TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Council of the Cherokee Nation swore in three new Councilors along with six re-elected incumbent Councilors during an inauguration ceremony at the Chota Conference Center Aug. 14.
The Councilors have sworn to preserve, protect and defend the Cherokee Nation Constitution.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. spoke during the ceremony about the success of the Council in serving the Cherokee people.
“It has been a pleasure to serve with the Councilors who have served boldly throughout one of the greatest public health crises in the country along with our Nation’s growth,” Chief Hoskin said. “Our Nation requires the brightest public servants to push forward the work the Cherokee people enabled us to do. Legislation that this Council has passed will continue to bring a positive impact to our fellow Cherokees. We are one of the oldest continuing democracies in the world and it’s touching to see the renewal of democracy in a time when many things feel uncertain.”
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner congratulated the Councilors for taking their oaths.
“Serving the Cherokee people is an honor and a privilege, and I know these Councilors will continue that sacred tradition of representing their communities,” Deputy Chief Warner said.
Deputy Speaker of the Council Kevin Easley Jr. believes the new Councilors are ready to serve the Cherokee people.
“I’m really excited to work with the three new Councilors who are coming on,” said Easley. “I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with all of them multiple times. They have great character and love for their communities. They all respect the constitution of the Cherokee Nation and will be true servant leaders.”
District 4 Councilor Uriah Grass, of Vian, District 5 Councilor Ashley Grant, of Tulsa, and District 9 Councilor Clifton Hughes, of Colcord, were sworn into their first term as members of the legislative body.
“I feel a huge sense of relief after finishing up the campaign,” said Councilor Grass. “I’m ready to get to work and its been a blessing to learn so much from Councilor Legg and outgoing Councilor E.O. Jr. Smith. I’ve been an advocate for the Cherokee people for a long time but now I get to do it on a broader scale. Sharing this moment with my family means so much to me.”
Councilor Ashley Grant said she is excited to serve Cherokee citizens.
“All I can say is that I’m ready to get going,” said Councilor Grant. “The rest of the team has been really great to get to know.”
Councilor Clifton Hughes is looking forward to the future of the Nation.
“My district has nearly doubled in size since the redistricting so there’s a lot of good work to be done,” said Councilor Hughes. “Particularly, we need to keep our natural resources secure for the safety and future of our communities. If you don’t have good clean water or pastures, then people aren’t going to eat.”
During the ceremony, District 2 Councilor Dr. Candessa Tehee, District 7 Councilor Joshua Sam, District 10 Councilor Melvina Shotpouch, District 11 Councilor Kendra McGeady, District 15 Councilor Danny Callison and At-Large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell were all sworn in as incumbents.
The inauguration ceremony featured a performance by the Cherokee National Youth Choir and the Cherokee Circle. Outgoing District 9 Councilmember and Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh served as master of ceremonies. A traditional meal was served to tribal citizens following the ceremony.