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Byrd Is Predicting That His Latest Project Will Prosper In 25 Years!

Whoa, now that is some kind of long range planning. At least Byrd is guaranteed that he probably won't be in the position of Chief to be held accountable for this latest project.

Tahlequah Daily Press's, David Rain, a Press Staff Writer (who by the way did a pretty good job of covering the council meeting in an almost unbiased way for a Stipe owned paper.. good job David, now just keep that up!) reports in the Tuesday, Feb. 10th edition, that the Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Byrd stated that the tribe will acquire 1,100 acres on the Arkansas River near Interstate 40 in Sequoyah County, four miles west of Sallisaw on Dwight Mission Road.

The report said that the property is a transfer of land in trust from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the tribe. Byrd gave Charlie Gourd credit for landing the deal saying that it took Gourd approximately two years working with John Sparlin of the Corps of Engineers and Glen Cheatham Jr., of the state Department of waterways.

Charlie Gourd said that the whole world wants to work with all us Indian tribes and that he has been on the phone with the Belgiums and people from India and representatives from Mercedes. He said we lost out on a bid on a contract with Boeing because of timing. He said that we can develop and economic posture that will benefit the entire state.

The land according to reports has the potential to include a convenience store and retail outlet, an industrial park, a port authority, a camping and recreation park and leadership camps for young people and staff. Byrd said, "It may well turn out to be the most profitable project the tribe is involved in." "In 25 years, this will really be prospering."

In the same article on another matter Rains reports that Councilor Troy Poteete pressed Byrd on whether Cherokee Nation attorneys are arguing in court that the tribal courthouse and land around it in downtown Tahlequah are not "Indian Country," as defined under federal law. "Is this the stand we, as a tribe, are going to take?" Poteete said.

Byrd said he would have to consult with attorneys before he could answer.

Well, guess that tells us all we want to know. Right fellow Cherokees and Indian brothers and sisters from all tribes!