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September 4, 2007

Native holiday

By BOB GIBBINS

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith took aim Saturday at a group of federal lawmakers who have been at odds with the tribe over Freedmen issues.

Smith, in a spirited address to the Cherokee people, urged self-reliance and focused on what communities have done for themselves. He also told those in attendance the tribe needs to continue to excel and grow.

The principal chief delivered his State of the Nation address to a large crowd on the Cherokee Courthouse grounds. Many of them cheered and whistled when Smith spoke of the current issues with some Congressional members.

"The core issue is for us to be able to lead ourselves," he said. "We don't need to surrender to someone or something else."

Smith said the more Cherokees take control and make sound decisions the more positive the results will become. He said tribal citizens need to live open hearted and open minded.

Smith said tribal members overwhelmingly approved an issue in March to require Cherokees to be Indians. He said it was the third time in 30 years such a vote was taken.

"It's not a novel idea," he said. "All tribal members have a common ancestor."

Smith said some hostile members of Congress won't allow the nation's courts to decide the issue.

"They want politics to decide," he said. "The Cherokee Nation is headed in the right direction."

Smith said the Cherokee Nation hasn't broken any of its treaties with the federal government.

"We've faithfully fulfilled all of them," he said. "The U.S. has broken them. It's the bully crying foul because the victim defended itself. The U.S. is not just."

Smith likened the current unrest with the time years ago when, he said, Cherokees were "ripped form our homeland."

He said progress like communities have shown by building community buildings and water lines without pay needs to continue. He said 30 self-help buildings have gone up in recent times along with thousands of miles of water lines. Housing has been provided to 7,400 people.

"In the last eight years, we've created 4,000 new jobs," Smith said. "We need to continue to grow and recruit new business and more jobs. We need to keep our communities strong and revitalize our language."

Deputy Chief Joe Grayson took time in his remarks to remember the early Cherokees, family devotion and spiritualism.

"It's our blood that binds us together," he said. "It's our blood that brings us here today."

Cherokee citizens were marking the 168th year of ratifying the tribal constitution. They were urged to reconcile issues they may have with each other and come together as one.

The end of the ceremony featured honors going to Roger Cain, who received the Master Craftsman award. Tailholt, Steeley Hollow and Fairfield received Community Leadership awards and the Cherokee Nation Color Guard received a medal of patriotism.

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