Copyright © 1997 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Press Association
Copyright © 1997 CPA
All Rights Reserved

The cost for each indiviual was approximately $1,500.00. By policy, only per diem, airfare, hotel and limited events were paid for out of the respective budgets. No personal items, including clothing were purchased by the Cherokee nation or related entity. Tables were not available for the Presidential Inaugural. This event took place on the lawn of the Capitol, and tickets were given our delegation at no cost. There were 40 tickets purchased for the American Indian Inaugural Ball, and approximately 30 tickets for the Regional Ball (Oklahoma). At both of these events, tribal leaders from across the United States gathered and shared an evening with national and State officials and agency leaders.

Chief Byrd was also given the honor of participating in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Twenty tribal leaders were asked by the Democratic National Committee to ride in the opeing float of the parade.

While in Washington, our group hosted a reception to bring in agency officials and staff members from Tom Coburn and Don Nicles office together with our tribal leaders and staff to explore the various projects that we may be able to partner together on. This was a very productive and educational time for all parties. Discussion centered around new funding opportunities and shared initiatives. Representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Army, Commerce and health joined us in this meeting.

Also, the National Congress of American Indians and National Indian Gaming Association were hosting their meetings in Washington at this same time. Very seldom are we given the opportunity to meet with so many agencies, organizations and individuals all in one location. Numerous tribes participated in these events, including a large representation from a number of Oklahoma tribes.

1. Joe Byrd * Principal Chief * CNE [Cherokee Nation Enterprises]
2. Eleanor Vann * Special Assistant * Chief
3. Marsha W. Smith * Admin. Office Manager * CNE
4. Charles Gourd * Senior Admin. Liason * Chief/Dep.Chief
5. Jim Wilcoxen * General Counsel * CNE
6. Gerald Cantrell * CEO of CNE * CNE
7. Jennie Battles * Sec/Treasure * CNE
8. Lisa Finley * Press Secretary * CNE
9. Jerry Holderby * CNE Board * CNE
10. Bruce Taylor * President, CNI * CNI [Cherokee Nation Industries]
11. Garland Eagle * Dep.Chief * Dep.Chief
12. Buddy Holt * Special Ass. * Dep. Chief
13. Lou Ann Collins * Senior Comm. Liaison * Dep.Chief
14. Rick Robinson * Sec. of Education * Education
15. Bill Collins * Acting Higher Educ. Mgr. * Education
16. Tracy Gourd * Special Assistant * Health
17. Charles Head * Self-governance Coord. * Self-governance
18. Phyllis Chafin * Quality Assurance Specialist * Special Exec. Proj.
19. Diane Kelley * Special Assistant * Special Exec. Proj.
20. Harold DeMoss * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
21. Paula Holder * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
22. Mary Cooksey * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
23. Bill Baker * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
24. Barbara Conness * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
25. Nick Lay * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
26. Charles Hoskin * Tribal Council * Tribal Council'
27. William Smoke * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
28. Gina Blackfox * Legislative Aide * Tribal Council
29. Dora Mae Watie * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
30. Harley Terrell * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
31. Troy Poteete * Tribal Council * Tribal Council
32. Dwight Birdwell * Tribunal * Tribunal
33. Ralph Keen * Tribunal * Tribunal
34. Philip Viles * Tribunal * Tribunal