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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - In a meeting filled with holiday cheer, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council passed several pieces of legislation during a brief meeting on Monday night.

The Council took action on two items relating to the Cherokee Nation’s highest court, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal. One act set the compensation for the justices, providing for an increase in pay and benefits. The other act limited the terms of office of the justices and provided restrictions for future nominations. The act would restrict each nominee to one nomination per term of a Principal Chief, meaning that any nominee who failed to pass a council vote could not be re-nominated until after the next term of office began for the Principal Chief.

The Council also passed a resolution authorizing the submission of the 2004 Indian Housing Plan and an act allowing the board of directors of Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE), to allow the sale of alcohol at CNE operated sites. The licensing of such sites would fall under the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission.

The Council unanimously approved a budget amendment and a resolution authorizing the submission of a $100,000 grant application for victims of family violence. The Council also tabled an act relating to the Council’s general assistance program.

The entire December 15 Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting can be seen on the Cherokee Nation’s web site, www.cherokee.org.

The next Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting is scheduled for January 12, at 6 p.m. in the Tribal Council Chambers of the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org