Cherokee Nation Celebrates Inauguration of Principal Chief Bill John Baker Sunday

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From One Fire

Native Brief: TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation will celebrate the ceremonial inauguration of Bill John Baker as its Principal Chief on Sunday, November 6 at 2 pm. The ceremonial inauguration will take place at the Sequoyah High School.

The theme of the inauguration is "From One Fire."

Former Oklahoma governor David Walters will serve as Master of Ceremonies and the event will feature the world renowned Cherokee National Youth Choir. In an historic first, the current chiefs of the three federally-recognized Cherokee tribes will all be together for an inauguration as Chief Mitchell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Chief George Wickliffe of the United Keetoowah Band will attend.

"I am honored and humbled to the Chief of the Cherokee Nation. My prayer is to meet your expectations and make us all proud. I will work every day to ensure no child is hungry, no elder forgotten and our families are safe and secure," states on the inauguration flyer.

Baker is a Tahlequah businessman who has served multiple terms as a representative on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. He holds degrees in Political Science and History in Education with minors in Sociology and Psychology. Baker and his wife Sherry have six children and nine grandchildren.

Baker was re-elected to a six year term on the Council in 2007 and his successful campaign for Principal Chief means that another special election will be held by the Nation to fill his District 1, Seat 1 office. District 1 represents Cherokee County and the eastern portion of Wagoner County.

posted November 4, 2011 9:57 am edt