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Principal Chief Bill John Baker Sworn In: Inauguration Ceremony November 6

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation held a brief ceremony Wednesday evening for the swearing in of Bill John Baker as the next Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. An inauguration ceremony is scheduled in the coming weeks.

"It is time to bring our Cherokee family together and move our Nation from good to great," said Principal Chief Baker. " …I deeply appreciate the Cherokee people for placing their faith in my leadership."

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice G. Wilcoxen administered the oath of office for Principal Chief Baker.

Baker's inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, November 6 at 2 pm at Sequoyah Schools' The Place Where They Play activity center.

"I respectfully ask that all Cherokees join us for a celebration of our culture and our Nation," Baker said. "It's been a tough race and now we come together as one Nation, as we are all 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 Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Chief George Wickliffe of the United Keetoowah Band will attend.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker
& wife Sherry

"I'm blessed and honored I was entrusted to become Chief of our Nation. I ask that all who can attend the Inauguration Ceremony do, and all who cannot, pray for me and our Nation as we move forward," Baker said.

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. Timelines for that election will be announced soon by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.

posted October 21, 2011 7:30 am edt