Open Door Policy Now in Place for Cherokee Nation Employees

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Executive Order 2011-02 BJB

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - In one of his first actions as its new leader, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker, on Monday signed Executive Order 2011-02 BJB that allows the Nation's employees to speak with all elected officials. The Executive Order allows for an open door policy, which had been closed in recent years.

"The purpose of this Order is to allow all employees to speak openly about their duties, responsibilities and concerns as both employees and citizens of the nation with their duly elected council representative or any member of the Council," Baker said. "Open dialogue is essential to a transparent and properly functioning government and will better enable the Council to fully understand the operations of the Cherokee Nation as well."

For at least the last six years Cherokee Nation employees were forbidden to speak with any council member, including their own, about issues related to their employment with the nation.

"No one should be forced to waive their rights under the Cherokee Constitution to work for our nation. We will honor and respect our employees. We are going to run an open and transparent government and no one will ever be censored. This is just the first of several steps in that direction," Baker said.

The Executive Order became effective immediately at signing by Chief Baker.

posted October 25, 2011 7:00 am edt