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  • With his wife Jenine looking on, Tahlequah lawyer Todd Hembree, center, is sworn in as the new attorney general of the Cherokee Nation by Supreme Court Justice Darrell Dowty. Cherokee Nation

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January 27, 2012

Hembree confirmed as CN attorney general

By TEDDYE SNELL Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation Tribal Council members on Thursday confirmed Todd Hembree as attorney general for the tribe.

Hembree was appointed by Principal Chief Bill John Baker earlier this month, and was sworn in immediately following the special meeting.

A practicing attorney for more than 20 years, Hembree served as independent counsel for the Cherokee Nation’s legislative branch for 12 years

“It’s not every day you recognize you’re in a life-changing moment,” said Hembree. “This is one for me.”

Hembree recognized family members, including his wife, Jenine, and his children, along with his siblings, whom he thanked for their support.

“Especially my mother and father,” said Hembree. “It’s not every day a son gets to publicly express his love for his parents. I love you.”

Hembree gave his parents credit for instilling in him a moral code – in teaching him right from wrong, and what’s fair and what’s not.

He also recognized his predecessor, Diane Hammons.

“Diane has been a colleague of mine for years,” said Hembree. “When I tried to think of one word to describe her, I couldn’t. It took three: intelligence, dignity, and integrity. You have left an indelible mark on the Cherokee Nation... Principal Chief [Bill John] Baker, thank you for nominating me; tribal council, I would appreciate your confirmation.”

All 17 tribal councilors signed on as sponsors of the resolution to confirm Hembree. The vote to confirm was unanimous.

“What great pride I have in joining as a sponsor,” said Hoskin Jr. “It’s hard to let him go as counsel, but I think there’s no one more qualified to serve as attorney general. This is a home run for the chief, a loss for the council, but a net gain for the tribe.”

Originally from the Greasy community in southern Adair County, Hembree is a graduate of Stilwell High School, Northeastern State University and the University of Notre Dame Law School.

In Rules Committee earlier Thursday, tribal councilors selected new committee chairs, including: Hoskin Jr., Rules Committee; Executive and Finance, Jodie Fishinghawk; Community Service, Dick Lay; Education and Culture, Joe Byrd; Resources, Curtis Snell; and Health, Janelle Fullbright.

Resolutions were passed electing a new speaker and deputy speaker for the tribal council. District 1 Tribal Councilor Tina Glory-Jordan will succeed Meredith Frailey as speaker, and Hoskin Jr. follows Cara Cowan-Watts as deputy speaker.

The committee also approved extending the terms for both positions through 2015, rather than the previous 2013.

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