Fighting Obesity with Community Gardens in Cherokee Communities

It’s a sad fact that Native populations have the highest rates of obesity and diabetes of any ethnicity. The Centers for Disease Control says Native Americans are 1 1/2 times more likely to be obese than other ethnic groups. Other studies have shown low-income, preschool-aged Native children have the highest obesity rate at 20 percent, and that rate is rising. Creating a healthier Cherokee Nation has been my top priority as chief of the Cherokee...

Read More

On the passing of Chester Nez, the last original Navajo code talker

"The walking on of Chester Nez is a sad day for the Navajo Nation and all of Indian Country. Our thoughts and prayers will be with our brothers and sisters form the Navajo Nation as they mourn the loss of their last original code talker. The Navajo code talkers used their traditional language to transmit messages for the U.S. military during WWII. Along with code talkers from other tribal governments, these men were the secret weapon that helped...

Read More

Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker on Diane Humetewa's confirmation

I applaud the appointment and confirmation of Hopi citizen Diane Humetewa as federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Arizona. Our federal judicial system should have a fair representation of American Indian citizens serving as judges. This is something we must keep pushing for as tribal governments, as so many of the cases that affect our tribal sovereignty and self-determination are heard in federal courts. I respect and admire President Obama for fulfilling a commitment to increase the visibility of Indian people across his administration...

Read More

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker on Earth Day

Commemorating Earth Day is important for the Cherokee Nation and tribal governments across the country. Indian people are the Nation’s first conservationists and our tribal history is based on a balanced and harmonious relationship with our land, our resources and our environment. As such, we honor and celebrate Earth Day every day.  It is our responsibility to leave the world a better place for today, tomorrow and the next seven generations. We do that by being accountable and making decisions that benefit our people and preserve our...

Read More

One Year Later: Delivering on a Promise to Cherokee People

Over the past 12 months, I have been fortunate to travel across the Cherokee Nation’s 14 counties, meeting with tribal citizens on the issues and programs that mean the most to them. During all those community events, speaking engagements and suppers, one constant remained true: There is nothing more important to the Cherokee Nation today, tomorrow and years from now than access to quality health care. This is the single most important...

Read More

Three CNB executives honored by The Journal Record

The Journal Record, an Oklahoma-based media company that specializes in business, legislative and legal-related information, recently announced the 2014 honorees for their fifth annual Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs event. Among those honored are two Cherokee Nation Businesses executives. Shawn Slaton, chief executive officer of Cherokee Nation Businesses, and Cheryl Cohenour, president of Cherokee CRC, were both recognized for excellence...

Read More