tribal Council he said. “Mr. Austin brings to the task, his on April 22 authorized a limited waiver of experience in the Cherokee communities and sovereign immunity for Cherokee Nation his experience as a successful business person.” Businesses to enter into a lending agreement But Coates said she was against Austin’s with the Bank of Oklahoma. nomination because he was a clear and CNB Chief Financial Officer Doug Evans outspoken supporter of Principal Chief Bill said CNB has operated with a lending John Baker during the 2011 tribal elections. institution since 2008 and that the current “We got a situation where there’s only one credit agreement was negotiated in favor of the remaining independent free press, and it has lender, not CNB. had a significant amount of funding taken away “At that time I had the privilege of reviewing from it at this point,” she said. “The Phoenix is that document on behalf of the council,” Evans Tribal Councilor Don Garvin speaks to a nominee of the Cherokee Nation’s now in a position to really try to make it on its said. “We’ve been under that four, about five Administrative Appeals Board, Lynn Burris, not shown, on April 22 in Tahlequah, Okla. own without as much in the way of government years and its terming out in the end of June.” Sitting next to Garvin is Tribal Councilor Janelle Fullbright. support. I think it’s critically, critically important He said the lending institution being termed JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX that its board of directors be perceived as being out led CNB to go back to the credit market absolutely and completely without interest, and negotiate with another lender, this time time and not lose ground on that one,” he said. would be compiled after council approved the without bias, without position, when it comes with the CNB board of directors aggressive in Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts said waiver and CNB entered into the agreement. to the politics of the Cherokee Nation.” its direction. she’s excited about the deal with the new The new bank expected to enter into a Austin’s nomination passed 10-7, with “And (the board) stayed true to the goals bank because the negotiation saved money. five-year contract with CNB is the Bank of Councilors Keener, Cowan Watts, Jack Baker, and objectives that it wanted us to achieve. In However, she voiced concern that there was Oklahoma. According to a CNB official, the Anglen, Coates, Meredith Frailey and Don these negotiations, what we ended up with was no documentation to ensure what was given to current institution is Bank of America. Garvin voting no. something that I feel…has improvements from councilors matched the deal CNB was signing. The resolution passed 16-1 with Councilor Councilors also unanimously authorized the one that we were under,” Evans said. “So I need reassurance one more time from Lee Keener voting no. the CN to become a member of the National For example, he said, the negotiations you that what we’ve been presented is reflective Also, the council brought forward several Congress of American Indians and to appoint allowed for the interest rate to be lowered. of the contracts and all the covenants and nominations for boards and commissions. the tribal delegate and alternates. “We’re also very proud at negotiations as it everything that we’re voting on and that we’re Lynn Burris was approved as a Cherokee pertains to our covenants, our restrictions. The not voting on something we don’t have full Nation Administrative Appeals Board member current credit facility had three covenants. We insight into,” she said. by a 13-4 vote, with Councilors Keener, Cowan [email protected] were able to negotiate only one covenant this Evans said the “actual note documents” Watts, Buel Anglen and Julia Coates voting no. 918-453-5560 Tribal Council doles out $11.9M in carryover funds

bringing its total budget to $610,000. The Councilors spread the Concurrent Enrollment budget received money to more than $50,000, which will allow juniors and seniors attending public high schools or private home 20 budgets within the schools who are also concurrently enrolled in Cherokee Nation. college classes to receive CN funds to help pay college tuition fees. BY JAMI CUSTER The Male Seminary Recreation Center in Reporter Tahlequah, commonly referred to as Markoma, got back $400,000 that was stripped from its The Tribal Council added more than $11.9 budget during the 2012 budget hearings. The million of previous fiscal year carryover funds returned funds put its budget at $880,000. into more than 20 Cherokee Nation budgets at Contract Health’s General Fund received its April 22 meeting. $400,000, while the tribe’ General Fund got According to CN documents, the Roads $5 million to meet any shortfalls caused by the Transit Program received $75,000 to avoid federal sequestration. any potential lapse in services for FY 13. Horn said the Indirect Cost Shortfall budget Charitable Contributions received $30,000 received $200,000, bringing its total amount to to purchase a van for the Bedouin Shriners $600,000. in Muskogee. Charitable Contributions’ total “These funds are set aside to cover the budget amount was boosted to $797,950. discrepancy between the amount of IDC a The Litigation budget got $800,000 for program is allowed to charge based on the increased litigation responsibilities, including award documents and the negotiated IDC the Indian Child Welfare Act case that went rate,” she said. before the U.S. Supreme Court on April 16, The tribe’s Cash Match for Grants budget said CN Treasurer Lacey Horn. got $1.5 million to leverage federal, state, The Litigation budget amount is now more private and other grant fund awards. Its total than $1.1 million, while its Advocacy Initiative budget amount now is $3,066,267. fund was given $800,000 for increased The Office of Veterans Affairs got $21,917 litigation responsibilities, including civil suits to purchase furnishings and recreational items related to Cherokee Freedmen. That total for the new Veterans Center, bringing its total budget is now at $1.2 million. budget to $131,917. Meanwhile, the Elders The Water Plan budget got $315,000 in Need Program got another $100,000 for a to complete groundwater quantification, total budget amount of $620,000. The program helps elders who have limited incomes pay utility bills with $200 disbursements. Eligible elders can use the program twice a year. The administration’s Employee Performance Initiative budget got back $206,000 for Employee Appreciation Day. Its total budget amount is $497,099. The Cherokee Day Training Program received $1.1 million for proposed changes to further assist CN citizens, Horn said. Its total budget is $2,711,064. The Vocational Assistance Program got $94,396 to continue vocational training for CN citizens, bringing its budget to $300,000. And Cherokee Publications, which houses the Cherokee Phoenix got $64,381. “The total request was for $85,981, but $21,600 is funded through IDC and not from General Fund carryover,” Horn said. “The request is to be used to supplement the funding, while the business plan is being implemented for the Cherokee Phoenix.” The total budget for the Cherokee Phoenix now stands at $504,985. During the meeting, Tribal Councilor Tina Glory Jordan asked to give $150,000 to Real Estate Services and $7,500 to Charitable Contributions for the Pocahontas Club, a Claremore-based women’s club. Real Estate Services will use the money to “complete some work they’re doing on appraisals, probates and surveys,” she said. She added that the Pocahontas Club is expected to use the money for scholarships. In addition, $87,000 was added to the Tribal Council’s budget for the second annual Tri- Council meeting to be held later this year, Horn said. Horn said Glory Jordan added another $250,000 to the Vocational Assistance Program for vocational training to tribal citizens for a new total of $550,000. Also, Indian Child Welfare was given Cherokee Nation citizen Loretta $300,000 for an expected shortfall due to Keener runs on a treadmill at the sequestration for a total of $2.3 million. Male Seminary Recreation Center in The modifications brought the tribe’s total Tahlequah, Okla. The Tribal Council gave budget authority to $563.7 million. the center $400,000 in carryover funds at its April meeting. [email protected] JAMI CUSTER/CHEROKEE PHOENIX 918-453-5560 8 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 ANNOuNCEMENts • dgZEwm Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

Mid-Term Elections 2013 Mid-Term Elections 2013 Nettie Detherage: At-Large Carole Richmond: At-Large

Nettie Detherage, a former program of the Year, 2009 Carole Richmond, who is retired, holds with an open line of specialist, has entered the race for Jobs award, 2008 a license in the fields of alcohol/drug communication to District 10 of the Tribal Council. Job Placement, counseling and clinical practice, and was enable your needs As our Nation moves to better health, 1994 Employee voted Social Worker of the Year in 1995 being addressed at education, housing we shouldn’t forget Month, past All by the Oklahoma chapter of the National the legislative level. our other programs, Agriculture, Indian Rodeo Association of Social Workers. She has Carole is especially vocational programs, sanitation Association over 35 years of experience as an educator interested in: and forestry. We need to reinvest in secretary and at the junior college level and as a social businesses to provide economic growth board member worker for numerous state agencies. Her •innovative medical in the Nation to create jobs with good American areas of experience include drug and programs which benefits. I will be an advocate for the Cowboys Rodeo Association. alcohol in-patient therapy, medical social provide more efficient service to patients; employees, someone who has worked Nettie and Tom, her husband have work (University of Oklahoma, College for the Nation and understands these lived in Fairland for 40 years and have of Medicine), child therapy (Oklahoma • educational programs, whether they be are the people who are out there two children, Christie and Matt. They State Health Department), Indian health higher education or technical training; administering the programs, working now enjoy eight grandchildren. Nettie and child protective services. She was also for the betterment of our people. worked for the Cherokee Nation 20- director of services to military families • effective electronic communications to I intend to be a working councilor, plus years, 19 years with the Bureau of for the American Red Cross and acted the At-Large community; out in the communities. Finding out Indian Affairs. She has studied at NEO, as a national disaster worker, providing what the peoples needs are. There NSU and is proud of her classes at the emergency services to victims. • and Cherokee culture for future needs to be more community meetings Afton Vo-Tech. The whole family has Carole would like to serve her fellow generations. Cherokees as an At-Large councilor for to inform the people what is going on been involved in rodeoing throughout the Cherokee Nation. She will work in a Carole has the heart and desire, and she with our Nation, listening to the voice the years. cooperative and transparent manner with is requesting your vote. of our people. You can visit Nettie on Facebook at other Tribal Councilors to ensure that Nettie’s accomplishments include Detheragenettie or call her at 918-541- Cherokee Nation programs and businesses Further information is available on Carole Angel Tree coordinator, 2004 Employee 5925 or [email protected]. can attain excellence. She wants to work at her website: www.carolerichmond.com.

Mid-Term Elections 2013 Robin Mayes: At-Large

Robin Carter Mayes is a career and two daughters, technology education instructor at Shannon and Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. Katie, worked He received both a B.S. and an M.S. and demonstrated degree from Northeastern State a commitment University in Tahlequah, his birthplace to his home and hometown. After working in the community and steel-construction industry for 15 the Cherokee years, Mayes began his teaching career Nation. in 1993. “From the time I was a small child, Candidate for At-Large council, my Cherokee family told me the stories Mayes has lived half his life inside the about our ancestors who served the Cherokee Nation and half of it outside Nation and suffered injustice along the historical boundaries, having with others in our tribe,” said Mayes, alternated back and forth several who is a direct descendant of Principal times. He has lived in several other Chief John Ross. states, including Oregon, California, “My goal for the office of At-Large Louisiana, Florida and now Texas. He Council is to close the gap between also has lived outside the Cherokee Cherokees who live outside the Nation in Oklahoma in Seminole, historical boundaries of the Nation Holdenvile and Muskogee. and Cherokee citizens at home,” Mayes While attending NSU and living in said. “There is often too much strife Tahlequah, he married his wife of 36 and distrust between us, and that is not years, Deborah Shelton Mayes, raised right. We’re family.” 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • AnszT COMMuNIty • nv 0nck MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 9 Community Calendar Community Meetings

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at Benjamin May 2 Cyndi Vaughn 918-704-1588, [email protected] Marble City Nutrition Center Wacoche Hall. Please RSVP one week ahead Lyons Switch, 7 p.m., 711 N. Main, Marble City, Okla. 918-775-2158 of time. Karen Fourkiller 918-696-2354 May 13 The Marble City Nutrition Center serves hot Greasy, 7 p.m. Brent, 6 p.m. meals at the Marble City Community Center First Tuesday of each month Charlie Shell 918-774-0857 Sam Bush 918-316-1054 at 11:30 a.m. Meals are free to anyone Cherokee Basket Weavers Association Washington County Cherokee Association, 7 p.m. Marble City Pantry, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Potluck dinner 6 p.m. Clifton Pettit 918-775-5975 over 50, but a small donation is suggested Ann Sheldon 918-333-5632 to help with the expense of the program. Congregation Tahlequah, Okla. 918-456-7787 May 14 Gather for fellowship and friendship. May 6 Victory Cherokee Organization, 7 p.m. Volunteers welcome. Monthly meetings are at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday, but if it is a holiday it’s on the Belfonte, 6:30 p.m. 918-798-2402, [email protected] Glen Qualls 918-427-1700 or 427-0227 Oak Hill/Piney, 7 p.m. Third Tuesday of even numbered second Tuesday. Everyone is welcomed to Eucha, 6:30 p.m. Dude Feather 918-235-2811 months come and visit or join the CBWA. Juanita Bark 918-207-4925 Mayflower UCC Church Marble City Community Organization, 7 p.m. May 16 Oklahoma City 405-408-0763 Second Tuesday of each month Cherokee Artists Association Ellen McClendon 918-775-2158 or 774-0074 Tailholt, 7 p.m. The Central Oklahoma Cherokee Alliance Sam Bush 918-316-1054 meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday 202 E. 5th Street May 7 of every even numbered month at the Tahlequah, Okla. 918-458-0008 Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, 6 p.m. May 21 Mayflower Church. The next meeting is Feb. 16. Web site: www.cherokeeartistsassociation.org Donna Darling 918-808-4142 Fairfield, 7 p.m. The CAA meets at 6 p.m. the second [email protected] Jeff Simpson 918-696-7959 First Friday of every month Tuesday of each month. Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization, 7 p.m. Rocky Mountain, 7 p.m. Concho Community Building Tim Laney 918-427-4006 918-696-4965 Concho, Okla. 405-422-7622 Every Friday of each month Dry Creek, 7 p.m. The Indian Art Market invites all Indian Dance at Tahlequah Senior Citizens May 9 Shawna Ballou 918-457-5023 artist to come and sell/share their work. Center Native American Fellowship Inc., South Coffeyville 230 E. 1st St. in Tahlequah, Okla. 6:00 p.m., Bill Davis 913-563-9329 May 27 Year Round For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Christie, 7 p.m. Will Rogers Memorial Museum Admission is $2.50, includes pot luck dinner May 12 Shelia Rector 918-778-3423 Claremore, Okla. 918-341-0719 Rogers County Cherokee Association, 2 p.m. The museum honors the Cherokee cowboy, Every Tuesday of each month movie start, writer and humorist every day Dance at Hat Box Dance Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with nine galleries, three 540 S. 4th St. in Muskogee, Okla. theaters and a special children’s museum. For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $2.50, includes pot luck dinner Fourth Thursday of each month In Memoriam dmcdsdi American Indian Chamber of Commerce To have an event or meeting listed, fax of Oklahoma – Eastern Chapter monthly information to 918-458-6136 attention: Virginia Lee Wilson Lewis, passed shortly Father, Robert Wilson of Vian, Indian Territory, her luncheon at Bacone College Community Calendar. The deadline for submissions is the 10th of each month. after noon March 26, 2013; we were blessed to Mother, Lucyl Thompson Wilson of Beggs, Indian Muskogee, Okla. 918-230-3759 be with her for a wonderful experience in life. Territory, her loved and loving husband of 59 years, She was absolutely remarkable in so many ways; Frank W Lewis, two of her daughters, Linda Lewis as a Cherokee with all that entails as a Elder and Kirkland and Mary Virginia Lewis Warren. a Blind Savannah, whose life was blessed with Her pall bearers were her grandsons, Frank many experiences that were magical. She was a Wyatt Lewis III, Oklahoma City, Matthew Warren, remarkable Bridge player. She was loveable and she Tulsa, Michael Warren, Denver, Colorado, Cody Classifieds dgCAm loved, smart, sharp, and independent. Her faith in Lewis, Seattle, Washington, John Lewis Garrett, God led her to a Christian life and her favorite prayer Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Great grandson Dylan Lewis, was the prayer of Saint Francis. Tulsa, Oklahoma. honorary pallbearer is Jon Buck, SERVICES She inspired and supported a major humanitarian husband of grand daughter Jennifer Garrett Lewis. J&D Tree and Handy Services. All your outdoor lawn and home maintenance needs. Free estimates. Call Project, Project O Si Yo, in Cherokee county with the Her Memory will be with those family members 918-458-6364. specific goal of feeding the hungry, providing shelter who survived; her brother Jerry J. Wilson, Tulsa, to those in without, and to offer help to those who Ok, who passed away on the night after the ANNOUNCEMENTS are in need. Her efforts led to a program where burial service, daughter, Nancy Lee Lewis Garrett, Auditions for the Musical “Nanyehi- Beloved Woman of the Cherokee” June 14, 15, 16 in 32,000 nights of individual accommodations were Bartlesville, Oklahoma, her three sons, Frank Wyatt Tahlequah Contact Becky Hobbs at 615-383-0041 or [email protected] provided to the vulnerable, the elderly, the homeless, Lewis Jr., Stillwater, Oklahoma, Thomas Robert www.nanyehi.com and the hungry. We estimate we were able to arrange Lewis, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Richard Jerald Lewis, SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL, is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. and serve over 200,000 meals through providing Stillwater, Oklahoma. She had six grandchildren Meals provided without charge to all children 18 & younger, regardless of race, color, national origin, an address, the most Basic need for food stamps and three great-grandchildren. Services were held sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be requirements of which the homeless have none. at The First Presbyterian Church on Good Friday, provided at the sites & times as follows: She was born on April 19, 1917, was raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home in SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL, 17091 SOUTH MUSKOGEE, TAHLEQUAH, OK, 74464. Operating May 28 to Jul mainly in a single parent household, graduated from Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Reverend Gordon Edwards 19, 2013. Breakfast : 7:00-8:00. Lunch: 11:00-12:00. Closed: Thursday, July 4th. Contact Angelia Dowty, Oklahoma A & M during the “Great Depression”, will be conducting the service. Her final resting place Food Service Supervisor, (918) 453-5190 with questions about the summer feeding program. was active in college as a Pi Beta Phi, as well as will be next to her husband, daughter Mary, in a rural an alumni. Those who passed before her were her setting on a small Hill overlooking the Great Plains. To file a complaint of discrimination, write or call immediately to:USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Earnie Joe “Butch” Parrish, 51 Ronald “Tootsie Boy” Terry Hess, Jr. The Cherokee Phoenix publishes classified ads in good faith. However, we cannot guarantee the integrity of every ad. If you have doubts April 23, 1961 - Pryor, Oklahoma Oct. 12, 1965 – Feb. 9, 2013 concerning a product or service, we suggest contacting the Better Business Bureau and exercising proper caution. Classified ads are a minimum of $5.00 for the first 10 words and 25¢ for each additional word. Ads must be prepaid by check or money March 27, 2013 - Tulsa, Oklahoma order to the Cherokee Phoenix, Attn: Classifieds, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Fiberglass Technician 10 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 HEAltH • aBk 0sr Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

On March 28 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Okla., Principal Chief Bill John Baker announces a $104.3 million plan to renovate or build Cherokee Nation health facilities using money from Cherokee Nation Businesses. COURTESY PHOTO $104M health facilities plan announced

BY JAMI CUSTER said the new facilities and upgrades will Reporter impact the tribe’s ability to provide health care to patients. CATOOSA, Okla. – People using the “Most of our providers are working out of Cherokee Nation’s health facilities can expect one office, and we’ve got these patients that major improvements at them during the next are turned away every day from every clinic few years thanks to a March 28 announcement because the lack of space to see patients. This in which CN and Cherokee Nation Businesses will allow us to expand our space and give more officials said they would invest $104.3 million office exam rooms and do more procedures for new and existing facilities. there in the clinic setting,” Davis said. Speaking at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino According to the release, the CN health Tulsa, Principal Chief Bill John Baker said the system supports 1.2 million patient visits investment would overhaul the tribe’s health annually and consists of eight health centers care system by taking from money from CNB’s and Hastings Hospital. It also states that 35 holdings to improve health care facilities, a percent of CNB’s profits goes to tribal services move the CNB board approved a day earlier. such as housing, education, social services and “This is exactly what our businesses were health care. In fiscal year 2012, CNB gave $57 designed to do. Our financial success belongs million in dividends. to the Cherokee people,” Baker said. “For the Baker said the dividends are slowly getting first time ever, we are taking a substantial the tribe closer to where it needs to be for amount of money directly from our businesses health care. and putting it where it counts the most – health “This infusion of $100 million, solely to care for our citizens. Using our businesses to health care infrastructure, helps us impact invest in and improve our health care system the health outcomes of Cherokees so much is the right thing to do, and it will literally save quicker. Our businesses have become so Cherokee lives.” successful in recent years that it just makes Approximately $81.1 million will be used sense and, quite frankly, is the right thing to for new construction projects, according do,” he said. He added that the money would to the plan. About $9 million is set aside for not come all at once. “I think in all reality it’s the new 28,000-square foot Ochelata Health just like when we were building the casino, Center (formerly Bartlesville Health Center) there was no way that we could spend a $100 in Washington County. CN Communications million in a day, or a week or a month or officials said that project is expected to start even a year. We think between the architects, this fall and take about two years. Its exact the planning, the utilities and those kinds of location is yet to be determined. things, that it’ll spread out over a three- or More than $53 million is expected to build four-year period.” a new 150,000-square foot W.W. Hastings CNB CEO Shawn Slaton said the plan Hospital in Tahlequah. That project is would allow people to see how CN casinos expected to start next spring and conclude in benefit Cherokees. the fall of 2015. Its exact location is also yet to “Our goal is to create jobs, grow businesses be determined. and provide funding to the Cherokee Nation According to a press release, the new 100- for services to the Cherokee people,” he said. bed hospital will replace the current one, “We are proud to be in a position where we which Indian Health Services built in 1984 to can make such a huge contribution to the serve 65,000 outpatient visits annually. “Today, health and well-being of Cherokee citizens.” the facility is serving more than 400,000 According to the press release, Cherokee patient visits per year,” it states. “The new $53.1 Nation Construction Resources will be the million hospital allows the current hospital to prime contractor and construction manager become an outpatient center.” and will hire Tribal Employment Rights A new 42,000-square foot Sam Hider Health Office-certified subcontractors. Center in Jay is also planned and estimated at CNCR Executive General Manager Cheryl $13.5 million. Its estimated start date is this fall Cohenour said by managing the project in- and should take about a year. Its exact location house CNCR should grow its capabilities and is yet to be determined. And in Tahlequah, résumé credentials, which can be later used to the Jack Brown Center will get a new drug win other contracts. and alcohol dependency treatment center via However, Cohenour said CNB is hiring a $5.5 million allocation. No timetable was the HWH Group – a Texas-based, facility given for its construction. solutions firm – as a consultant. She said CNB According to the plan, $23.2 million will has established a relationship with the non be used to renovate facilities. In Stilwell, the TERO-certified company and that “they’re Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center will get $9 willing to provide those consulting services as million for a 28,000-square foot expansion, needed.” while in Sallisaw the Redbird Smith Health The Cherokee Phoenix requested all Center is expected to get a 30,000-square contracts awarded to the firm by the Nation foot expansion and an 11,000-square foot or its entities. On April 22, the tribe’s Attorney renovation for $11 million. The estimated start General’s Office stated no contracts have been date for the Mankiller project is fall 2013 and awarded to the HWH Group that are not should take about a year. The estimated start exempt and cannot be disclosed pursuant to date for the Smith project is this summer and the CN Freedom of Information Act. should also take about a year. [email protected] CN Health Services Director Connie Davis 918-453-5560 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT EduCAtION • #n[]Qsd MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 11

The Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Language Immersion School kindergarten class sings “I’ll Fly Away” at the 11th annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair on April 1 at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. The class won first place in the Pre-kindergarten to Second Grade Large Group Song category. TRAVIS SNELL/CHEROKEE PHOENIX Cherokees win awards at Native language fair

BY TRAVIS SNELL days. Students participate according to age, Assistant Editor group size (individual, small or large) and in two types of categories – performance and NORMAN, Okla. – Students representing non-performance. the Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Language The performance categories include Spoken Immersion School, Sequoyah Schools and Language Performance, Song in Native Rocky Mountain Elementary brought home nine Language, Language Masters Performance and awards from the 11th annual Oklahoma Native Spoken Language with PowerPoint, while the American Youth Language Fair on April 1-2 at non-performance categories include Poetry the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Writing and Performance, Poster Art, Book The immersion school’s second grade won and Literature and Cartoon and Comic Book. first place in the Pre-kindergarten to Second Christine Armer, Sam Noble Museum Native Grade Large Group Spoken Language category American youth language coordinator and OU with its tale of “Why the Possum’s Tail is Cherokee language instructor, said she’s been Bare.” Logan Oosahwe-Dushane, also of the with the fair for all 11 years – eight as a judge and immersion school, took first place in the Pre-k three as a coordinator. She said in her time with to Second Grade Large Group Individual Song the event, she’s seen it grow from 126 students category with his rendition of “Amazing Grace.” the first year to 921 students in 2013. The immersion school’s kindergarten class Armer said the 900-plus students this year won the Pre-k to Second Grade Large Group contributed 446 performances or submissions Song category by singing “I’ll Fly Away.” in 45 different Native languages. Immersion school kindergarten teacher “It’s more than we’ve had before. It seems Denise Chaudoin said the 2013 language fair like it’s growing every year,” she said. 2:29 “I was her fourth time to have a class compete. think that a lot of our tribes have realized She said she taught second grade the three that their language is dying. I think it started previous years and that the school always back when bilingual programs started. I think performed well at the event. people started realizing how the language was “Every group that I’ve had we’ve either going away…and I think that’s the reason that come in first or second, and I think most of they decided the language should go on.” the others have done first, second or third. According to its website, the language fair I see other people wining, too, but I don’t honors the students of Native languages and believe any of our kids have ever come home their teachers by giving them an opportunity to without some kind of award,” Chaudoin said. publicly present their respective languages. It She added that the language fair is good for the also celebrates language diversity in Oklahoma children because it displays their language and and the United States, as well as involves the gives them confidence to perform in front of University of Oklahoma, tribal communities, an audience. (2:30) “They have sung it with me families and language fair volunteers. and without me,” she said of her kindergarten Dr. Mary Linn, curator for Native American students. “They could have sung it today languages at the museum, said the fair began with without me. I just kind of mouth the words three objectives after she was hired as curator. and keep the beat, but they know the song. “One of them was to show that Native They can sing it by themselves.” languages are still living and they’re not just Taking third place in the Pre-K to Second put into a museum and forgotten about. So Grade Large Group Song category was the I really wanted to show that children were immersion school’s first grade with its song acquiring the languages, they were learning “God’s Children.” the languages, and that they were a vital part The immersion school’s third graders took of everyday life in the communities,” she said. home third place in the Third to Fifth Grade “I also wanted to honor the teachers who I had Large Group Spoken Language category with been working with for many years through its story “The Little Red Hen,” while students teacher-training programs, and I knew they from Rocky Mountain Elementary in Adair were working without very much curriculum, County placed third in the Third to Fifth without very much support, sometimes no Grade Large Group Song category for singing monetary support at all, paying for all their “Jesus My All.” own materials. So I really wanted to honor The immersion school’s sixth grade won them for trying to teach the languages under first place in the Sixth to Eighth Grade Large theses circumstances. And then also the Group Song category with its song “Sequoyah,” students to really give them support and boost while its seventh and eighth graders won and try to make them feel that there were other second place with their version of “Lean On kids out there, maybe in other tribes, but that Me.” Also, Sequoyah Schools’ high school there were other kids out there that were doing choir took second place for its rendition of “ the same things that they were doing.” Celebrate” in the Ninth to 12th Grade Large Group Song category. [email protected] The competitions are broken down into two 918-453-5358 CN distributes $3.2M to area schools

BY TESINA JACKSON 14 counties and appreciative of the Cherokee Reporter Nation, and because we don’t know how we are being affected by the sequestration, we will TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – As part of the hold on to the money,” she said. “The money Cherokee Nation’s annual Public School will go into our general fund and will be held Appreciation Day, the tribe on April 12 there until we know what is being cut.” distributed approximately $3.2 million to 92 Stilwell, located in Adair County, received area schools located within the tribes 14-county $88,305.62 from the Nation. jurisdiction. The tribe’s Attorney General’s Office is The money stems from the tribe’s motor negotiating with state officials on a new motor vehicle compact with the state. According to the vehicle compact. The tribe enacted its current compact, the CN gives 38 percent of its annual compact with the state on Sept. 24, 2002. It car tag revenues to the schools. In return the expired in September but remains in effect state enters CN tags into a national motor because of an automatic renewal clause. vehicle information database, which protects CN Attorney General Todd Hembree has CN citizens and assists law enforcement. said he hopes to expand CN car tag sales “We try our best to help as many as we outside of the 14-county jurisdiction into the can,” Chuck Hoskin Sr., CN chief of staff and rest of Oklahoma. Expanding car tag sales executive director of Education Services, said. would increase the amount of car tag money “We are very happy that we can help and that distributed and would be available for schools we know it’s going to the students education.” within and outside of the tribe’s jurisdictional Funding amounts are based on the number boundaries, he said. of CN citizens enrolled in the school, but According to the current compact, the CN schools have full discretion on how to use the can issue motor vehicle tags to its citizens who money. To date, the tribe has awarded nearly live within the tribe’s boundaries. Its boundaries $30 million to northeast Oklahoma schools. encompass a portion of the lands within Indian “This year the Cherokee Nation is making a Territory that were ceded by the United States record contribution to area schools,” Principal to the CN pursuant to the Indian Removal Act Chief Bill John Baker said. “I believe that of 1830, the 1835 Treaty of New Echota and a strongly supporting access to educational fee patent executed by the president pursuant programs for our youth and future generations to the treaty. is the best investment we can ever make as a These ceded lands included what are now sovereign tribal government.” all of present-day Sequoyah, Adair, Cherokee, Because of federal budget cuts, many school Mayes, Delaware, Rogers, Washington, Nowata officials do not know how their respective and Craig counties and portions of present- schools will be affected. Stilwell Public Schools day McIntosh, Muskogee, Wagoner, Tulsa and Superintendent Geri Gilstrap said the CN Ottawa counties in northeastern Oklahoma. money couldn’t have come at a better time because of that reason. [email protected] “We are so fortunate that we live within the 918-453-5000, ext. 6139 12 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 PEOPlE • xW Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013 Tulsa Shock selects Goodrich in WNBA draft

LENZY KREHBIEL-BURTON Native Times

TULSA, Okla. – Selected 29th overall by the Tulsa Shock on April 15, Cherokee Nation citizen Angel Goodrich became the highest-drafted Native American woman in WNBA history. “Of course there are limited jobs in the league, and you’re trying out for a team that has veteran players, but it’s something that’s exciting to me,” Goodrich said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m really excited and ready to get started.” A graduate of Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, Goodrich played collegiately at the University of Kansas and averaged 14 points and almost 7 assists per game this past season, leading the Jayhawks to a second consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance. “The team that came up big in the third round is the Tulsa Shock,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said on draft night. “They came into tonight without a point guard. They got their starting guard in the first round and then picked up Angel Goodrich from Kansas. That Cherokee Nation citizen Angel Goodrich kid has a real shot to make their roster.” shoots on Tennessee Lady Volunteer With its first round pick, the Shock selected Glory Johnson in this 2012 photo during University of Notre Dame point guard Skylar the Kansas Lady Jayhawks’ Sweet 16 Diggins, a four-time All-American and two- appearance. COURTESY PHOTO time Big East Player of the Year. Diggins’ team eliminated Goodrich’s Lady Jayhawks from played against some good competition in the the 2013 NCAA tournament. Big 12,” he said. “Obviously, (Diggins is) a great player,” Goodrich earned First-Team All-Big 12 Goodrich said. “I’m looking forward to Conference honors on March 7, as voted on getting to know her better. I’m just ready by the league’s head coaches. She was a 2012 to get there and start learning from her and Second-Team All-Big 12 selection. my teammates.” The 5-foot-4 guard led the conference with Prior to draft, Tahnee Robinson was the 3.0 steals per game, while ranking second only enrolled tribal citizen to be drafted by in the league with 6.9 assists per contest. a WNBA team, with the Phoenix Mercury Goodrich is second on the Jayhawks with 14.1 selecting her with the 31st pick of the 2011 points per game and leads the team in 3-point draft. One other Native woman, Navajo Nation field goals with 50. citizen Ryneldi Becenti, played as a free agent This past season, Goodrich became a with the Mercury in 1997. member of Kansas University’s 1,000-point “Angel was the best available player at the scoring club and also became the all-time time,” Shock coach Gary Kloppenburg said. career assist leader in Kansas history. She has “Yes, we took a point guard with our first 201 assists this season, along with 87 steals. round pick, but she can’t play all 40 minutes. “It’s a great feeling to be coming home. A We will need a back up. lot of people have texted me and Facebooked “We were surprised that a player of Angel’s me and it’s really exciting because (the Shock) caliber was still left in the draft at pick 29,” is an hour away from my actual house. I was Kloppenburg added. “She is a quality player like, ‘Wow, it’s right there,’” she said. “My and will have an opportunity to prove herself family was yelling (when Goodrich’s draft was in training camp.” announced). They’re excited.’ Shock President Steve Swetoha said the team The Shock’s home opener is May 27 against had Goodrich rated high on its draft board and the Washington Mystics. was surprised to see her available at 29. “She is a very smart point guard who has – REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

Cherokee Nation citizen Mallory Barrett practices swimming, one of three events that an athlete must compete in during a triathlon. The 8-year-old from Webbers Falls, Okla., regularly competes in triathlons. COURTESY PHOTO 8-year-old competes in triathlons

BY STACIE GUTHRIE sports triathlons offer but enjoys running the Reporter most because it helps make her legs stronger. Butch Garner, Barrett’s grandfather, said WEBBERS FALLS, Okla. – Cherokee Barrett’s first bike was a $40 bike from Sears. Nation citizen Mallory Barrett, an 8-year-old But now she rides a bike she calls the “Green third grader at Stigler Public Schools, has done Machine” that’s made in California and sells something many people never even attempt – for around $900. complete a triathlon. And not only does she “That bike flies,” he said. complete them, she usually wins. Many times Barrett’s family finds itself Since September 2011, Barrett has traveling to triathlons in Texas and Arkansas regularly competed in and won the athletic to face stronger competition, something her competitions that combine swimming, grandmother said Oklahoma lacks. biking and running all in one day. Granted “Texas and Arkansas are much more the triathlons Barrett competes in aren’t the competitive in triathlons,” Jan Garner, Barrett’s full 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile ride and 26.2- grandmother, said. mile run events that can be seen on TV, but Barrett’s competitiveness recently showed they do involve learning to compete at high in a Texas triathlon after she fell off her bike. levels in all three triathlon phases. When volunteers rushed to see if she was OK, In 2011, she competed in two triathlons, all Barrett said was “where’s my bike?” and one in nearby Fort Smith, Ark., and one in finished the competition despite a bloody knee. Kellyville. In 2012, Barrett competed in a The family is also looking to compete in series of four YMCA events around Oklahoma more Native American events, but Barrett said City. In those triathlons, she came in first for they are hard to find. However, she did race in each. In the past year, she has competed in 13 the Choctaw Nation’s Run for Fun in Stigler. triathlons and won 10. Overall, Barrett has competed in 13 “I like it (competing) because I get to make triathlons, two duathlons and two 5K runs. lots of friends and I love winning first,” Barrett She has also competed in 24 individual swim said. “It helps my body get active, not to sit races, winning 19. She plays basketball, softball around and eat potato chips.” and competes in gymnastics, competitive She added that more kids her age should be cheer and track. It’s that kind of drive that more active and trying different activities to makes Barrett want to be an Olympian for keep their bodies healthy. swimming, track and gymnastics. Barrett knows that to be a triathlete, having Barrett’s grandparents support her in all a healthy body is key. It also takes hard work, she does. Jan said Barrett gives it her all when something Barrett isn’t afraid of. Before competing and training. competing in her first triathlon, she said she “I can’t begin to even describe it because she could only doggie paddle when swimming. always gives 150 percent at everything she does,” But she worked with a swim instructor in Fort said Jan. “She doesn’t quit, she gets it done.” Smith and dramatically increased her skills, Looking at her grandmother, Barrett said, “I which helped her place second within her age keep on going.” group in the Fort Smith triathlon. [email protected] Barrett said she likes the three different 918-453-5000, ext. 5903 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 13 14 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 CultuRE • i=nrplcsd Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013 Cherokee’s race across America celebrated 85 years later

Andy Payne, a Cherokee, wins a 3,400-mile foot race and literally saves To read this complete the family farm with the story, subscribe to winnings in 1928. our monthly print

BY WILL CHAVEZ edition. Senior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – On March 4, 1928, 199 men from all walks of life hoping to win To subscribe $25,000 toed the starting line in Los Angeles for the 3,400-mile “Trans-Continental Foot Go to http://www. Race: Los Angeles to New York.” Among the competitors was a 20-year-old cherokeephoenix.org/ Cherokee farm boy from Foyil, Andy Payne. Already in California looking for work, he MonthlyPaper.html traveled home to find sponsors for his run after learning of the race. After finding enough money, he returned to L.A., paid the $125 entry fee and trained in the Andy Payne, left, and Peter Gavuzzi walk Route 66 in Oklahoma during a portion of Or call: 918-453-5269 Southern California hills. the Transcontinental Race on 1928. EL RENO CARNEGIE LIBRARY 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 15 16 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013 Election CHEROKEE PHOENIX 2013 May 2013 • cherokeephoenix.org 185 Years of Cherokee Journalism EC ready for upcoming council election An Election Commissioner forward to the June 22 election.” for the Dist. 2 seat. In Dist. 4, incumbent Don Marion Carlene Cooper of Locust Grove “We are working on finalizing a few minor Garvin of Muskogee will run against Justin E. challenge incumbent Meredith A. Frailey of says the body is “ready and details, such as getting ballots and other materials Carlton of Muskogee and Mike Dobbins of Locust Grove. looking forward to the June printed and getting precinct officials trained to Fort Gibson. Six candidates filed for the No. 2 At-Large use our new voting equipment,” she wrote. Incumbent David W. Thornton Sr. of Vian seat, which represents CN citizens outside of 22 election.” Earls added that voters in May should look will run against Dink Scott of Vian and Sherri the tribe’s jurisdictional boundary. They are for their voter identification cards in the mail. L. Doolin of Braggs for the Dist. 5 seat. In Dist. Robin Mayes of Denton, Texas; Ken Luttrell “Voters who would like to vote by absentee 7, incumbent Frankie Hargis of Stilwell and of Ponca City; Carole Richmond of Tulsa; BY JAMI CUSTER ballot should get those requests in soon. The Joe Adair of Stilwell will run for the seat. Lonus incumbent Jack D. Baker of Nichols Hills; Reporter deadline for that is looming,” she said. “And Mitchell of Rose challenges incumbent Curtis Curtis West of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and Curtis in May, voters should watch the mail for their G. Snell of Rose in Dist. 9. Bruehl of Norman. TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee voter ID cards, which will have their polling For Dist. 10, Nettie Detherage of Fairland, For more information regarding the upcoming Nation’s Election Commission is geared up for location listed.” Melvina Shotpouch of Jay and Harley L. election, call the EC at 918-458-5899. the upcoming Tribal Council election on June 22 The election consists of 25 candidates vying Buzzard of Eucha will compete for that newly and is training precinct workers for the big day. for nine Tribal Council seats. created seat. In Dist. 11, incumbent Chuck Election Commissioner Lindsay Earls stated Incumbent Joe Byrd and Tamsye Hoskin Jr. of Vinita drew no opponents, but [email protected] in an email that the EC is “ready and looking Dreadfulwater, both of Tahlequah, will vie in Dist. 15, Janees Taylor of Pryor and Marilyn 918-453-5560 15 districts in Current 15-district map How to prepare effect for Election for polls on Commission election day BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter When voting at precincts, TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation citizens Cherokee Nation’s Election must follow certain rules Commission is using the tribe’s new 15-district council map to conduct and regulations set forth this year’s nine Tribal Council races, but the legislative branch won’t by the tribe’s Election restructure under those districts Commission. until newly elected councilors are inaugurated on Aug. 14, said Tribal BY WILL CHAVEZ Councilor Chuck Hoskin Jr. Senior Reporter Hoskin said Legislative Act 26-12, which converts the tribe’s TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – According to jurisdictional districts from five to the Rules and Regulations of the Cherokee 15, became effective on July 16, 2012, Nation Election Commission, there are to allow the EC to prepare for the certain procedures that a CN citizen 2013 election. undergoes at his or her poll before he or “That is the effective date of the she gets to vote. Follow these regulations legislation because, of course, you and the process should go smoothly: can’t hold an election unless the • Announce your name and address Election Commission can operate to the judge/worker monitoring the under the authority of that statute. precinct. If the judge/worker does not So we have to give the Election know you, then you will need to present Commission the authority to some identification. conduct an election with the new • Once it is determined you are districts,” Hoskin said. registered to vote, the judge/worker LA 26-12 repealed in its entirety will ask you to sign your name in the LA 36-10, the act that created the Precinct Voter’s Signature Book. five jurisdictional districts, and Election • The judge/worker will then issue amended the CN Election Code to a ballot, showing you the ballot define the apportionment process of marking instructions before council seats. Commission directing you to a vacant voting LA 36-10 provided three booth. (The inspector should councilors to each of the five remind you that the ballot is districts with two At-Large seats. timeline marked by filling in the circle LA 26-12 calls for one councilor per indicating your choice(s), and you jurisdictional district with two At- May should use the marking device in Large seats. 10: Absentee ballot request period closes the voting booth. However, Hoskin said the Tribal 22: Voter identification cards mailed • After marking your ballot, Council will not use or represent 27-28: Absentee ballots mailed insert your ballot in the ballot the new districts until after the tabulator and leave the precinct nine council races were decided June immediately after voting. and their respective representatives 15, 18, 19 & 20: In-person absentee However, if your name is not inaugurated. He said he still considers voting at Election Office listed in the Precinct Voter’s himself to be one of three Dist. 4 Signature Book, the judge/ 22: General election representatives for Washington, worker should consult the Nowata, Craig and Mayes counties 24-26: Request for recount Master List of Voters and until after the 2013 election. 27-28: Recount held direct you to the correct However, on Aug. 14 he will precinct or advise you that take his second Tribal Council July your district is not conducting oath of office as the new Dist. 11 1: Absentee ballot request an election, if that is the case, states representative after drawing no for run-off ends and election the EC Rules and Regulations. opponents for the district’s council appeals deadline Important voter links If your name is not found in the seat. That district consists of portions 2-4: Supreme Court establishes appeals Master’s List of Voters and you insist that of Mayes and Nowata counties and hearing schedule Interactive voting districts map you are registered to vote, you may cast a http://geodata.cherokee.org/ElectionAddresses all of Craig County. 8-9: Absentee ballots mailed challenged ballot if you have not cast a regular According to a Cherokee Phoenix or absentee ballot. 20, 23, 24 & 25: In-person absentee voting Absentee ballot request form article in January, Hoskin testified Once you have completed the statement on at Election Office http://www.cherokee.org/OurGovernment/Commissions/ that councilors were under a 2010 ElectionCommission/24782/Information.aspx the back of the Challenge Envelope, you are 27: Runoff election statutory mandate to create the 15-district voter registration form issued a ballot and a Challenged Ballot Secrecy 15-district map by August 2012. The 29-31: Request for recount http://www.cherokee.org/Docs/Org2010/2013/3/3087115_ Envelope and directed to a voting booth to tribe’s Supreme Court ruled the 15 District_Voter_Registration_Form.pdf cast your ballot. The inspector should ensure districts constitutional on Feb. 27, August Tribal election laws you that you place your completed ballot in which allowed the EC to proceed 1-2: Recount held http://cherokee.legistar.com/LegislationDetail. the envelope and not the ballot tabulator. with this year’s elections, he said. 5: Election appeals deadline aspx?ID=1215129&GUID=C64B4A44-CA13-4891-879F-C158 April 1 was the last day to register to vote 7A001272&Options=ID|Text|&Search=LA-46-12 6-8: Supreme Court establishes appeals in the June 22 election. However, CN citizens [email protected] hearing schedule Unisyn Voting Solutions can register for the 2015 election, which will 918-453-5000, ext. 6139 http://www.unisynvoting.com/ include the principal chief and deputy chief 14: Swearing-in of officials races as well as eight council seats. Registered CN voters who live outside the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction or who are unable Recent Cherokee Phoenix election-related coverage to vote at a precinct on election day may request Council approves 15-district map http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ Index/6958 an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot requests for http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ Index/6861 5 councilors seek court date for redistricting the June 22 election ends at 5 p.m. on May 19. Index/6456 1 of 2 redistricting lawsuits dismissed http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ For the complete EC Rules and Regulations, 2 lawsuits filed over reapportioned district map http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ Index/6961 visit www.cherokee.org. http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ Index/6911 Supreme Court upholds council map Index/6588 15-district council map ruled constitutional http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ [email protected] Legislators amend tribal election code http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/ Index/7056 918-207-3961

Jay Senior Citizens Center DISTRICT 15 2013 ELECTION VOTING PRECINCTS Senior Citizens Center 816 Main St. 816 Main St. Claremore DISTRICT 2 Warner School/Event Center DISTRICT 7 Grove J.R. Hooper VFW Post 2976 900 4th Ave. Kansas Community Building 1717 W. Dupont Tahlequah Stilwell Utility/Police Departments 104 W. 3rd St. W.W. Hastings Hospital Muskogee Wilma P. Mankiller Health 150 S. Cherokee St. Salina 100 Bliss Ave. Three Rivers Health Center Clinic Afton A-Mo Community Clinic 1001 S. 41st East Highway 51 East Kenwood Community Service Center/ 900 N. Owen Walters Blvd. Lowery Kenwood Nutrition Site City Hall Lowery School/Library DISTRICT 5 Westville 4 Kenwood 13001 201 S.W. 1st St. Locust Grove 21132 E. 640 Road Westville School/Cafeteria Sallisaw Town Hall Highway 62 and Park St. Salina Spavinaw Briggs Housing Authority 109 E. Ross A-Mo Community Clinic City Hall Briggs School/Library 2260 W. Cherokee Cave Springs 900 N. Owen Walters Blvd. 104 Lake 17210 S. 569 Road Cave Springs School Pryor Vian Old Highway 17 DISTRICT 10 Pryor St. Mark Catholic Church/ DISTRICT 4 Vian High School/Gym St. Mark Catholic Church/ Parrish Hall 301 W. Hunter St. Chewey Salina Parrish Hall Fort Gibson 1507 S. Vann St. Skelley School/Fitness Center A-Mo Community Clinic 1507 S. Vann St. Community Building Paradise Hill 1st St. 900 N. Owen Walters Blvd. 200 W. Hickory West Tenkiller Fire Department DISTRICT 11 – Unopposed 101 Lakeview Dr. DISTRICT 9 Jay Seat/No Election Warner 2 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 MEET THE CANDIDATES Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

Tamsye Joe Byrd Don Garvin Dreadfulwater District 2 District 4 District 2 Tahlequah, Okla. Muskogee, Okla. Tahlequah, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 918-207-6021 Phone: 918-616-3961 Q Phone: 918-373-9837

I feel the Cherokee people deserve a candidate It is an honor to give back to the Cherokee people. The future of the Cherokee Nation is at stake. Why whose primary interest will be to represent the I always consult the elders as to which direction to My record of accomplishments speaks to my interests of all Cherokee citizens. With my years take the Cherokee people. experience and hard work on behalf of all the did you of experience working for the Cherokee Nation, I Cherokee Citizens. Specifically, the Muskogee know how the government works, the people and Three Rivers Health Center became a reality after choose to its programs. I am honest and unafraid to stand persistently advocating for local health care beyond up for what is right and best for our people. I will the small trailer or a long trip to Hastings during run for listen to the needs of our people - I will hold their my tenure on the Council. Council work is serious confidences and do what I say I will do. buisness even during good times. Now more than a Tribal ever, District four needs experienced, stable and proven leadership focused on delivering education Council scholarships, great paying jobs within the nation for Cherokees, and Quality local health care. I want seat? to continue the progress that has been made.

If elected, my greatest priority would be to meet The greatest priorities for District 2 are health care, To me, the greatest priority for District four and What are face-to-face with our citizens to hear their needs and scholarships, and housing. As a councilman, I have the entire Cherokee Nation would have to be health the greatest to keep them informed of services, issues, policies supported every effort to expand our clinics, build a care. Health care is very expensive and there is never and laws that directly impact their lives. Especially new hospital, and increase healthcare for our people. enough money to furnish all of the needs. Many priorities for our elders and those most in need. My other During my term as Chairman of the Education of our people have Diabetes and require constant priorities will be transparency in government, Committee, we have increased the total number medications and monitoring of this disease. Caner in your including accountability of funds, accountability of scholarships for students, the dollar amount per has robbed so many of our people of their lives. district and in actions (what I say, I will do), employee rights, scholarship, and allowed more students than ever to We have made great progress with our eye glasses Cherokee preference in hiring and contracting, and attend college. I have supported the efforts of Chief and dentures but more help is needed. The Nation how would be honest, forthright and stand up for what is right Baker to reactivate the Housing Authority, which has needs to hire more Doctors and Nurses, I will work you address for the people. allowed the tribe to build houses once again. If the to make sure this happens. Cherokee people bless me with their vote another them as term, I will continue in this direction. With the philosophy of this administration, we are able to a Tribal address these issues Councilor?

We are living in trying times financially. I would We would not cut five percent, because the Nation I do not want a single person to be furloughed If you not cut services to our people and I would not cut has had a long-standing plan to address federal or to lose their job or even one paycheck. There needed to jobs. I would start by reducing increases in salaries cutbacks of this magnitude. should be a hiring freeze on nonessential new hires and bonuses of the executive level staff, such and a freeze on training and unnecessary travel. cut 5 percent as cabinet level and executive directors, so that Federal sequestration has hit all tribes. We knew of the employees would still be eligible for merit increases. for some time the cuts were coming so we need For example, if 10 executives are making $100,000 to look harder at saving tribal revenue money at Cherokee each and they receive a 5% increase that is $50,000 the government and buisnesses. I would cut the Nation’s that could go to services. I would also examine expensive non-Cherokee contractors at $250 per unnecessary spending such as the golf course that hour, rather than cut services to our Cherokee overall was recently purchased. people. budget, where you start?

Do you agree I do not agree with the new district map because I agree with the new map and I agree that the The Cherokee Nation Constitution calls for one the map was changed to create political positions for Cherokee Nation Supreme Court will uphold the man-one vote. With the redistricting District four with the specific individuals. This was the action of a special Constitution of the Cherokee Nation. ended up with 7,574 total citizens which is just new Tribal interest group that took up months of Council and barely above the 15 district average. In previous staff time which could have been used to serve years some citizens had two Councilors and other Council issues important to our people. Because the public citizens only had one Councilor. The map could districts map remains uninformed on the exact boundaries, I be better and not all citizens were counted. With foresee that voters will be very confused trying to the 15 Districts we are closer to one man one vote. upheld by determine their voting district. The Supreme Court said it had concerns about the the Supreme makeup of some of the new districts, they could not declare the map unconstitutional. I sure hated Court and to lose the citizens in Braggs, Gore, Webbers Falls why or why and Wagoner County. The Election Commission reported they can conduct a fair and accurate not? election.

The council Once again, I truly believe that the Cherokee I absolutely agree with the amendment. The Independent Certified Appraiser appraisal recently amended Nation General Corporation Act was changed purchase authorization had been set at $6million for completed or a vetted buisness case justifying the tribe’s General to benefit certain individuals instead of looking the last ten years and with success of our businesses, the purchases which involved seated CNB Board Corporation Act out for what was best for the Nation as a whole. I buying back our land for the right price if given members who benefitted from the land purchses. by increasing the do not agree with the amendment to the General the opportunity, $15million is not unreasonable. The Cherokee People deserve sound buisness amount tribal Corporation Act, I believe that a purchase of such Furthermore, the Council approves the board that decisions with transparent land deals benefitting corporations can magnitude should be discussed in an open forum makes these decisions, and should feel confident that all Cherokee citizens rather than just a few. In the spend on “real such as a Tribal Council meeting since the result they will make the right decisions. future, I believe we need to stay within the amount property” without of such a purchase effects the dividend to the set by the Tribal Council of $6 million. council approval. Cherokee Nation and thus services to our citizens. Do you agree with this amendment and at what level should the purchase approval for CNB set?

Elected officials are employees of the people and I co-authored the act. I was subject to random I voted for Drug testing for all elected officials. Do you as such should be subject to the same policies as drug tests as an educator, and support it as an elected We test all of our government and buisness believe that other employees of the Cherokee Nation. Drug official. employees so it is only fair the elected officials testing is standard business practice, also standard should be tested. According to the Act, an initial Cherokee for federal employees, and we should follow suit. drug screening would be conducted within 30 Nation’s days. The prohibited drugs are marijuana, opiates, cocaine, phencyclidine, methamphetamines and elected any other illegal drugs. I think it is a good Act. officials should be subjected to drug testing and why or why not?

How involved The Tribal Council has always held seats on the This legislation was in place before I took office. I business boards. They hold the purse strings for both will have to study it further. The Council has a constitutional mandate of fiscal should Tribal the government and businesses. As advisory board responsibility for the Nation. The Council needs to Councilors members they have the authority to ensure that be fully informed on decisions of the CNB board of citizens have representation in business decisions. Directors and all Council members should be able be in the However, I do not believe that elected officials to attend any meeting of the CNB Board and their decisions of should be involved in the day-to-day operations committees. Transparency enables the Council to of tribal businesses. Day-to-day involvement of be fully informed. At the same time the Council the Cherokee political officials has the potential of interferring has final approval of board member nominees to Nation with employee rights. The distinction between the CNB Board. The Nation relies on these Board a regular board member and an advisory board members to perform their duties to act in the best Businesses member is that board members receive payment and interests of the Cherokee Nation as they are paid to board of advisory board members receive complimentary oversee the Buisnesses day- to-day operations and gratuities from the businesses (such as hotel rooms, strategy decisions. directors? food, beverages, and entertainment). 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT MEET THE CANDIDATES MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 3

Mike Dobbins Justin Carlton Dink Scott District 4 District 4 District 5 Fort Gibson, Okla. Muskogee, Okla. Vian, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Q Phone: 918-478-4761 Phone: 918-781-2185 Phone: 918-776-3578

I was raised with strong values of faith, family and I’m blessed to be Cherokee. The tribe helped my I’ve spent my adult life volunteering in our Why community service. My father, Dr. Jack Dobbins, family survive. I was born in a Cherokee hospital, community and this is just another way to help make instilled in me the desire to serve the greater good housed under a Cherokee roof, used Cherokee a better life for our folks. The Cherokee Nation has did you which I have done through my business and my vouchers for clothes, educated with Cherokee given me a great deal over my lifetime and I want faith. After praying on it, I felt that it was the scholarships and employed by Cherokee businesses. to give something back. The Cherokee Nation is choose to right time to get involved with Cherokee politics Being Cherokee has helped me grow into a man who making great strides with the new administration to ensure that the Cherokees of district four are makes his family proud. Being Cherokee is more and I want to bring some new energy as the Nation run for receiving the full benefit of our Nation. than what I am – it’s who I am. I decided its time continues growing and improving. I’m tired of these for me to give back for all that I’ve been given by the long time politicians not abiding by term limits and a Tribal Nation. I love the Cherokee Nation and our people. spending all council meetings fighting each other. As a coach in our area for more than three decades Council I understand we must work TOGETHER for our Nation to continue moving forward. Our Council seat? spends too much time fighting each other and not enough time fighting for us. So I’ll set an example by working hard and doing right.

As a Healthcare provider since 1981, Health First, we should enforce term limits as our Things are moving in the right direction and I What are services are my number one priority. I will Constitution requires and twice the Cherokee people want to help make sure that continues. It’s time we the greatest push for 100% funding of Three Rivers Health have demanded. Through a legal slight of hand my had some new folks on the Council after so many Center, continue making diabetes prevention and opponent and several others are running for the third, have been there for so long. New ideas, new energy priorities treatment a top priority and will seek expansion fourth and fifth times. Term limits allow new leaders and a new focus on helping our people is what we of mental health programs at Three Rivers. I also with new ideas and energy. My priorities include need and one reason I’m running. Some of these in your want to fully fund and expand our mail-order continuing the recent progress in housing, expanding folks get kind of elite and look down their noses at district and prescription drug program to make sure that our health care and cutting wait times and putting a lot of us. They forget us. Tired of that. I also elderly and those who need it are being helped in Cherokees first for EVERY job that comes available. will ALWAYS make sure Cherokees are hired first For the first time in more than a decade Cherokees are how would the most convenient and efficient way possible. I and foremost for any Cherokee Nation job. We are building houses for Cherokees and I want to see that will make sure that district four benefits from all of hiring record numbers of Cherokees and we need you address program expanded. The Nation announced a $100 the services available including housing, education million expansion of health care last month and I want to step it up even more. Finally I say let’s keep them as and economic development. As an independent to make certain the people of District 4 are included in building houses and lets build a lot of them here in a Tribal councilman, I will be able to reach out and work this exciting new expansion. I’ll work hard every day District 5. with the entire council on what benefits the to bring more jobs to our people. I don’t want to return Councilor? Cherokee People most. to the days before a housing program, record profits and transparency in government.

I would start trimming the budget with non- Thanks to record profits from Cherokee Nation I’m not for cutting money to Cherokee programs. If you essential travel and overtime. In the long term, I Businesses the past 18 months we can sustain federal We’re making more money than ever and we need needed to would like to see some type of reserve set aside so cuts without cutting programs to our people. We are to have the businesses make sure we get the money that if the federal funding is cut in the future, we spending record amounts on health care and housing that is rightfully ours. We just have to do more cut 5 percent are best prepared for it. Citizens utilizing our tribal and we are generating the money to do it. If we with less. We should always look at unnecessary of the services generally need all the help we can give, I must cut five percent it should be the salaries and expenses racked up by councilmembers. believe that cutting services should be the last thing travel budgets of the Tribal Council. The Cherokee Cherokee we do. CNB exists for the benefit of the Cherokee Foundation also seemingly has a large travel budget Nation’s People. I believe that should cuts be inevitable in for a few folks and maybe we should investigate our federal programs, CNB should look at ways to where some of that money is being spent and cut it by overall share the burden and supplement federal funding five percent. Our Nation today is building houses, budget, where necessary. building clinics, spending more money than ever on health care for our people. But it’s not enough. As where you our Cherokee Nation Businesses make record profits start? we must always remember the government is here for the people.

Do you agree I support fifteen smaller districts rather than I FULLY support the new council district plan. What’s wrong with small districts where we the five. I believe that the smaller districts will This new plan puts elected officials closer to the represent our neighbors, family and friends? The with the allow Cherokees to get more familiar with their people they serve. Our District 4 is small enough smaller the better so we can help folks and hear first new Tribal councilperson, and ultimately the Nation can be for me to help any person who needs a hand and hand what they want and need. Cutting up the big more responsive to citizens’ needs through the the previous districts did not allow such personal districts where folks didn’t even know the person Council council. service. The small districts allow us to all know each who worked for them on the Council was a smart districts map other and that’s what a representative Democracy is move. I can tell you that I probably already know first and foremost. about everyone in District 5 and I will before I’m upheld by done I guarantee you that. the Supreme Court and why or why not?

The council Owning and operating my own business for over I support our Nation buying back OUR land that I think we need to buy land as an investment recently amended 25 years, I understand that business can happen was taken from us so many years ago. I’d like to see for the future. There’s not a Cherokee family that the tribe’s General quickly, and most of the time cannot wait nor the Nation own all of the land possible as we build for wouldn’t buy land if they had the money. We leave Corporation Act operate on the same timeline that a government the next seven generations. There is some harping land to future generations and this time it can’t by increasing the the size of the Cherokee Nation functions on. That about land being bought around Tahlequah but land be taken from us. Land doesn’t spoil and they’re amount tribal being said, the council must provide investment appreciates. And as we’re working for far into the not making more of it so buying it makes sense. If corporations can guidelines for our businesses to operate under. If future all land we buy will be of great value one day. we can pay for it today then it will really pay off spend on “real those guidelines are followed, and there has been Think what would have happened if we had bought a down the road. The CNB seems to make a bunch property” without proper analysis and planning for the project, then great deal of land 20 years ago. Let’s not look back in of money and we shouldn’t tie their hands in council approval. I believe our businesspeople should be able to do 20 years and say the same about today. getting our land back. Some of the members of the Do you agree with their jobs. With a successful, well thought out Council are so busy fighting each other they can’t business plan, CNB should be allowed to do what take time to oversee every land purchase. Let the this amendment we have charged them with: investing our money land professionals make that decision. and at what for the highest and best use for the Cherokee People. level should the purchase approval for CNB set?

Cherokee Nation requires all of our employees to If tribal leadership requires employees to be drug Test em. If you’re doing drugs you shouldn’t be Do you take one, and I have no issue with submitting to a tested then they should set an example by doing making decisions for our people. I spent decades believe that drug test for council. the same. The bill that was passed had no penalties coaching and I know what drugs can do to people or repercussions if a councilor tests positive. Their and I don’t want to see it anywhere near our council Cherokee needs to be some teeth put into the bill or it’s nothing meetings. Nation’s more than a vehicle for potential embarrassment. elected officials should be subjected to drug testing and why or why not?

How involved I believe that the Cherokee Council should There must always oversight by the Tribal Council Let business folks run the businesses. I work provide an essential role in shaping CNB’s overall of all things Cherokee. But the council should allow at the local Farmers CO-OP and I watch small should Tribal direction and policies as shareholders do in every business people to run the businesses as much as business people and business people come through Councilors typical corporation. It is important for the council possible. Our businesses are making record profits all the time and I’m not going to tell them how to to have a role as the voice of the Cherokee People. and having one councilor or another who may have run their businesses because they know more about be in the CNB exists for benefit of the Nation as a whole, not an agenda affect this smooth running operation it than I do. As long as CNB is making money let’s decisions of just one branch of our government. Most tribes doesn’t make sense. For too long CNB bought just have some oversight and stay out of the way. organize their business arm to be non-political and businesses for reasons that may not have always been If things start going bad then we need to have the Cherokee this generally works well, the council should allow in the best interest of all Cherokees and that is no a serious look but as far as every decision of our Nation CNB the freedom to make decisions as needed in longer the case as it evidence by the results. Again businesses becoming votes by people on the council order to operate as a successful business. As I said I believe in oversight but not micromanaging. Hire I am not sure that’s a good idea. Businesses previously, the Council should provide Investment the best pros available and let them do what they do board of Guidelines within which CNB should operate, best – make money for our Cherokee people. but should be involved when CNB takes any directors? extraordinary actions. 4 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 MEET THE CANDIDATES Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

Sherri Doolin Frankie Hargis Lonus Mitchell District 5 District 7 District 9 Braggs, Okla. Stilwell, Okla. Rose, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: Phone: 918-639-5761 Phone: 918-575-3786 [email protected] Q Phone: 918-868-7629

I chose to run first to serve others and to give I am running for reelection because there is more I believe I can improve on the representation Why back to my tribe who has given to me in so many work to be done. Serving the people of my district has of the Cherokee people’s needs. ways. From culture, our language, and traditions been a blessing and I have enjoyed it. I was raised here, did you to assisting elderly family members in their final raised my family here and I want the absolute best for years. I feel as though I can help lead by serving. I Cherokees in this district. We have made great strides in choose to can bring a fresh perspective to issues we face and areas like healthcare, housing, education and economic will face as a sovereign Nation and as a people. development. But, if we are to continue improving in run for those areas, and others, we need strong leadership. I believe I can continue to provide strong leadership and a Tribal respectfully ask for your vote. Council seat?

I will listen to all sides of every issue. I will make Healthcare, housing, education and jobs continue to be top I believe health care, schools and fire What are myself available and approachable too all citizens in priorities in our district. On healthcare, we simply must expand departments are top priorities. If elected I the greatest Dist. 5. The completion of reconstruction and new the Wilma P. Mankiller clinic. I worked with other councilors would push for more funding of each of these to construction of Redbird Smith Clinic is a priority and the Chief to craft a multi-million dollar plan to do just provide a healthier and safer Cherokee Nation. priorities for Dist. 5. I would also like to add we have a great that. Because we strengthened the Cherokee preference laws Also to provide a more conducive environment (TERO), the clinic expansion will be built by Cherokees, for in your natural resource in the “Sallisaw Creek Park” that Cherokees. Clinic expansion will create jobs locally and we’ll be to learning in our schools giving our young is not being utilized to the fullest. This is an area a healthier people for it. If re-elected, I will make sure the Wilma citizens the skills they need to compete in the district and that has much potential for the Cherokee Nation. P. Mankiller clinic is expanded. Education is the key to a bright work force. Another area of concern to the Cherokee people in future. During my time in office we’ve expanded the scholarship how would Dist. 5 is the Tahlonteeskee Historical Court House program, increased funding for vocational and technical you address in Gore. It has sat empty for nearly 5 years and is in education and boosted funding for head start. Let’s make sure we a state of deterioration. educate Cherokees to work in the expanded Wilma P. Mankiller them as health clinic and in other jobs in the community. Finally, I’m excited that we are building homes for our people again. If re- a Tribal elected, I will keep an eye on that program and make sure we get our fair share of housing dollars and that local Cherokees go to Councilor? work building those homes.

I would start by asking for help from our Dept. We can deal with the federal budget cuts without I would cut everything on the table except If you heads/Group Leaders requesting they look at the cutting services or cutting jobs. Families must plan for for Health Care, Education, Housing, and needed to needs and functions of their specific departments financial emergencies, and Cherokee government is Eldercare. to assist in this process. I also think it would be no different. I have insisted that our tribal government cut 5 percent a good incentive to our employees if they wanted budget contains a reserve fund in case of emergencies. of the to be a part of this process and came up with cost Because we’ve planned ahead, we can weather the storm. saving ideas. Employees could be compensated If, however, we are forced to trim our budget due to Cherokee perhaps with extra day off. federal funding cuts, I am ready to comb through the Nation’s budget to cut back on non-essential spending, such as travel. Because our business strategy is producing record overall revenues for the tribe, we can also use tribal funds to help budget, meet the shortfall. where you start?

Do you agree On this issue my view is that of a Cherokee I absolutely support council redistricting to 15 districts. Yes, it is not perfect, but we must abide by Nation citizen. There are those councilors who The five district plan was a failure. Our large districts the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Ruling. with the have been directly impacted and for them, from stretching over 3 counties made it hard for Cherokees new Tribal my perspective, I believe an injustice has occurred to know their representative, and vice versa. I prefer to and been done to them intentionally. Even more represent a small area where I can be involved in all the Council important it would appear the Cherokee people have communities in the district and be held accountable by districts map been left out and will be the ones to truly suffer. It all the citizens. is obvious the redistricting was done to serve only a upheld by few and will cause confusion. The Cherokee people the Supreme I knew as a child were quiet and did not speak out a lot, but relied on their leaders to speak for them. Court and You can speak now, with your vote. My heart is to why or why be that voice and the kind of leader you can trust. Their plan is to try and steer this election and the not? Cherokee Nation in a direction that will serve only a few and pad their private pockets.

The council I do not agree with this. How can we go from $6 It is high time we started getting our land back for No. It should be left at the $6 Million it recently amended million to $15 million? That is more than double. the Cherokee people. I supported the increase because started out as. the tribe’s General I am aware I am stating the obvious. I viewed Cherokee Nation Businesses’ (CNB’s) land investment Corporation Act the meetings on line that were held on Dec. 27 of strategy is working. I serve on the CNB advisory board by increasing the 2012 concerning the increase in spending of land where I keep a close eye on CNB. Increasing the cap on amount tribal purchase and land purchased with an undisclosed real property purchases was long overdue because CNB corporations can seller. Mr. Thornton verbally expressed that has tripled in size since the last increase. The increase is spend on “real Cherokee citizens in his district were in opposition, paying off. CNB has experienced record profits during property” without but when Mr. Thornton cast his vote, it was in my time in office. This means we have more revenue for council approval. favor of increasing the amount tribal corporation services to the people. If re-elected, I will continue to keep Do you agree with can spend on real property from $6 million to a close eye on CNB and I predict we will continue to see $15 million and then voted to approve the land increases in revenues, which will be good for the district. this amendment purchase. I Sherri L. Doolin promise the voters in and at what Dist. 5 to be a good steward of what belongs to the level should the Cherokee people. purchase approval for CNB set?

Yes, absolutely, we lead by example. Elected I opposed the drug testing Act. I have supported Yes. We should be subjected to the same Do you officials are role models, we are mentors to our efforts to address drug abuse, such as legislation I co- rules as the employees of Cherokee Nation. believe that young people and we are preparing the way for sponsored to expand the Jack Brown center, a youth drug the next generation to lead. The Cherokee Nation rehab facility. I believe elected officials who abuse drugs Cherokee council should be above reproach. I was taught to set poor examples for our kids and should not serve in Nation’s avoid the very appearance of wrong doing and evil. office. But, the drug testing Act included many vague and I believe elected officials are to be accountable to unenforceable rules and will divert funds that could be elected those they serve and those they serve with. The used for services. Existing law provides plenty of ways officials Cherokee people need to be able to trust those they to hold elected officials accountable for drug abuse, have elected and I support that random drug testing including removal from office. should be has become an acceptable part of that process. subjected to Cherokee’s need to be able to trust those leaders they have elected. The decisions that are made by drug testing tribal council affect thousands of lives today and and why or tomorrow and our very sovereignty as the Cherokee Nation. Even in issues of disagreement, I believe we why not? can have trust and integrity.

How involved Yes, the Tribal Council needs to have the I proudly co-sponsored that legislation. After all, I believe that council members should be oversight. It is good to delegate and have those in CNB only exists because of the Cherokee people. directly involved in these decisions. should Tribal position with education and experience, but the CNB’s resources belong to the Cherokee people, who I Councilors Cherokee Nation tribal council has been elected by represent. I do not believe in micro-managing CNB. But I the Cherokee people and so therefore must oversee do believe in keeping a close eye on CNB and speaking up be in the the business and interests of its citizens and have when necessary. I take my role in approving CNB Board decisions of final say. members seriously. I also closely scrutinize CNB each month at committee meetings. Through my service on the the Cherokee CNB advisory board, I listen, learn and visit one-on-one Nation with CNB board members and executives. Ultimately, I believe that working together we can continue improving Businesses CNB as a source of jobs and revenue for the Cherokee board of people. directors? 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT MEET THE CANDIDATES MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 5

Harley Buzzard Nettie Meredith Frailey District 10 Detherage District 15 Eucha, Okla. District 10 Fairland, Okla. Locust Grove, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: Email: [email protected] nettom4Dranch@ Phone: 918-253-8665 gmail.com Phone: 918-479-2243 Q Phone: 918-541-5925

I chose to run because we need local representation in the northern I felt District 10 area needed As an experienced legislator, I appreciate the challenge Why districts, someone who will return telephone calls and will actively a voice, the people need to be and debates involved in drafting and approving good work for our people. I bring 24 years of working for the Nation, 10 of those years spent as a Program Director where I attended Executive informed more about Cherokee legislation that improves the self-reliance and quality of did you Directors’ meetings and learned of all programs within the Nation Nation programs & services. life for all Cherokee citizens. However, my biggest joy that gave me a working knowledge of what was available for our is personally helping fellow Cherokees. Today, critical choose to citizens. As a Councilor, if someone asked for burial assistance or issues face the Cherokee Nation, such as sequestration, wanted sanitation facilities or housing, I knew exactly where to citizenship, land in trust, political threats to our refer them. I administered programs of approximately $15,000,000. run for This budgeting experience was invaluable when I became a sovereignty, water rights, financial oversight, the weak Tribal Councilor in 2007 approving a budget of approximately economy, anti-Indian groups, and potential losses of a Tribal $600,000,000. I want to be a part of the legislative process to ensure federal funds to the State of Oklahoma for social services. laws are adopted that are in the best interest of Cherokee people With these threats looming over the Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee Nation. I want to make sure our Cherokee money Council is wisely spent and our investments are sound. I would like to see my experience and understanding of our government and our Nation develop enough growth so every Cherokee has a good Cherokee culture count now more than ever. job, good housing, and good health care, and see our children well seat? educated, whether it is college or technical training. Elder care is very important. I will be a full time Councilor and will hold no other jobs. Elect me and I will work toward achieving these goals.

First, we would have to allocate more Tribal dollars to take care of 1. Jobs & Education. Those people Protect and preserve our sovereignty. Elected servants must understand What are the following: Health Care: Make sure we are collecting all third party that are in school now need to be given the power of self-government. If we lose the power of self-governance, billing in the health care settings-hospital & clinics. Increase contract which law will extend over us? Ensure a transparent fiscal budget. the greatest more of an opportunity to work for the Attacks on our sovereignty, sequestration and spending require council health dollars and increase efficiency in making those appointments, Cherokee Nation. To make more “pay oversight be tightened. By law, we are required to maintain a balanced priorities recruit qualified providers to fill vacant slots, and make sure each back” programs that will give them budget. Constant threats to our gaming income, both from Oklahoma dental clinic gets their fair share of denture monies. Education: We the experience they need. Education and Congress, could curtail Indian gaming. Therefore, we must maintain a need more councilors in our school systems, making sure our children on the technical side (Vo Techs) needs “rainy day” fund that will produce revenue just as our businesses do. Create in your are given every opportunity to know what is available. Jobs: Continue and keep jobs in District 15. Partner with MidAmerica Industrial Park expanding & funded more. Look more to attract more industry to our area. Continue developing and nurturing district and supporting the creation of more jobs in each district. Housing: More closely at Ag.,tourism,small business for parnerships with city, county and state government to use money wisely houses need to be built. There is a need for more 2 and 3 bedroom employment with the Nation. 2.Health and efficiently when building infrastructure such as roads, streets, water how would apartments in our housing sites. Water: Seek additional funding and and sewer upgrades. Expand health care. Appropriate more funds to partner with local water districts. Roads: Increase funding where Health is very important & needs to be include behavioral health, including substance abuse services. Ensure you address districts cover more than one county. Dist. 10 covers approximately 5 geared to making items such as contract the retention and recruitment of more doctors and nurses. Develop a girl county commissioners. Transportation: Additional routes and more health easier for people. Possibly look at power program to teach Cherokee girls to form healthy relationships and an “express care” program more closely. to be happy, healthy, self-sufficient contributors to communities. Persist them as public information regarding these programs should be available. If in building homes in Mayes and Rogers counties and help Cherokees dollars weren’t an issue, the above could be taken care of but I realize 3.Communication. Have area meetings who want to borrow money to build and own their home. Provide more a Tribal that funding is an issue and we just need to be more efficient. to inform people what is going on with scholarships to students and appropriate more funding for Vocational their Nation. Working closely with the Education and Specialized Training initiatives for business and health Councilor? current employees will benefit all these careers. Make language and cultural preservation a proprity in schools areas. and the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Right now, the Administration is headed in the right Travel When facing reductions in funding, all program budgets in If you direction by implementing the hiring freeze and restricting each division should be strategically reviewed to determine the needed to non-essential travel. I would start with a freeze on all capital actual impact. Immediate action can and should be taken to improvement projects that are budgeted for this fiscal year and ensure no cuts are made to ongoing critical services and jobs. If a cut 5 percent ask department heads to identify all non-essential jobs and government is functioning at optimal performance, contingency funds should be in place and included as a normal ongoing part of the make recommendations, and I would suggest that we take a of annual budget considerations. This provides the government Cherokee look at the number of cell phones in use and the cost. Another with the ability to react quickly, effectively and efficiently when idea would be to put back into the general fund the budgeted unexpected emergencies and budget reductions occur. We are Nation’s dollars of vacant positions and the exception to this would be fortunate the previous Administration and Tribal Council made essential staff employment. certain the Cherokee Nation would not jeopardize its funding overall and left $120 million in the bank as a contingency reserve. There is no reason to cut any funding that benefits our tribal budget, community. If our reserve has been spent, I strongly support where you curbing our excessive spending on real estate deals and capital projects that are in the planning stages in both our governmental start? and business sectors until the economy stabilizes. Dividends from the businesses must first ensure tribal services are not interrupted due to the sequester.

Do you agree I don’t agree with districts that have multiple counties within Yes,it was one of the decisions During my recent service as a tribal council member, I their boundaries. I do agree with having 15 districts. I believe why I am running for office. have witnessed polarization and sometimes a poisonous with the we should have located the people with bad addresses because, admosphere overtake the Tribal Council. In my opinion, new Tribal more than likely, they still live in their own districts. People this division can be traced - in large part - to the manner living in the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation that have bad in which district lines have been drawn. I did not support Council addresses will have to vote for the at-large candidates instead the current redistricting legislation because it is not a districts map of the candidates of their respective districts. collaborative system that will work over the long term. Alternative redistricting maps that would keep counties upheld by and communities more intact were not considered. As the Supreme a result, Mayes County is divided into four districts. Further, one current Tribal Council member was unable Court and to seek re-election. The current system allows legislative why or why mapmakers to have more impact on an election than a not? campaign or a candidate. When politicians have more impact on elections than the Cherokee voters, it is clear that the system is not designed to give citizens a voice in their elections.

The council No, I don’t agree with this amendment. The 5 million Yes. But it needs to be set lower The General Corporation Act originally was approved to provide constitutionally required protections in the procurement and divesting recently amended dollars in place is sufficient. I’m not opposed to increasing the such as 10%. of assets. The Freedom of Information and Right of Privacy Act states the tribe’s General dollar amount if Cherokee Nation Businesses comes up with a a contract for sale or purchase of real estate shall remain exempt from business plan, an appraisal, and the Committee is given time disclosure until the deed is executed. The 2004 amendment limited the Corporation Act purchase amount by our corporations to $6 million in the aggregate by increasing the to review this information. This should be done on a case by during a fiscal year. However, the corporation could acquire Tribal amount tribal case basis. Council approval to make additional purchases in excess of the $6 million fiscal year limit. The $6 million cap is sufficient provided a sound analysis corporations can and business case are presented to the council for proposed real estate spend on “real purchases. There was a true separation of business from government in previous administrations. The $6 million limit worked well for the property” without bsinesses and when additional funds were appropriated, the request came council approval. to the council for approval of the project and expnditure of funds. Recent purchases made by adminstratioon significantly exceeds $6 million and Do you agree with the council was not informed on use of the property or terms of purchase this amendment and this concerns me greatly. I voted against $15 million limit because the recently proposed real estate purchases were not accompanied with a and at what purpose or business plan. The council also was told additional increases level should the above the $15 million would be forthcoming soon. I support building purchase approval wealth for the Cherokee people provided the proposed purchases and divestments are well planned and coincide with the vision and long term for CNB set? plan of the Cherokee Nation.

Do you Yes. I believe the majority of citizens want drug testing for Yes if the employees have to be Generally, I agree with drug testing of elected officials elected officials. drug tested why not the leaders of if there is compelling justification and the drug testing believe that the Nation. policy does not violate an individual’s right to be safe from unreasonable searches and seizures. We need to give Cherokee careful consideration of several factors, including contract Nation’s or insurance requirments, and combating some perceived problem with substance abuse among officials. There is no elected question that drug testing should be mandated for some officials officials. For example, the Department of Transportation requires testing when driving government vehicles. Some should be federal contracts and grants may require testing. Also, subjected to it is needed if reports contain information that officials may be unsafe due to being under the influence of drugs drug testing or alcoholo. Regardless of the reason for testing, it is and why or necessary to carefully draft a policy and consideration why not? must be given to various legal issues.

As a former Tribal Council Advisory Board Member, I see Very much so as this reflects on The Cherokee Nation Constitution fundamentally lays out how our How involved government should be run. It established that the respective powers of the importance of Tribal Council members attending Board the Tribe but we need a voice to our three branches of government are equal, but limited. Among others, should Tribal meetings to be involved with the decisions regarding how the ensure business is being conducted the Council has the power to enact legislation and it is charged with the Cherokee people’s money is invested. I believe every Council properly when it involves the sacred responsibility if of financial oversight of the Cherokee peoples’ Councilors finances and assets. Section 9 of the Constitution provides for business member should be fully aware of the decisions of the Board. Nation. to be conducted by the Principal Chief (executive branch). However, the be in the Council is responsible for financial oversight of revenues and expendiures of our government and requires a mandatory monthly business activities decisions of report from each one of the Nation’s business entities. Our businesses are bound by the General Corporation and Jobs Growth acts. The Jobs the Cherokee Growth Act was enacted to not only provide for jobs but to insulate our businesses from governmental interference and political corruption. The Nation scope of Council authority in our business activities is from an advisory position. Councilors are appointed as Advisory Board members for each Businesses business entity to provide oversight, ongoing advice and notice of business activities. They have no voting power on business decisions at the board board of level. However, certain activities must be reported to the Council for approval and include, but not limited to, procurement and divesting of directors? our assets. This should be the extent of Council involvement. Without a non-interference law, outside businessses may not do business with a tribe for fear of governmental and political interference and influence. 6 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 MEET THE CANDIDATES Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

Janees Taylor Robin Mayes Ken District 15 At-Large, Seat 2 Luttrell Pryor, Okla. Denton, Texas At-Large, Seat 2 Ponca City, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: luttrell4rep@ Q Phone: 918-500-1247 Phone: 940-206-0537 cableone.net Phone: 580-716-4010

As a lifelong resident of District 15, I have I come from a family with a long history of service to the Cherokee At- large citizens have had representatives Why watched as other districts have benefited from the People From Chief John Ross to my great-grandfather Return Robert for too long more concerned with politics Meigs that served on the Council before statehood. My Cherokee mother resources the Cherokee Nation has to offer. This than working for those they represent. and Cherokee grandmother made sure I knew about our family history and These families deserve and have asked for did you area has been overlooked for too long. I believe the responsibility that comes with being Cherokee. For the past 20 years or it is because of lack of representation. I intend to more I have been an activist working with and for other Cherokees with someone to fight for their concerns and to be their voice in the Council. I want to be a hands on councilor who fights to better our a goal to see the Cherokee Nation return to greatness that our ancestors choose to established and maintained for our inheritance today. I believe I am well use my 25 years of business management, district and the people who live there. qualified and able to serve the At-Large Cherokees and all Cherokee state and federal government, nationwide run for Citizens. I have been living At-Large now for the past 10 years in Texas, tribal relationships and experiance in the I have also lived and worked in California, Oregon, Louisiana, Florida and Legislature to insure success for our children, outside the Cherokee Nation historical boundaries in Oklahoma in the grandchildren and the Cherokee Nation. I a Tribal towns of Holdenvile, Seminole, and Muskogee. About half of my 60 years I’ve been inside the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah where I was born. I don’t answer to special interest groups and believe my life’s experience has provided me with a unique insight regarding will be a strong independant voice, always Council the needs and issues of Cherokee Citizens At-Large as well as the Cherokees remembering who I represent, fighting in the Nation. Serving on the Council I will be able to best respond to the for common sense solutions over politics, seat? responsibility my Cherokee family has instilled in me. I have been a Career mantain sovereignty, expand Cherokee and Technology Education instructor in Denton, Texas. I received both a Community groups and against any attemps BS and an MS degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. to disenfranchise at-large citizens.

Healthcare is the number one issue facing most As the At-Large Council member my priority will be the return of My first priority is to insure that all What are families today. This will be a big focus. I intend to community and reconnection to our origins. Representing the At-Large at large citizens have a real advocate on support our Chief in expanding the amount of healthcare Cherokee Citizens will require facilitating the “Return of the Cherokee.” the greatest For several reasons the word “return” has much meaning to me as my the Council that is not afraid to fight for provided as well as the quality of those services. I also their concerns. Second will be to use my believe the Cherokee people deserve to have their elected Cherokee great-grandfather Return Robert Meigs the grandson of Chief priorities John Ross was diligent in passing down the family history of service to experiance and leadership to expand officials listen to them and act accordingly. The biggest Cherokee People. Meigs served on the Council before statehood and example of this is term limits. Twice our people have government transparency, financial in your survived the attack on his family home where his stepfather Andrew Nave stability and future growth of Cherokee voted to limit elected officials to two terms, yet in this was killed in 1863. The return of the Cherokee has been and continues district and very election there are councilors running for their 3rd to be the mission I will promote. Return of the Cherokee should mean enterprises. And third will be to use my and 4th terms. That’s wrong and if the Supreme Court much more than just the physical return to the historical boundaries of government relationships and contacts how would does not fix the problem, we need to do it at the polls this the Cherokee Nation. Likewise, return to the home lands in the East is to defend against any attacks on our you address election by voting out all those who run despite voter’s not the same return that should be of paramount concern for Cherokee sovereignty or any attempts to treat wishes. Third, as a CPA, I will watch spending closely Citizens At-Large as well as the Cherokee Citizens that remain in the at-large citizens differant than those and only vote on things that are fiscally responsible. Cherokee Nation historical boundaries. As the At-Large representative them as on the Council it will be my priority and ultimate goal to facilitate the residing in the tradional nation. This the the way I manage my own business and the return of the Cherokee Citizen to the one Nation in unity in accordance a Tribal business of the Cherokee Nation will be no less personal with the design of our ancestors. The journey has been long and the paths to me. Fourth, our families come first. From Head Start we travel have become disjointed. Returning to the single path in the Councilor? to helping our elders, this will ALWAYS be my priority. same direction will also be a long journey. Until ALL Cherokees stand What is good for our families, is good for our nation. and take steps in the same direction the return cannot begin.

Having not served on the Tribal Council before, The need for efficiency and fiscal responsibility is great and must Having worked for 25 years with If you this is difficult for me to answer but any program be addressed whether federal funding is diminished or not. My multi-million dollar budgets and serving that does not directly improve the lives of the concern here is that continuing the expansion of gaming enterprise on the budget committee for 7 billion needed to puts all our eggs in one basket. As a Council member I would want to cut 5 percent Cherokee people needs to go. Often if you look at look at expanding investment in the local economy in the Cherokee dollar budgets in the state of Oklahoma, a budget closely, you find things that were good for Communities where our people need opportunity to buy in and I have had to make the tough choices of the a nation in the past no longer have a place. Freeing share the responsibility with the benefit of economic development. before. I would first look at cutting up the resources from outdated programs would In the past, efforts to establish Cherokee business and industry in waste and duplication in agencies and Cherokee be a good place to start. Also looking at ways to our communities have been met with resistance and plagued with sevices making sure the Nation runs as problems that eventually cause the enterprise to be shut down. I Nation’s increase profits from our businesses making us believe programming that provides technical assistance, training and lean as it should. Core essential services less dependent on federal funding would only support has been missing. Everything does not have to be located to children, education and our elders overall strengthen the Cherokee Nation. in Tahlequah to be efficient and effective. Establishing offices and should be protected. Some building budget, services in other locations will stimulate economic growth. The idea or expansion projects may have to be I like is empowerment of the communities; the At-Large communities postponed or rescheduled as we grow where you included. When you think about it; this idea reflects the structures our ancestors established long ago. I believe the Cherokee People would our economy. start? rather see their assets and resources utilized for their benefit rather than speculation where non-Cherokees are enriched before we know if our investment will contribute to our benefit.

Do you agree Absolutely! A councilor should be DIRECTLY Anytime the party affected has the power to make the rules the possibility I have had first hand experiance accountable to his or her constituents. The of manipulation to their own benefit is high. The problems that generated the with redistricting in the Legislature. movement to reapportionment are real and something needed to be done. with the constituents know who to go to for help. I want to I am uncomfortable with moving from the long established boundaries and I’ve seen Representatives and Senators new Tribal know my constituents and these smaller districts number of districts to ensure equal representation. Limiting each district left without a district for the next make it easy to be involved with the people in my to one Council member may or may not equalize representation but there election. having followed this issue Council district appears to be more separation rather than unity now. On the other hand closely, I feel the districts were aligned the At-Large district is still represented by two Council members. My districts map suggestion is that when tasks like reapportionment, the development of with number of citizens as best as the election law and even the proposal of constitutional amendments it is the information allowed. Should their have upheld by proper time to look to the recommendations of the experts and insist that been additional imput and room for the Council only vote to approve or disapprove the final draft. Under the some negotiations on the decisions? the Supreme Cherokee Nation Constitution of 1839 the mechanism in place to account for imbalance of representation was to add or subtract Council seats and Absolutely, but the Supreme Court Court and not moving the lines on the map. I know many would say that they would ruling should stand. why or why not want to increase the number of Council members but I believe doing that would help prevent the splitting of the majority 5807164010 vote to a not? number that never changes like ten to seven. If elected I will strive to be an independent representative that is not obligated to a political slate for or against the Chief. Independent Council members have accomplished more for the Cherokee People.

The council I do believe in the division of power in place in I am not comfortable at all with the way our business and industry Yes I agree with this decision. In recently amended the Cherokee Nation and think Cherokee Nation has control of our assets without proper oversight and regulation. Of consulting with tribes all over the US the tribe’s General Business should be able to act without council course an operation that handles large amounts of money does need I have continually seen the problems Corporation Act approval for many decisions that will enhance to be able to work without public scrutiny for the obvious reason caused by not enough seperation the bottom line of the Cherokee Nation. As a that competition is always lurking. On the other hand it is NOT the between the business enterprises by increasing the Council’s place to micromanage business and industry. However, amount tribal business owner, I know that time is money. Some prudent appropriation of our funds and development of legislation that and councils, over management corporations can purchases need to be completed quickly in order effectively regulates our business is the duty of the Council. If elected I and micromanagement by tribal spend on “real to take advantage of the best possible buying price. will support action that moves industry and business out from the direct government and changes in leadership. property” without That said, I think $10 million is a more reasonable control of the government and legislation that provides regulation with council approval. limit. teeth that bite when discovery of misappropriation or neglect occurs. I believe that allowing our business and industry to make or break, Do you agree with on their own is an overall healthier economic strategy. Additionally, I this amendment believe programs, foundations, the newspaper, the Cherokee Heritage and at what Center and commissions should all be held to a standard that requires level should the their accountability but at the same time are not under control of the purchase approval government. for CNB set?

I have no problem with this measure. The When I worked at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans I appreciated In business management I was Do you employees of the Cherokee Nation are subject the knowledge that the crane operators moving 50 tons of steel over subject to the same pre-employment my head were frequently drug tested. When I was a teacher at Catoosa believe that to random drug testing, why should our elected High school and when I taught at Wagoner High School, both in the and accident screening as any employee. officials not be held to the same standard? Cherokee boundaries, I was randomly yet frequently tested. Then too I have been associated with other Cherokee I appreciated the importance of making sure persons in such close businesses that conduct random tests of Nation’s contact with young people have thorough background checks and pass management and employees. drug tests. However, I believe this Act was passed and promoted more elected for political reasons than that of security. I’m convinced that complaints that it was not fair to test employees and not elected officials caused officials a chain reaction. Some on the Council wanted to respond to their constituents and prove their willingness to submit while others felt the should be same as the complaining employees that their privacy and integrity would be unreasonably compromised. Several of the Council members subjected to gave strong argument against this measure saying that it was a waste of funds and that they should be looking at doing away with employee drug testing drug testing. In this case I agree with doing away with drug testing except when there is a cause for concern or when other laws mandate and why or it. However, now that the Act has passed we should expect the law to be enforced; but I suspect that there is no enforceable penalty for elected why not? officials that refuse a drug test. Employees could lose their job.

How involved I wold love to see the Tribal Council and the The root of this issue goes back to the past administration’s purchase As a Council member you have a Cherokee Nation Business board of directors of stock in a company that turned out to be a big loss. Seven Council fiduciary duty to the Cherokee Nation members attempted to take the case to federal Court but found their case should Tribal work together for the betterment of all Cherokees, dismissed for lack of standing. The federal Court and the Department of and it’s citizens to insure that CNB and Councilors however, the system of government was set up with the Interior, for that matter, view the Chief as the “sole stock holder” in all it’s investments are ethical, legal and a division of power so each body could best focus Cherokee investments. This is due to the 1970 Principal Chiefs Act where it responsible. This done by making sure be in the on their area of expertise. The Cherokee Nation is established that all government to government interaction goes through that proper management is in place the recognized Principal Chief alone. I am not an attorney or have any other decisions of Business board of directors are recommended, qualification to say this other than my own research and following of this with the knowledge and freedom to act then approved by the council to look after the issue over many years now. However, I am confident that if the Council in the best interest of the Nation. I want the Cherokee business interest of the Cherokee Nation. With the were to attempt another federal lawsuit involving a company where the proper reporting to assure me that that spending cap in place, the Tribal Council has input stock is owned by the federally recognized government; the case would a winning team is in place, not to coach Nation again be dismissed because the Council members are not recognized as in major decisions while letting the Cherokee stock holders and therefore do not have the required standing. I believe it myself. Businesses Nation Business board of directors handle day the Council oversteps its bounds when it attempts action not within board of to day operations, thus freeing up the tribal their scope of authority. As a Council member representing the At-Large councilors to see to the needs of their constituents. Cherokee, I would promote action through the Council’s powers to legislate directors? and appropriate funds to help avoid executive branch errors in judgment. Legislation requiring competent evaluation of stock purchases within established guidelines would prevent most midnight deals that might put the People’s assets at risk. 2013 Ewf #>hAmh • anszT MEET THE CANDIDATES MaY 2013 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7

Carole Richmond Curtis West At-Large, Seat 2 At-Large, Seat 2 Tulsa, Okla. Klamath Fall, Ore. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Q Phone: 918-697-6253 Phone: 541-882-4925

Since the Joe Byrd administration and the Constitutional crisis, I have attended Coun- I chose to run for a Tribal Council seat because I want to establish Why cil meetings either in person or via Webcast. I am very disappointed by the voting bloc a better line of communication between At Large citizens and those of “Team Cherokee” (Cara Cowan Watts, Buel Anglin, Lee Keener, Jack Baker, and Julia within the boundaries of the nation. After experiencing for myself and did you Coats). I do not believe that they are representing the Cherokee people who voted them into listening to my fellow At Large Cherokee citizens we need information office. It is my belief that each Councilor represents all Cherokee and has a responsibility on programs, benefits, education, housing and political decisions that choose to to serve all on issues which will affect all Cherokee people. I have been considering run- affect us both inside and outside the nation. My goal would be to work ning for Tribal Council for several years. I had planned to run against Julia Coats and John individually with each of the 22 Community Board leaders to ensure run for Cornsilk in the last election but a health concern persuaded me to wait for the At Large seat they have the tools they need to reach all At Large Cherokee citizens held by Jack Baker to open. The current At Large Councilors appear to only be able to settle living within their state. a Tribal differences through lawsuits which is costly to the Cherokee Nation. Some issues could be better handled by petition. Our Constitution allows for petitions to be filed once a specific Council number of voters are in agreement about requesting change. (Perhaps a most interesting petition would be for per diem payments from Casino profits such as the Eastern Band of seat? Cherokees receive.) As a retired, licensed professional social worker, I have the effective communication skills needed and understand program policy and management. I believe that the Cherokee people are being underserved by the At Large Councilors.

Each Chief has a different vision and leadership style. Chiefs and Councilors, all elected I believe the priorities for the At Large communities are promoting What are to their political positions, need to cooperatively communicate in order to advance inter-tribal rights and benefits, preserving the Cherokee language, the greatest the Cherokee Nation. And constituents need to be informed. It concerns me that State customs and traditions, and increasing how At Large citizens can governors and U.S. Presidents can change without upset but the Cherokee Nation is contribute to the nation. To address these priorities At Large citizens priorities unable to effectively change their Chief without major tribal employment turmoil. Chuck need a database of information they can access containing how, where Hoskins Jr.’s election in Craig County, without opposition, is a good example of voters and through which other Native American tribes they can receive in your feeling represented because of successful communication. At Large Councilors need to health, dental and vision benefits along with hunting or fishing rights. district and communicate with community groups located all over the United States. Their constituents The database should also contain a library of books, videos and tutorials need to know that strong, sound decisions are being made for all Cherokee. I will need At available for reading or viewing and ultimately could offer on-line how would Large input to achieve the best possible outcomes. We may not always agree but there is classes to all Cherokee citizens in our language, customs, traditions you address no reason not be transparent and to honor differences. I am able to change my mind and and arts and crafts so as to preserve our way of life for generations to I invite creative thinking. I would like to use video calling, such as Skype, to attend At come. I will address these priorities and promote the database through them as Large community meetings where we can see and talk to each other. I will communicate active involvement with the 22 At large communities throughout the electronically with the At Large population by email and electronic media, as well as by United States and by establishing and maintaining an open line of a Tribal telephone. In today’s technological world, air travel can be costly and a total waste of time communication with each community member. Councilor? due to weather delay and mechanical problems. Simply said, air travel in increasingly ineffective.

The Legal Department. There are too many frivolous lawsuits which take time away from In the event that the Cherokee Nations overall budget needed a 5 If you important issues. The legal department needs to address housing, water and environmental percent cut my personal belief is that cuts should start at the top. This needed to issues which affect all people living within the boundaries and to document, at the national can be accomplished by reducing salaries, funding to some “special” level, goals to save our people and lands. Legal complaints should be filed against attorneys interest programs or possible targeted areas across the board. However, cut 5 percent who continuously harass the Cherokee Nation. Councilors who sue the Cherokee Nation to make an informed decision on where and how to apply any cuts I of the because a decision does not go their way need to have their pay garnished the cost of legal would need to have knowledge of our Nations budget. Currently, I expenses. The Freedman Lawsuit must be revisited and settled. It has cost far too much do not have access to the budget to provide you the reader with an Cherokee money. The Cherokee people are bright enough to read a Treaty and settle this issue. informed decision on cuts. I am against any reduction to schools, Nation’s seniors, low-income programs or emergency services. overall budget, where you start?

Do you agree Yes. The goal of the new district map is to provide equal representation at Council Meeting I support the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court ruling on Legislative according to population. I have found Chuck Hoskin Jr.’s opinions to be on target. Hoskin Act 26-12. Redistricting is difficult for all involved. The new council with the said that the court observed that district lines were drawn along established boundary district map has provided for a more equitable distribution of voters. new Tribal lines and natural landmarks and further found that districts were within an acceptable deviation, affording equal representation for CN citizens. “Today, the court reached the only Council reasonable conclusion that could be reached based on the facts and the law,” Hoskin said. districts map “Redistricting was a process of careful consideration and it easily survived constitutional scrutiny.” I have listened to Cara Cowen Watts argue over gerrymandering, counting bad upheld by addresses and her inability to define good addresses for months. This appears to be a “Team the Supreme Cherokee” argument/lawsuit which also includes Lee Keener, Jack Baker, Buel Anglin and Julia Coats. This is an excellent example of Councilors representing themselves rather than Court and Cherokee voters. Too much time and money has been wasted on this issue. Dianne Barker why or why Harrold also has a lawsuit pending decision. So we are all awaiting forthcoming legal not? decisions. It is time to move on.

The council The amount was raised to enable the purchase of the Tahlequah Golf and Country The Cherokee Nation is growing and recently reported record recently amended Club which adjoins the Cherokee Nation Headquarters and makes possible logical future profits. In an effort to continue with this growth and profit reporting the tribe’s General growth. Council vote, seen by Webcam, showed that the majority approved raising the we need to add to our existing lands and businesses. In my opinion Corporation Act limit for this purchase. Time was of the essence. Real property is proven to be a good long the Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) previous ceiling of $6 million by increasing the term investment. Of more concern is the topic of setting levels of authorization. Today, the could be considered restrictive. Increasing the limit to $15 million amount tribal Cherokee Nation has an income of over seven billion dollars in annual casino income. To for the remainder of the fiscal year provides the CNB with additional corporations can generate income at this level, much is spent on entertainment, updating facilities, employees revenue in which to grow our nation. The Tribal Council must still spend on “real and equipment. The structure of Cherokee government is outdated and is ineffective in approve all “real property” purchases over $15 million. property” without managing such high-income, competitive businesses. We need people serving the Cherokee council approval. Nation who are skilled in business purchases and have a proven track record in investing. Do you agree with There are formulas for investing in businesses based on profit/loss/capital gains statements rather than a set dollar investment amount. This is the type of instrument that we need this amendment to use regarding future investment and spending amounts. Perhaps a Cherokee Nation and at what Investment Board composed of MBA, CPA, and Financial Advisors, could be established level should the to do research and advise the Cherokee Nation on future opportunities for growth. The purchase approval current Chief has business experience but not in all areas of growth. A working Advisory for CNB set? Board would be of great service to a Chief and his people.

My position as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) is that everyone Cherokee Nation elected officials should be subject to drug testing. Do you employed by the Cherokee Nation have a urinalysis as part of a pre-employment physical. I have no problem submitting to a drug test of any kind. As leaders believe that Behavioral patterns can be another reason for urinalysis during employment, such as of the Cherokee Nation we have a responsibility to set and be the excessive absences, tardiness, legal issues, warrants at work, garnishments on pay, etc. The example. As officials we cannot ask of others what we are not willing Cherokee hospitality industry will have special conditions for employees who handle alcohol as as to do ourselves. Nation’s part of their job. Gaming addiction programs also need to be available for employees. Drug testing should be non-discriminatory. Personnel departments need to research and present elected the most progressive management of alcohol and drug addiction problems available in the officials United States today and the Cherokee Nation needs to model that as costs allow. should be subjected to drug testing and why or why not?

How involved The Chief and Tribal Council needs to establish an independent, qualified Board of It is my belief that our elected Tribal Councilors need not be involved Advisors to monitor the financial condition of all Cherokee Nation Businesses. The Board in the day-to-day operations of the Cherokee Nation Businesses should Tribal needs to consist of accredited professionals such as Certified Public Accountants, Certified Board of directors. When our elected Tribal Councilors unanimously Councilors Financial Advisors and Masters of Business Administration who work directly with the passed Legislative Act 27-11 (known as Ownership for the People Act) Chief Financial Officer of the Cherokee Nation and report to the Chief and Tribal Council. they changed sole interest of the Cherokee Nation Businesses from be in the The major responsibility of this new Board would be to protect Cherokee investments, the Principal Chief to provide for shared accountability and interest decisions of notifying the Chief and Tribal Council immediately should any significant change develop. between the Tribal Councilors and The Principal chief. The Tribal Any Cherokee who has skills in financial management and wants to volunteer time could Councilors do however have a responsibility to oversee all decisions the Cherokee work with Board members. Quarterly reports. conducted by the Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors. Nation This should be done by way of minuets provided to Tribal Councilors following any meeting of the Cherokee Nation Businesses board Businesses of directors. It is also my belief quarterly meetings should be held board of between representatives of the Tribal Councilors and the Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors. This establishes accountability directors? to all parties and the citizens of the Cherokee Nation can be assured that our interests within the Nation are being responsibly managed. 8 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • MaY 2013 MEET THE CANDIDATES Ewf #>hAmh • anszT 2013

Jack Baker Curtis Bruehl Cherokee Nation At-Large, Seat 2 At-Large, Seat 2 Election Commission Nichols Hills, Okla. Norman, Okla. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] According to its website, Phone: 405-850-8828 Phone: 405-509-6300 the Cherokee Nation Election Q Commission carries out Legislative Act No. 06-10 of the CN Code Annotated, and the I run for Council so I can continue my service to the Chero- Cherokees living outside of the Cherokee Nation Constitution of the CN for the Why kee people. I am proud to be Cherokee and want our future gen- need a strong, vocal advocate for the unique issues purpose of conducting all tribal erations to grow up being proud to be Cherokee. That is why I they face. I would like to strengthen our Cherokee elections. It is our mandate to be did you have served as Tribal Council member, Trail of Tears Association communities across the country and develop of service to the Cherokee Tribal national president, Cherokee National Historical Society Board programs that connect them with our shared history, members and every effort will be choose to Member and Oklahoma Historical Society Board Member with values and culture. My family, the Muskrats, have made to fulfill it as well as stay in great pride. I can make the greatest contribution to the Cherokee long been involved in Indian affairs at the tribal, compliance with Legislative Act people & Nation by continuing my work on the Tribal Council. We state and federal levels. I share my family’s values of run for 06-10. must plan carefully for the future of the Cherokee Nation which service and commitment to the Cherokee Nation and a Tribal can only happen if we become more financially self-sufficient and its people. As a practicing attorney, it is my intention politically stable. I would like to continue working for you as your and my desire to use my legal education to carry Election Council Council member. on my family’s tradition of service to the Cherokee Nation and, given the opportunity, I shall do so to the Commissioners seat? best of my ability. Bill W. Horton, Chairman Lindsay Earls, Vice-Chair Martha Calico - Secretary The greatest need of those Cherokees living away from the The most important priority is to protect and Shawna Calico - Commissioner What are Nation is to feel they are a meaningful part of the Cherokee Nation. advance the rights and interests of the Cherokee the greatest It is very important that we continue the work of Julia Coates and people. This involves important issues like health Carolyn Allen - Commissioner me to develop Cherokee communities outside the Nation. These care, education, and strengthening the connection priorities communities help our citizens get to know other Cherokees. of Cherokees to our history and culture. As a These ties inform us more about the Nation and by sharing, we councilman, I will develop an insurance pool Contact Information in your find solutions to our own needs. These interactions can share designed to assist in lowering premiums for health district and information about educational opportunities and healthcare insurance and improving access to healthcare. I will Phone: 918-458-5899 or available from non-Cherokee resources. These communities can support education initiatives that would increase how would further their knowledge of our history, culture, and language. It scholarships and provide students with the ability 1-800-353-2895 you address is important that the Council provides the support that is needed to intern with the Cherokee Nation while taking Fax: 918 458-6101 by these communities. At-large communities are as important Cherokee culture and language classes. Cherokee them as as those in Oklahoma. As a Council member, I advocate for communities need to be funded and promoted in election-commission@ continued funding to provide for the development of additional order to strengthen the connection with Cherokee a Tribal communities and for the support of existing communities. With culture and history. I also intend to press for allowing cherokee.org Councilor? strong Cherokee communities across the country, the Cherokee Cherokees that live outside the Nation to be allowed www.cherokee.org/ Nation will be strengthened as a whole. to tag their vehicle through the Cherokee Nation. OurGovernment/ Commissions/ If you Since the majority of the Cherokee funding for services comes I do not believe a cut will be necessary. If it were, from various federal grants, then the cut for each grant would have I would not cut core or essential services that would ElectionCommission.aspx needed to to be evaluated by each of their programs. Some grants may not be be detrimental to vulnerable Cherokees. I would cut 5 percent cut while others could be cut by more than 5%. I would first cut also not make cuts to revenue generating or growth out all travel not related to providing services to Cherokee citizens businesses and services. I would first identify any Mailing Address of the such as to various conferences and events. I would look at limiting waste, fraud or abuse through an inspector general the replacement of equipment. I would also place a moratorium and make cuts accordingly. Cherokee on new hiring at the administrative level. Those positions that pro- P. O. Box 1188 Nation’s vide direct care to our citizens such as health care providers would Tahlequah, Oklahoma be replaced or hired as necessary. I would freeze and reduce ex- 74465-0948 overall ecutive salaries some of which were increased significantly a year budget, ago. And I would have a business plan for all expenditures and not make major purchases such as golf courses and vacant land for where you which there is no current need. Every dollar must be spent to help Physical Address start? the Cherokee people help themselves. 22116 S. Bald Hill Road Tahlequah, OK 74464

Do you agree While I am in favor of 15 districts, I do not agree with the new As an attorney, I agree with the Cherokee Nation council district map. First, I believe that it was drawn as political Supreme Court’s reasoning and decision regarding 2013 Mid-Term with the gerrymandering. It was drawn to keep certain Counselors in office the constitutionality of the map. Voter new Tribal and get rid of others. It divides one established community four ways. It creates mass confusion. It is the best evidence of politicians Demographics Council serving their own interest not the peoples’ interest. An indepen- districts map dent commission should draw the map not those council members whose political future is at stake. I believe that there were several CN Citizenship: upheld by maps presented during the Tribal Council discussions that would the Supreme have provided more compact and less confusing districts. There 319,530 was a map that was almost passed by the Tribal Council three years Court and ago based primarily on zip codes that would have been much less Registered Voters: why or why confusing that the current map. 57,859 not? Registered District 2 Voters: 3,772 Registered District 4 The council I do not agree with the amendment because the Tribal Council I agree with the amendment. I think the amount is recently amended is responsible for appropriations and they should not give anyone not as important as making sure the tribal council is Voters: 2,490 the tribe’s General else the authority to spend that large a sum for real estate. This involved in the oversight and timely advised. Buying Registered District 5 Corporation Act amendment was railroaded to allow the administration to buy a back our land is an important priority that deserves by increasing the golf course and vacant land without a business plan. And, it was our full support but not at the expense of core human Voters: 2,045 amount tribal done in secret. The amendment gives the administration a $15 services. Allowing flexibility with the purchase corporations can million blank check without any kind of accountability. I believe authorization is reasonable and in the best interest of Registered District 7 spend on “real that the amount that could be spent by our businesses without the Cherokee Nation. Voters: 3,878 property” without Council approval should be three million dollars. council approval. Registered District 9 Do you agree with Voters: 2,876 this amendment and at what Registered District 10 level should the purchase approval Voters: 2,407 for CNB set? Registered District 11 Voters: 1,950 I voted against this act because we are spending over $50,000 per I believe it is fair, however, the top priority for Do you year on random testing of tribal employees with less than 1% test- having a drug test program should be public safety Registered District 15 believe that ing positive for drugs. This resulted in only three or four dismiss- and health. I am concerned that this Act could be Voters: 1,860 Cherokee als in the last ten years and it is likely that those employees could used for political embarrassment instead of being have been tested for cause. I believe that there are better uses for used to help treat someone for addiction or protect At-Large Voters: Nation’s this money. Rather than Cherokee Nation elected officials being the public from harm. tested the same as employees (which was the reason for the act), I 22,184 elected think that random drug testing for employees should be eliminat- officials ed unless they deal directly with youth. I do believe that employees should be tested for drugs if there appears to be a cause but not Tribal Council should be randomly. Personally, I volunteer to be tested for drugs. subjected to candidates David drug testing Thornton (Dist. 5), and why or Joe Adair (Dist. 7) why not? Curtis Snell (Dist. 9) Chuck Hoskin How involved The Tribal Councilors should be involved as far as setting pol- Having the Cherokee Nation’s elected officials be icy for which direction the businesses should take. For example, the shareholders of the tribe’s businesses ensures Jr. (Dist. 11) and should Tribal should the businesses focus on increasing jobs, maximizing prof- that there will be oversight and input into financial Councilors its, or a balance between the two? Should they look at increasing soundness of these companies. This Act also ensures Marilyn Cooper (Dist. jobs in certain areas of the Nation where there is greater unem- accountability for the management of tribal funds be in the ployment or where there is a larger number of Cherokee citizens? and will deter misappropriation of Cherokee money. 15) did not submit decisions of The business board (appointed by the Chief and confirmed by the responses to the Council) should be making business decisions without regard to the Cherokee politics. The Council should not be involved in telling the board Cherokee Phoenix’s Nation or the employees how to manage the businesses or whom to hire. Meet the Candidates Businesses The Ownership for the People Act did not change the duty of the Council or Board to be accountable for all funds belonging to the questionnaire. board of Cherokee people. directors? Hoskin is running unopposed.