CLAREMORE, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. formalized plans Tuesday to designate former Principal Chief J.B. Milam’s home in Claremore as an historic site, and to study the property management of records of the tribes’ principal chiefs.
The tribe acquired Milam’s home in 2024. With Chief Hoskin and Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice’s signatures during a ceremony Tuesday, the property will now be designated an official historic site under tribal law.
Milam served as an appointed Chief from 1941 to 1949 during a period of time during which the federal government suppressed much of the tribe’s governing structures. Milam’s work as Chief helped lay the groundwork for future acts of self governance and self determination by the tribe. Chief Milam was appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The 3,730 square foot brick home located near Rogers State University served as the de facto seat of Cherokee government during Milam’s tenure as an appointed Chief. The tribe will develop the property as an historic site to help interpret Cherokee history during Chief Milam’s era.
Chief Hoskin also signed an Executive Order on the Management, Reacquisition and Disclosure of Records of the Office of the Principal Chief establishing a task force to explore the status of the holdings of the records of former Chiefs, strategies to require those records and recommendations as to how the records of Chief Hoskin and future Chief’s should be held.
“The records of principal chiefs belong to the Cherokee people,” said Chief Hoskin. “Those records should be stored and made accessible in a way that services the interests of the Cherokee people and in the interest of posterity.”
The office of Principal Chief was created in 1827 as part of the tribe’s first constitution. John Ross, the first elected principal Chief, took office in 1828.
Chief Hoskin designated former Cherokee Nation Council member Keith Austin as chair of the task force. Austin, and the five other named members may choose a seventh member.
The task force, which is scheduled to issue a report by June 30, 2026, consists of
- Keith Austin, Chair
- Molly Jarvis, Co-chair
- Jack Baker, member
- Camerin Fite-James, member
- Dr. Ross Mulcare, member
- Todd Hembree, member
The order designates all living former principal chiefs as special advisory members, who will receive special briefings and opportunities to provide input. The order forbids political influence or bias from interference with the work of the task force.
“As Cherokees, our history is the foundation of our future,” Austin, the task force chair said. “Preserving the records of our Principal Chiefs protects the legacy of Cherokee leadership and our collective self-determination. I’m honored to play a role in this effort to safeguard important pieces of our shared history and ensure they remain accessible to inspire and inform generations to come.”
Austin, of Rogers County, served as a member of the Council of the Cherokee Nation from 2015 to 2023. Since leaving office he has served as an advisor to Cherokee Nation Businesses’ Cultural Tourism Department.
During Tuesday’s ceremony Chief Hoskin unveiled a new poster designed by Cherokee artist Jeff Edwards which includes portraits off all elected, acting and appointed chiefs from the inception of the office in 1828 to present.
Special prints of the new poster will be provided to Cherokee Nation community organizations as well as schools and other public facilities.