Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Dear Fellow Cherokees,

This election day, there are several reasons for Indians to head for the polls. The leaders that we elect in our city, county, state and federal elections will either work with tribes or stand in the way of tribal progress.

One important local issue is cross-deputization. Cross-deputization agreements allow local law enforcement officials to enforce the law on Indian lands and Indian officers to enforce the law on non-Indian land. Local leaders can develop partnerships with Indian Nations on roads programs. In the last few years, the Cherokee Nation has spent $11 million on roads within its jurisdictional area. Elected officials who are willing to work with Indian Nations will better serve all of their constituents.

Our state elected leaders play a role in the many agreements and compacts Indian Nations have with the Oklahoma. In the future, tribes will propose to work with the state on more issues including car tag compacts. State leaders who understand the sovereignty of Indian Nations in northeastern Oklahoma will better serve all of their constituents.

Our national elected leaders play a vital role in determining how many federal dollars are secured for northeastern Oklahoma. For too long, Oklahoma has been the lowest funded region of the Indian Health Service. Our congressmen should work to make sure that the health of Indians in Oklahoma receives proper attention and funding.

Under a program called Impact Aid, local schools receive federal money based on how much Indian land lies within their district. Representatives in Congress who understand the importance of these programs to tribal members and needs of Indian Nations are critical for all residents of northeastern Oklahoma.

Tribes have a huge economic and social impact on eastern Oklahoma. For example, the Cherokee Nation employs more than 1200 people in Cherokee County, making the Nation the largest employer in that county. In many counties in eastern Oklahoma, tribal members outnumber non-Indians.

It is clear that members of Indian tribes have direct interest in the November elections. In fact, the Indian vote can easily decide many local races as well as the 2nd District congressional race. We should understand which candidates support Indian Nations, and in turn, support those candidates.

The Cherokee Nation has sent out letters to more than 60,000 Cherokee households in northeastern Oklahoma, encouraging them to vote on November 7. We will all be at the polls on Election Day, making sure that our elected leaders understand our importance and our interests.

Sincerely,

/S/ Chad Smith, Principal Chief