Testimony Before U.S. House on American Indian/Alaska Native funding

I delivered testimony today in Washington, DC before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. It was part of a tribal leader’s panel invited to deliver comments on funding for American Indian/Alaska Native programs. The testimony in full: Osiyo. Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Moran, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. My name is Bill John Baker and I am the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation is proud of...

Read More

Kudos to Dianne Barker Harrold for Well Deserved Honor from DOJ

My good friend Dianne Barker Harrold was recently given a 2013 National Crime Victims’ Service Award from the U.S. Department of Justice. Read about her journey he...

Read More

Meeting with U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack

Recently met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at a University of Arkansas’ distinguished lecture series event. We discussed the USDA’s Keepseagle legal settlement and the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to revitalizing the role Native American agriculture plays in today’s society. Additionally, I thanked Secretary Vilsack for the opportunities to support USDA through federal contracts with Cherokee Nation...

Read More

Investing CNB Profits Into Cherokee Health Care

The Cherokee Nation recently launched an overhaul to our health care system – the country’s largest tribally operated health system – with a $100 million investment from Cherokee Nation Businesses.  For the first time ever, we are utilizing our businesses profits to grow tribal infrastructure and improve the health of our people. We are at a moment in time when we can make the right kind of choices that will reap benefits for generations...

Read More