17 Homes, health and hope Principal Chief Bill John Baker leaves a legacy that will last the next seven generations
23 Born to serve Serving others ingrained in Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden's DNA
27 Q&A with Principal Chief Hoskin Answers questions on challenges and future of the tribe
ON THE COVER:
Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden stand in front of the new outpatient health center slated to open fall 2019. The Official Cherokee Nation News
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5 NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ The entertainment destination of choice The new Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is delivering entertainment, dining and convention options to enhance tourism and economic growth for the region Rising together The Cherokee Nation will host the 67th Cherokee National Holiday Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 when more than 100,000 visitors travel to Tahlequah to experience the annual celebration of history, culture and art
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9 PEOPLE ᎠᏂᏴᏫ More to accomplish UNT star QB Mason Fine wants more than records in final season Cherokee storytellers Margaret Verble is a Pulitzer Prize finalist whose recent fictional novel, “Cherokee America,” explores life in the old frontier set near Fort Gibson 13 CULTURE ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ Regained to renowned Tribe celebrates 40th anniversary of regained ownership of iconic structures
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Identity in ink Historical practicality of tattoos in Cherokee culture influences the modern revitalization 29 HOME ᏧᏪᏅᏒᎢ Hearty & healthy A version of a traditional "three-sisters soup” combines corn, beans and squash for a hearty meal while leaving room for customization
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ᎤᎬᏫᏳᎯ ᏂᏓᏳᏅᏅ ᎧᏃᎮᏍᎩ MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OSIYO. The past eight years have been the pinnacle of my public service career. Nothing has been more important to me than serving the Cherokee people. I had the privilege of working side by side with a man of great moral integrity, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden. It has been the blessing of a lifetime, and I am so proud of the monumental things we achieved. They are not only making life better for Cherokees today, but will be empowering our tribe generations from now. My grandparents had a saying: If you leave the woodpile a little higher than when you started, it benefits all of us. We’ve created policies and developed ideas that will have a positive effect well into the future. We have focused on homes, health and hope, and by doing so, we have built stronger Cherokee families. We have increased opportunities for our citizens to thrive. We continue to diversify and expand our business interests, creating good, quality jobs. We have partnered with others to better our infrastructure, improve public schools, expand health care access and bolster education for the benefit of all Oklahomans, not just Cherokees. We are also building new homes for Cherokee families and expanding our Cherokee language revitalization
Editor Designer Contributing Staff
Tyler Thomas Stephanie Remer Josh Newton Taralee Montgomery Whitney Dittman Leanna Reeder Alicia Buffer Darcy Stephens Jason McCarty Julie Hubbard Karen Shade Sarah Harrell Jennifer Jones
efforts, which includes developing new Cherokee speakers of all ages. In our capital city of Tahlequah, we have expanded the W.W. Hastings Campus and are opening a new 469,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health care facility, as well as the first medical school in the country built on tribal land through a partnership with the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our most vulnerable and valuable citizens – elders, young children, military veterans, domestic violence survivors and Cherokee youth in the foster system – have been the inspiration for many of the things we accomplished together. I am proud we have a government that is responsive and protective of its citizenry. That’s the Cherokee way. We have laid a strong foundation for our people going forward, and I know the next administration, led by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, will continue this progress. I believe they, too, will leave the woodpile a little higher. The best is ahead of us, and our future is brighter than ever. May God continue to bless the Cherokee Nation. Wado,
Bill John Baker Cherokee Nation Principal Chief
CORRECTION: A list of individuals honored as Cherokee National Treasures printed in the Winter/Spring 2019 issue of Anadisgoi magazine incorrectly identified an artist. Vivian Elaine Waytula should have been listed as Vivian Garner Cottrell.
Anadisgoi Anadisgoi (ah-nah-dee-sko-EE): Cherokee for "what people are saying"
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NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, the 92,000-square-foot entertainment destination in Cherokee Springs Plaza, opened in May 2019.
The entert
Cherokee Nation Enterta
By Whitney Dittman
Nearly five times the size of the previous facility, the new Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is
delivering unparalleled entertainment, dining and convention options to enhance Tahlequah’s tourism offerings and support economic growth for the region. “We could not be more pleased to open the doors to the new Cherokee Casino Tahlequah,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “This facility is a shining star in the Cherokee Nation’s capital that not only advances our success in business, but also furthers our commitment to the community our people have called home for nearly two centuries.” The 92,000-square-foot entertainment destination, which opened in May, offers more than 500 of the latest and most exciting electronic games and is home to Tahlequah’s newest live
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ᎧᏃᎮᏓ NEWS music venue, Ancient Oak Tavern, featuring local and steadfast in our commitment to providing the same first-class regional acts. It also offers a variety of dining options, service and hospitality our guests know and love across our including a grab-and-go cafe and the brand. It is clear that this is just the White Wolf Steakhouse. beginning for this property.” With more than 33,000 square The previous facility, located a few feet of convention and meeting space miles south of Tahlequah near the in its Chota Conference Center, the Cherokee Nation’s tribal complex Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is and Sequoyah Schools, is being already bringing new visitors to donated to Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Springs Plaza and the Cherokee Immersion Charter School Tahlequah community. to help expand and house the tribe’s “The investment we have made language programs. here will have a lasting impact on “We remain the market leader in the Cherokee Nation and the entire gaming and hospitality, but we must region,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO never forget the reason we chose to The 33,000-square-foot Chota Conference Center located at of Cherokee Nation Businesses. enter this business,” Baker said. “At Cherokee Casino Tahlequah. “The casino, convention space the end of the day, we work hard and surrounding amenities are already attracting new to ensure our businesses succeed so they may continue to opportunities for economic growth, and we will remain support vital services to the Cherokee people.”
tainment destination of choice
Tahlequah’s newest live music venue, Ancient Oak Tavern, features local and regional acts.
ainment celebrates newest location at Cherokee Springs Plaza By Whitney Dittman
The Official Cherokee Nation News
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NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Nation to celebrate 67th Cherokee National Holiday during Labor Day weekend By Josh Newton
The Cherokee Nation will host the 67th Cherokee National Holiday Aug. 30-Sept. 1 when more than
100,000 visitors travel to Tahlequah to experience the annual celebration of history, culture and art. This year’s event features more than 50 activities, including an intertribal powwow, a parade, arts and crafts vendors, music and a variety of competitions. The theme for this year’s Holiday is “Rising Together” and is represented in commemorative artwork by Cherokee National Treasure Dan Mink. “Rising Together” signifies each Cherokee’s role in the continued progress of building a bright future. “The theme for the 67th Cherokee National Holiday is quite fitting,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Today we find Cherokees living in every state of this country and all across the world. For a people who have been counted out many times before, I believe it speaks to the heart and the resolve of the Cherokee people that in 2019 we are still here, more than 370,000 citizens strong. We are working hard each and every day to build a healthier foundation for our Cherokee families. We strive to preserve our language and our culture for future generations. And we are doing all of this collectively, because we know the Cherokee Nation is better off when we, as Cherokees, rise together.”
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ᎧᏃᎮᏓ NEWS The Cherokee National Holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839, which reestablished the tribe’s government in Indian Territory after forced removal from the Cherokees’ original homelands in the Southeast. This year’s Holiday celebration features activities for all ages, including traditional games such as Cherokee marbles, a cornstalk shoot and a blowgun competition. Other sporting events include chunkey, a stickball social game and exhibition games, horseshoe pitching, softball, a golf tournament, the 5K Holiday Run and a three-on-three basketball tournament. “Each year, the Cherokee Nation Holiday serves as a homecoming for many Cherokee Nation citizens who travel from across the world to participate in activities,” said Cherokee Nation Community Tourism Manager Bayly Wright. “This annual celebration of Cherokee history and culture provides something special for everyone to see and experience.” Several marquee events are set for the 67th Cherokee National Holiday. The annual parade travels down Muskogee Avenue in historic downtown Tahlequah and is the only parade to be announced in both Cherokee and English. It begins at 9:30 a.m., Saturday at the corner of Crafton Street
and Muskogee Avenue. For those unable to attend, the parade will be broadcast in the Cherokee language on KTLQ AM 1350 radio. Following the parade, newly elected Chief Hoskin will give his first State of the Nation address at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion, just east of the Cherokee National Capitol building in downtown Tahlequah. The Cherokee National Holiday Intertribal Powwow is one of the most popular events of the weekend. This twonight event provides more than $35,000 in prize money for southern straight, northern traditional, fancy, jingle and other dance categories. The powwow begins with gourd dancing at 5 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, and grand entry at 7 p.m. both nights. Also scheduled are the Jason Christie Children’s Fishing Derby, traditional food demonstrations, art shows, a quilt show, an open house event at the Cherokee Nation W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex, and the Cherokee culture, plants and symbology garden tour.
For a complete list of events for the 67th Cherokee National Holiday, visit www.cherokee.org and click on the Cherokee National Holiday link.
The Official Cherokee Nation News
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PEOPLE ᎠᏂᏴᏫ
MORE TO ACCOMPLISH UNT star QB Mason Fine wants more than records in final season By Tyler Thomas
Cherokee Nation citizen Mason Fine has made a career of
North Texas quarterback and Cherokee Nation citizen Mason Fine. Photo courtesy of North Texas Athletics/Rick Yeatts.
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shattering expectations. Perceived to be too small out of high school, the two-time Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year went from a single D1 scholarship offer to having his own Heisman Trophy campaign website, www.6forheisman.com, in four short years. It has quickly become a tradition for the young quarterback from Peggs, Oklahoma, to have others place limitations on him – only for Fine to not only surpass the limitations, but destroy them as he rewrites record books, making the Heisman Trophy campaign not as far fetched as one might initially think. The former QB from Locust Grove and two-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year is entering his fourth and final season with the Mean Green. Expectations are high for North Texas entering the 2019 season, as many expect Fine to three-peat as Offensive Player of the Year and the Mean Green to contend for the conference championship. However, it was only four seasons ago UNT went 1-11, and the team had only one winning season the 10 years prior. Muskogee native Seth Littrell took over as head coach following that 2015 season and brought in Fine as part of his first Mean Green recruiting class. In the three years since, Littrell and Fine have reversed the fortunes of the UNT football program, going to three straight bowl games and playing for the conference championship in 2017. During this stretch, Fine has done to the UNT record books what he did to the Oklahoma high school record books. In three seasons, Fine has become the program’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, passing efficiency and more. He will certainly add to those astounding record numbers, but his goals for the 2019 season are not about statistics. “We are going to get better as a team every day and that is our main focus, along with being the most prepared team week in and week out,” Fine said. “If we take care of those
ᎠᏂᏴᏫ PEOPLE
Fine has utilized his stature as the starting QB at UNT to goals, then we are going to reach our end goal of winning the share his culture and heritage. Tulsa World sports journalist conference and our bowl game.” and Seminole Nation citizen Eric After the season, Fine will Bailey has followed Fine’s career begin the NFL pre-draft process. from Locust Grove to North Texas The 5-foot-10 quarterback said and said his willingness to use his he is rooting for former No. 1 platform as the star QB at UNT to overall picks Baker Mayfield (6’ share his culture is educating others 1”) and Kyler Murray (5’ 10”) to and providing a solid role model to be successful at the next level so Cherokee youth back home. smaller quarterbacks continue to get “Somewhere in Cherokee country, opportunities at the NFL level. there are kids out there growing up “I have always had confidence in with dreams of being like Mason. myself that I could play at the next It's great to have role models like level. I’m always rooting for Kyler him for our Native youth. He's really and Baker and these smaller stature Cherokee Nation citizen and UNT quarterback Mason Fine impacted the Denton, Texas, area quarterbacks to be successful,” Fine hopes to lead the Mean Green to a conference championship and has used his platform to educate said. “It’s not me that they have to and bowl win in final season. Photo courtesy of North Texas the community about his Cherokee prove themselves to, but the outside Athletics/Rick Yeatts. heritage,” Bailey said. “Perhaps the world, the fans and coaches at the coolest thing I saw surrounding college football last season next level, that they must prove that the smaller quarterbacks was how UNT sold the shirts with the Cherokee syllabary.” can be successful at the NFL level.” North Texas quarterback Mason Fine and UNT President Neal Smatresk wear the UNT Cherokee syllabary shirts. Photo courtesy of Michael Clements/ UNT URCM.
Watch this story on Osiyo.tv
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ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏂᏃᎮᏢᏍᎩ
Cherokee Storytellers Cherokee author, Pulitzer Prize finalist’s work reflects time spent on family allotment near Fort Gibson By Taralee Montgomery
Since Sequoyah put quill to paper and created the
Oklahoma. She went home every chance she got.” Cherokee syllabary, Cherokees have taken the tradition While “Maud’s Line,” she says, “almost wrote itself of oral storytelling and put it into writing. Cherokee in only 14 months,” Verble began writing “Cherokee Nation citizen Margaret Verble says she wrote alone America” in 1999. in her basement without success for 16 years In 2019, “Cherokee America” was released and quickly before her first novel, grew in popularity with “Maud’s Line,” was a fictional storyline that published in 2015. explores life in the old The next year, that frontier, which would book was a finalist for soon be known as the the Pulitzer Prize for Cherokee Nation. Fiction, a rare honor for With two novels now a debut novel. under her belt, Verble said “Maud’s Line” and the road to publication can Verble’s newest novel, be like other roads: hard “Cherokee America,” are and long. both set near Fort Gibson, “Western Cherokees Oklahoma. have inherited, both “For someone who never genetically and culturally, lived in Oklahoma full remarkable endurance,” time, I got an unusually Verble said. “That’s who heavy dose of Cherokee we are: people who don’t Cherokee Nation citizen and Pulitzer Prize finalist Margaret Verble's latest book "Cherokee America" explores life in the old frontier, which would soon be known heritage young,” Verble give up. In the end, as the Cherokee Nation. COURTESY PHOTO. said. “My grandmother, perseverance counts more Fannie Anderson Haworth, was an original enrollee, and than anything else. Remember how far your ancestors had she and my great-uncles and aunts lived on adjoining to walk to ensure you would be born.” allotments in the Anderson bottoms outside of Fort Gibson. I roamed their land a lot. My mother was the Find out more about Cherokee author Margaret Verble by only member of her immediate family who didn’t live in visiting www.margaretverble.com. Shutterstock/BrAt82
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The Official Cherokee Nation News
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CULTURE
ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Photo courtesy Cherokee National Archives
Regained to renowned Tribe celebrates 40th anniversary of regained ownership of iconic structures By Whitney Dittman
Cherokee Nation puts a significant emphasis on its
language, culture, art and history. Through its dedicated efforts to cultural tourism, the tribe utilizes historic sites to share its story with the world. This year, the tribe celebrates the 40th anniversary of regained ownership of three of its historic buildings once lost due to the devastating Curtis Act of 1898. The goal of the sinister act was to abolish tribal governments in Indian Territory. While not ultimately successful, tribal assets were seized and sold to county governments and the state of Oklahoma. When the Cherokee Nation passed its second postremoval constitution in 1975, the tribe began the process of
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reaquiring its rightful property from the counties and state. For Cherokee Nation, that included three of its most iconic structures: the prison, the Supreme Court building and the Capitol building. Through Cherokee Nation’s steadfast commitment to cultural and historic preservation, these buildings have all been repaired and restored to their period of historical significance and now serve as influential museums within the tribe’s tourism offerings to entertain and educate visitors about the history and culture of the Cherokee people. The Cherokee National Prison Museum showcases how law and order operated in Indian Territory. As the only penitentiary in Indian Territory from 1875 to 1901, the
Shutterstock/Abstractor
ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ CULTURE interpretive site now features exhibits about famous prisoners, daring escapes and much more. Originally built in 1844, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is the oldest public building in Oklahoma. The museum features exhibits on the Cherokee judicial system, the Cherokee Advocate and Cherokee Phoenix newspapers, and the Cherokee language. The Cherokee National History Museum is the newest addition to the tribe’s robust cultural tourism offerings and is located inside the iconic Cherokee National Capitol building. Built in 1869, the building housed the Nation’s executive, judicial and legislative offices until 1906 and was most recently home to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court. The museum provides an overview of Cherokee Nation’s history from pre-European contact through the Trail of Tears and the revitalization of the tribe today. With the addition of the John Ross Museum and Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum, Cherokee Nation now owns and operates five museums, eight gift shops and two welcome
Photo courtesy Cherokee National Archives
centers. Cherokee Nation museums are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information on Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, including museum operations, please visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.
A new exhibit at the Cherokee National Prison Museum is providing a closer look at each structure’s history and sharing the lesser known stories about how these buildings were used before the tribe regained ownership. The museum is located at 124 E. Choctaw St. in Tahlequah.
“40th Anniversary of Regained Ownership” is open to the public through Jan. 31, 2020.
Cherokee National Capitol Building in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The Official Cherokee Nation News
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ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ
Historical practicality of tattoos in Cherokee culture and the modern revitalization By Tyler Thomas
raditionally, Cherokees have been a practical people, and the use of tattoos in historic Cherokee society was no different. Before the development of the Cherokee written language, tattoos were used to identify one another, especially warriors. One could easily tell the rank or military prowess of a Cherokee by simply observing the markings on his face.
History of tattoos in Cherokee culture
stature in the priesthood. The use of tattoos evolved to include war chiefs and warriors and, eventually, common people. Traditionally using sharp flint, animal bones or thorns, the designs would be carved into the face or body. On body tattoos, a hand-poke method was used often instead of carving with rock. After the designs were complete, pigment would be rubbed into the design to give it color. Common tattoos in the historic Cherokee society included the moon, stars, mountains, celestial beings, water symbols, snakes, birds and more. For warriors, face tattoos were prevalent, allowing the individual to express military conquests or kills.
The Cherokee word for tattoo is ᏓᏆᏙᏪᎸᎾ, or daquadowelvna, which literally translates to “my name as it is written” in English. Traditionally, tattoos symbolized anything from a person’s ceremonial rank to a warrior’s prowess to a person’s tribe or clan. The use of tattoos was a form of self-expression, but also identifiers. Tattoos in modern “In a nutshell, tattoos were used Cherokee culture to express Cherokees’ identity in With the advent of the written the historic society. It named your language and continued exposure place in your community, who your to missionaries in the early 1800s, family was, what clan you were. Cherokee Nation citizen and tattoo artist Nathalie Standingcloud the practical use of tattoos for It basically was documentation tattoos a client with one of her original designs based on traditional identification purposes subsided in before we had documentation,” said Cherokee designs and stories. Cherokee culture. Cherokee Nation Cultural Specialist Today, traditional Cherokee tattoos are experiencing a JP Johnson. resurgence, but for cultural or personal expression rather than The use of tattoos in Cherokee society dates back to prefor the practical uses by Cherokee ancestors. European contact when priests used them to signify their
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ᏄᏍᏛ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ CULTURE “You’ll hear a lot of people say their tattoos represent their Cherokees seeking traditional tattoos, making her job that kids or family. These are common Cherokee values that are much more special. expressed by the art on their skin, and family is at the top. “Everyone has a story with each of their designs, and it The average Cherokee can assign gets a little bit more personal and deep meaning in their tattoos special for me when my clients so they are a very individualistic happen to be Cherokee and expression,” said Cherokee Nation are getting traditional tattoos,” Community & Cultural Outreach Standingcloud said. History and Cultural Specialist Mackey believes the resurgence Ryan Mackey. “Rarely will you will continue to grow as the find Cherokees that say they just practice becomes more and more got a tattoo because it looks cool.” accepted in mainstream society, Although some Cherokees still especially in the modern use tattoos to signify military Cherokee society, where service, others use traditional Cherokees seek to connect to Nathalie Standingcloud's original tattoo design depicts a turtle and a symbols to signify or celebrate and express their heritage. seven-pointed star, both important symbols in Cherokee culture. other milestones or life moments. “Having a traditional Cherokee Nathalie Standingcloud is tattoo placed on your skin is a Cherokee Nation citizen and a tattoo artist completing not just personal expression, it is also tribal expression. It’s her apprenticeship in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. During her solidarity with the concept of decolonizing our society and two-year apprenticeship, Standingcloud has noticed more revitalizing our heritage and traditions,” Mackey said.
George Bickham the Younger's "The Three Cherokees, came over from the head of the River Savanna to London," 1762, engraving on paper. Courtesy of Gilcrease Museum Archives, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ
Homes, Health and Hope: The Legacy of Principal Chief Bill John Baker By Josh Newton
principle of building on the foundation of homes, health and hope for the Cherokee people. Chief Baker credits his personal experiences in life, and especially those of his family and his peers, with shaping those principles. During the past eight years, Chief Baker led the largest sovereign tribal government in the United States, with more than 370,000 enrolled Cherokee Nation citizens. Chief Baker also served for 12 years as a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council before being elected Principal Chief in 2011 and reelected in 2015. “When Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and I asked the Cherokee people for the privilege of helping lead the Cherokee Nation as Chief and Deputy Chief, we knew there was change that had to take place,” Chief Baker said. “Now, looking back at the past eight years, we believe the change that has been made has been good and it has been sustainable. That’s important because we aren’t just here to build the Cherokee Nation for one lifetime; we’re here to build it for generations to come.” When Chief Baker was elected as Principal Chief in 2011, the tribe’s housing program had ceased building new homes during the previous administration. “For some reason it was just off the table, and that made no sense to me whatsoever that we couldn’t find a way to help folks become homeowners,” Chief Baker said. “I’ve always asked, why should the first Americans be the last Americans to enjoy the American dream? Owning a home is life-changing. When I was elected, I had a plan and I knew we could do it.” Months after Chief Baker took his oath of office, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation was revitalized and the tribe began to build new homes for citizens through the New Home Construction Program. This also created jobs for Cherokee vendors, helping to spark the economy in many of the rural communities throughout the tribe’s 14 counties. The first new homes were finished in 2012, and since then, about 700 new homes have been built for Cherokee families.
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Shutterstock/Abstractor
Throughout his time in office, Principal Chief Bill John Baker has persistently followed a guiding
ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ FEATURES
Principal Chief Bill John Baker pictured at Adams Corner at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
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“Even when I was in high school, I saw the Housing “We know we need to be looking at every avenue of funding Authority change the lives of families that had previously to build as many houses as we possibly can, whether it is for a been renting substandard houses, some of them with dirt single mom, a family, a homeless veteran or an elder who has floors. Many of those Cherokees never owned a home,” Chief Baker had never previously had the hope said. “Everyone has different wants of being a homeowner,” Chief Baker and needs. We know one size doesn’t said. “When the Cherokee Nation fit all, and I’m looking forward to started the Housing Authority and seeing how the Housing Authority’s started building homes, it truly did programs progress.” change lives. And that’s happening Housing wasn’t Chief Baker’s today as we build even more homes only focus when he took office in for Cherokee families.” 2011. Having traveled throughout During Chief Baker’s the Cherokee Nation, Chief Baker administration, the Cherokee had his finger on the pulse of Nation also increased the amount Cherokee citizens, and health care Cherokee families receive through was one of their main concerns. the Mortgage Assistance Program, “I’ve always said, if you don’t which has eased the burden of have your health you have nothing. purchasing a new home for more When I went around the Cherokee Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker welcomes Cherokee than 1,800 families so far. Nation and at large visiting with Nation citizens Mandy Adair and her son Tosley to their new home The Cherokee Nation now offers Cherokee citizens, I would ask, that they received from the New Home Construction Program in November 2012. housing assistance for veterans ‘If the tribe could do one thing, and elders and provides housing just one thing, what is the most rehabilitation services, rental assistance and many important thing to you?’ And resoundingly, the No. 1 answer more services. was better health care,” Chief Baker said. “It could have been In early 2019, the tribe also broke ground on the Shade a sign of the times. Everybody’s insurance was going up, Addition in Hulbert, Oklahoma. This unique housing medication costs were going up, and I think everyone was addition for elders features eight efficiency homes that each worried about whether they would have health care when has a total living space of about 660 square feet. Chief Baker they needed it.” believes this model could be used in a replacement home Chief Baker and the Cherokee Nation Health Services program in the future or for Cherokees who might be looking team got to work immediately, and eight years later, the for a smaller mortgage payment. results are evident.
Oct. 19, 2011 Bill John Baker takes the oath of office as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Oct. 2012 Registration begins issuing, for the first time ever, photo tribal citizenship cards.
Aug. 2012 Tribe completes the first homes constructed under the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation’s New Home Construction Program.
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Aug. 2013 Chief Baker and former Gov. Mary Fallin sign compact expanding tribe’s motor vehicle tag jurisdiction statewide.
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ
FEATURES “When I came into office, we had health facilities located “The groundwork is laid. We’ll have to grow into it, but in old shopping centers, we had health centers that were this new health facility is going to create 850 new jobs for bursting at the seams, we had doctors with only one exam Cherokees,” Chief Baker said. “We’ll have the opportunity room,” he said. “There was a lack of to have specialty services like efficiency. We knew there was not podiatrists, ophthalmologists and a magic wand to make health care audiologists. It will open up more perfect, but whatever we did, we contract health dollars, it will give knew we had to find a way to make us space for more patient visits and our advancements in health care it will free up space in the existing sustainable. I believe we’ve Hastings facility to expand there done that.” as well. This is going to deliver Existing tribal health centers first-class care to our citizens for were remodeled and expanded, generations to come.” and new, state-of-the-art facilities Through a partnership with were built. Because of the tribe’s Oklahoma State University College renewed focus on health, the of Osteopathic Medicine, the first Cherokee Nation now operates medical school on tribal land in health centers in Tahlequah, the United States is expected to Muskogee, Jay, Nowata, Salina, yield groundbreaking research Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and First Lady Sallisaw, Stilwell, Vinita and on health issues affecting Native Sherry Baker at the Cherokee National Holiday Parade in Ochelata. No Cherokee citizen American populations. The school downtown Tahlequah. within the tribe’s 14 counties has to will also help the tribe grow its own drive more than 30 miles for quality doctors. Plans call for a class of 50 students starting in the health care. fall of 2020, with a total of up to 200 students when fully The Cherokee Nation is also opening a new 469,000operational. The 84,000-square-foot medical school facility is square-foot, four-story outpatient health facility in being built on the W.W. Hastings campus in Tahlequah. Tahlequah. This is the largest Indian Health Service “We admire and support OSU Center for Health Sciences’ joint venture health facility in the country. As part of the efforts to populate rural Oklahoma with doctors from rural agreement with the Cherokee Nation, IHS will provide Oklahoma,” Chief Baker said. “That mission will create at least $100 million annually to the tribe for staffing healthier families and communities in northeast and operations of the facility located on the W.W. Oklahoma and improve the lives of Cherokees for the next Hastings campus in Tahlequah. seven generations.”
May 2015 Chief Baker and Gov. Fallin sign historic hunting and fishing compact expanding Cherokee Nation citizens' hunting and fishing rights statewide.
Feb. 2016 Cherokee Nation signs an agreement with Indian Health Service to secure the largest joint venture funding project in history. Sept. 2015 Chief Baker appoints Sara Hill as the tribe’s first Secretary of Natural Resources, a cabinet-level position overseeing the tribe’s environmental and conservation interests.
Jan. 2017 Cherokee Nation graduates its first participants from its new, innovative Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program.
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Advancements within the Cherokee Nation over the past adults to be conversationally proficient Cherokee speakers eight years aren’t limited to homes and health care, as Chief and teachers, helping to preserve the Cherokee language. Baker’s leadership has inspired positive change throughout Efforts also began in 2018 to identify and recognize all the tribe and across northeast Oklahoma. fluent Cherokee speakers through the Cherokee Speakers Today the Cherokee Nation and its business arm, Roll project. Cherokee Nation Businesses, create an annual economic “When I look at all of these things, I see hope,” Chief impact of more than $2 billion in Baker said. “The Cherokee National Oklahoma. Together, Cherokee Youth Choir, the Remember the Nation and CNB employ more than Removal Bike Ride, the Tribal 11,000 employees. More Cherokees Youth Council, the immersion work for the tribe and its businesses school, the archery programs and than at any time in history. summer camps, and the language Since Chief Baker took office, bowl – when I see these programs, more academic scholarships have when I see this resurgence of pride been awarded than ever before. in being Cherokee and that we have Executive orders signed by Chief children who want to learn to speak Baker raised the tribe’s minimum Cherokee, I see hope for wage, created family leave time for our future.” Cherokee foster parents employed “Today I look at the Cherokee by the tribe, established an eightNation and I am convinced that week paid maternity leave program the best days, the most prosperous Principal Chief Bill John Baker reads the Treaty of New Echota at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in for expectant mothers, and set days, are not behind us, but instead Washington, D.C. goals to reduce the tribe’s carbon they are right here. And moving footprint. Chief Baker also fought to forward, they’re going to be so much protect Cherokee Nation’s sovereignty through an expansion better,” Chief Baker said. “Deputy and I were truly blessed to of car tag sales throughout the state and with a hunting and be given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fishing compact with Oklahoma. Cherokees and to leave the woodpile a little higher for future Through the tribe’s Community & Cultural Outreach, the generations. I look back at what’s been accomplished with Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program is teaching great pride.”
Feb. 2017 Cherokee Nation breaks ground on the new 469,000-square-foot outpatient health center at the W.W. Hastings campus in Tahlequah.
Nov. 2018 Tribe and state announce the removal of nuclear waste from the Sequoyah Fuels site near Gore, Oklahoma. July 2017 Tribe implements new, first-ofits-kind foster care leave policy for Cherokee Nation employees serving as foster care parents.
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May 2019 Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University College of Medicine break ground on the nation’s first tribally affiliated college of medicine.
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Principal Chief Bill John Baker celebrates a partnership with OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Principal Chief Bill John Baker and his wife, Sherry, pictured at Town Branch Creek in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks at the Remember the Removal Bike Ride return ceremony at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks at the State of the Nation address during the 66th Cherokee National Holiday.
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ
Growing up in Adair County on the heels of the Great Depression, times weren’t
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always easy, but Stanley Joe Crittenden still remembers it as “the best of times.” “We were working people,” said Crittenden, now the Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We didn’t have a whole lot of extra this and that, but we were a loving family and I remember those as good days.” Crittenden was born into a family of military servants dating back to his greatuncle, who served in World War I. In 1964, as the world was still mourning the loss of President John F. Kennedy, Crittenden answered the call to serve his country just as the Vietnam War and the draft were closing in. “I was only 191/2 years old when I enlisted, following in my dad’s footsteps in a lot of ways,” Crittenden said. “I certainly didn’t want to give my life, but I was willing to do it for this great country that I get to call home, and given the chance I’d do it all over again.” Fresh out of rural Oklahoma, Crittenden boarded his first naval ship and headed for the shores of Vietnam. During his enlistment, he served as a communications radioman and made several ports, including Guam, Japan, the Republic of the Philippines and Vietnam.
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“Dad
always said to me,
‘Son, if you’re going to take a man’s pay, do the job. Be there when the bell rings and always be willing to stay after the shift is over.'"
A young Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden working kitchen duty in the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California, in 1964. COURTESY PHOTO.
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After nearly four years of service to the U.S. Navy, office against the incumbent Principal Chief. Baker called in Crittenden made it back to Oklahoma with a greater respect Crittenden to run as deputy chief. for the land he calls home. “We wanted to build more houses, we wanted to work “Native people serve in the military at a higher percentage on health care for our people, and we knew the only way than any other group,” Crittenden said. “I’ve often to get it done was to make a change, so that’s what we did,” wondered why we would do that, and I think it’s simple. Crittenden said. It’s the fact that we love this With a call for honest country. We love the land leadership weighing on his that we live on. We want to heart, Crittenden visited protect what is ours, and communities to hear from we do so.” the Cherokee people. He After the military, ultimately won his election Crittenden began to establish and assumed his new role as a life near his childhood Deputy Principal Chief of the home in Adair County. He Cherokee Nation. worked a variety of jobs, “It was a bittersweet time including at the Cherokee in my life when I decided to Nation, before landing a run for Deputy Chief because job with the U.S. Postal it meant I’d have to leave the Service in 1973. After 30 Tribal Council. That’s the years of service to the U.S. people’s house,” Crittenden government, he retired. said. “I don’t know that I had He soon found his calling ever thought about serving for public service, beginning the tribe as Deputy Chief as a Cherokee Nation Tribal before that time.” Councilor for District 8. Deputy Chief Crittenden Crittenden promised “honest was reelected in 2015 and responsible leadership.” and continues to lead the It wasn’t always easy to Cherokee people with a balance the load, but servant’s heart. During Crittenden’s priorities were his eight years as Deputy always the same. Chief, he stuck to his goal of “Dad always said to me, focusing on homes, health, ‘Son, if you’re going to take veterans programs and “doing Family and military photos from Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden's personal a man’s pay, do the job. Be the right thing for the right collection. Courtesy photos. there when the bell rings and reason every time.” always be willing to stay after the shift is over if you need to.’ He credits his time in the military for being the foundation He’d say, ‘Always be honest and be sure to show up.’ So that is of his service to the Cherokee Nation. what I’ve always tried to do,” Crittenden said. “There is an old song that comes to mind when I think of In 2011, a change began to brew in the Cherokee Nation. the past 16 years: ‘If I can help somebody as I travel along, As Tribal Councilor, Bill John Baker was preparing to run for then my living won’t be in vain,’” Crittenden said.
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ
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Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and his wife, Lynda, pictured at Adams Corner at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden visits with a veteran at the Claremore veterans center.
Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden with veteran Stephen Ezell at the Cherokee Nation's annual Memorial Day ceremony in 2019.
Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and Principal Chief Bill John Baker greet Dominic Cumo of California, fulfilling his dream of meeting Chief and Deputy.
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FEATURES ᏗᎦᏎᏍᏙᏗ
Q&A with newly elected Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. The 18th constitutionally elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation answers questions on addressing challenges facing the tribe, growing the Cherokee language and promoting the culture, forecasting the future of the Cherokee Nation, and more. By Tyler Thomas
What does it mean to you to be elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation?
Councilor and Secretary of State, and now as Principal Chief?
Cherokee Nation is a great nation and is a force for good, progress and justice for its citizens and their communities. I am humbled and honored to have been elected Principal Chief and have the opportunity to lead a great nation and work with other leaders, both in our tribe and outside of our tribe, to serve the Cherokee people. Serving as Chief is a great responsibility but also a great opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of my fellow citizens.
I have always believed that those of us drawn to public service should step up to serve as we are able. A public servant’s mission should be to maintain and improve the government so that it is worthy of the people it serves. For me, that mission is a calling, something I take very seriously but also something I enjoy. I ran for office because I believed I had something to offer the Cherokee people. I have the education, skills, work ethic and ability to bring people together and help strengthen our nation.
Why did you want to serve in public office as a Tribal
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What are some challenges you seek to address? We need to focus on a number of things, but I would focus on three overarching goals: first, building a society in which all Cherokees share in our Nation’s prosperity; second, preserving our language and culture; and third, bringing a sense of unity to our people. Sharing our Nation’s prosperity means improving programs and services such as health care. But, it also means doing more to build the economy of our region so that young Cherokees today have a real opportunity to stay, work and prosper in their communities. Preserving our language and culture also takes
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Newly elected Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
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a generational focus, as we bring resources to bear to create a new generation of Cherokee speakers and provide opportunities for Cherokees everywhere to celebrate our beautiful culture and history. Finally, building a sense of unity in our Nation does not mean political unity, per se. Cherokees have disagreed over politics and leadership for generations because we are a free people with a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Rather, those of us in leadership need to rally our citizens around ideas and initiatives that help strengthen our communities, such as saving our language, helping elders in need and mentoring young Cherokees to be the leaders of tomorrow. What makes the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee people so special in your opinion? We have a history that shows remarkable perseverance and grit during the most difficult of circumstances. The great difficulties we have overcome in our history, such as removal, built something strong in our national character that remains in us today. Along the way, we endeavored to maintain our lifeways in the face of rapid change. The Cherokee people today are tempered to take on challenges, overcome obstacles and maintain our unique identity as citizens of a great Indian Nation. How do you plan to grow the Cherokee language and promote Cherokee culture? We have programs that work, but we need to commit more resources to them. Expanding the master apprentice language program is indispensable to saving our language. Community organizing efforts guided
by Cherokee Nation’s Community & Cultural Outreach department allow Cherokee citizens, at the grassroots level and across the entire country, to share our culture and history with a new generation of Cherokees. Who do you consider to be your role models? Certainly my time in public service, which dates back to the 1999 constitutional convention, has exposed me to many great leaders as role models. But, I’ve certainly looked to my father, Chuck Hoskin, as an example of a great public servant. I never dreamed, over 25 years ago when I tagged along with my father as he ran for Council, that I would one day serve with him in the executive branch of our government, let alone be elected Chief. Likewise, Chief Baker and Deputy Chief Crittenden taught me much about leadership and about the importance of building a strong team to serve our people. My wife and our first lady, January, has not only supported me through decades of politics and public service, but has shown me through her words and deeds the importance of treating people with respect and decency and the importance of remaining humble as a leader. How do you feel about being the first Principal Chief from your hometown of Vinita in more than 100 years? I’ve lived in Vinita all my life. The history of Vinita, like most towns across Cherokee Nation, is inextricably linked with the history of our Nation. The last Chief from Vinita, Tom Buffington, was elected in 1899. He served when it appeared the sun was setting on Cherokee Nation due to impending allotment and Oklahoma
statehood. I’m very proud to be the second Chief in history elected from Vinita and to take office at a time when Cherokee Nation is on the rise. What does the future of the Cherokee Nation look like in your mind? I see a Cherokee Nation where all of our people share in the Nation’s prosperity through employment, opportunities in education and living in safe and healthy communities. I see a Cherokee Nation where our sovereignty and resources are brought to bear to overcome some of the most difficult challenges of our time. I see a Cherokee Nation where more young people speak our language, experience our culture and serve in their government or their communities. I see a Nation where, as we have always done, our people find unity in working towards common goals and maintaining our unique identity as citizens of the great Cherokee Nation.
THE BASICS AGE: 44 HOMETOWN: Vinita, OK WIFE: January CHILDREN: Triston and Jasmine ALMA MATER: B.A. University of Oklahoma J.D. University of Oklahoma College of Law
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Hearty & healthy Gardens throughout the Cherokee Nation have long been used to provide Cherokee families with sustenance by growing healthy, tasty vegetables such as squash, corn and beans. This version of a traditional Three-Sisters Soup combines all of these fresh vegetables for a hearty meal while leaving plenty of room for customization. Partnered with a slice or two of fresh sourdough bread and garnished with a lemon wedge or lemon zest, this vibrant soup is sure to provide the perfect meal.
Vibrant Three-Sisters Soup 1 1/2 c. sweet corn 2-15 oz. cans beans of choice 3 c. cubed butternut squash 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped 6 small Yukon Gold potatoes, diced 1 yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 quart vegetable or chicken stock 2 TB lemon juice 1/8 tsp. oregano 1/8 tsp. cumin 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. onion powder 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 TB dried parsley Salt and pepper to taste 2 TB extra-virgin olive oil Water, as needed
To prepare soup:
1. Wash kale and chop into 1-2" pieces. 2. In dutch oven or stock pot, sauté onion on medium heat until translucent. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Add minced garlic and saute approximately one minute. Add chopped kale and cook for 2-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until greens are tender. Add stock, corn, beans, squash, potatoes and remaining seasonings. Simmer on medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes and squash are fork-tender. Serve with toasted sourdough bread and lemon wedge or zest.
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