Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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David Anderson, assistant secretary of the BIA motivates students at Sequoyah High.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - David Anderson, the assistant secretary of Indian affairs for the Department of the Interior, jumped, screamed and yelled at students at Sequoyah High School (SHS). He wasn’t mad or scolding them, he was motivating them, and it worked.

“He was inspiring,” said Cortney Bacon, SHS senior. “He sounded like he really knew where we were coming from. He really motivated me to get out there and do something.”

Anderson, who is Chippewa and Choctaw, told stories of growing up with a poor Indian family on the wrong side of the tracks, battling alcoholism and recovering to become the multi-millionaire that he is today. The secretary boasts such accomplishments as writing books, motivational speaking, and founding three publicly traded companies, including the restaurant chain, Famous Dave’s.

“I had to start believing in my dreams,” Anderson told the students. “Always stay true to your dreams. You too can have a dream and you can accomplish that dream. You are the leaders of tomorrow. Every one of you is here for a purpose, you just have to start believing in yourself.”

Anderson’s visit to SHS is part of a continuous tour of BIA funded schools. There are currently 184 schools funded by the BIA.

“We were so glad that he could come to Sequoyah,” said Gina Stanley, SHS superintendent. “He’s such a great speaker and has a really good message. It’s great to see such a respected leader be able to speak with the students on their level and get through to them.”

“I really believe that when I was called by the White House, I was called to be able to get out and talk to young people,” Anderson said. “It’s important that people encourage our Indian youth to become leaders.”

After the student assembly, Anderson toured the SHS campus and met with student organizations before dining with Cherokee Nation employees and elected officials.

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