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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Dr. Julian K. Fite, the general counsel for the Cherokee Nation, university counsel and assistant professor of criminal justice for Northeastern State University, died on Thursday in Oklahoma City. He was 60.
Dr. Julian K. Fite 
A Muskogee native and Tahlequah resident, Dr. Fite was attending and lecturing at an annual sovereignty symposium in Oklahoma City when he became ill. He was transported to and later died at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.
"Julian Fite was a rare individual who was always cheerful and positive, a practical philosopher that always strove for what was good for the people," stated Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. "He was an accomplished lawyer and a dedicated servant and patriot of the Cherokee Nation, the State of Oklahoma, and the United States. He was one of the few truly wise men I have ever met. He reminded me of Will Rogers, another Cherokee who was a common man with uncommon wisdom."
Dr. Fite was known for his strong defense of tribal sovereignty. Among his many contributions to the Cherokee Nation tribe, Dr. Fite was effective in preserving and promoting Cherokee Nation sovereignty through the car tag, tobacco tax and gaming compacts with the State of Oklahoma.
"On behalf of the NSU faculty and staff, I extend condolences to the family of Dr. Julian Fite," said Northeastern State University (NSU) President Dr. Larry Williams. "As a professor, Julian was beloved by his students, and possessed outstanding ability in the classroom. He was a valued member of the NSU community, and we appreciated his work as legal counsel to the university. Julian served as an example to those who knew him, demonstrating that determination is the greater part of valor. He was a loyal and trusted friend, and he will be greatly missed."
A dedicated Cherokee citizen, Dr. Fite spent his life working for his community. He served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in 1979-1980, Oklahoma State District Attorney for Muskogee County, and in the U.S. Army Military Branch. He also served in leadership positions on many boards and commissions including: Cherokee Nation Tax Commission, Muskogee Performing Arts, Save the Illinois River, Muskogee Convention and Tourism Council, Governor’s Task Force on the Illinois River, Cherokee National Historical Society, and the Cherokee Higher Education Foundation. He was a member of the Virginia, Oklahoma, Cherokee, American and Muskogee County Bar Associations.
Dr. Julian Fite is survived by his wife, Jennifer, son Travis and daughter Missy (Fite) Caldwell, his sisters Betty Jo Fite Hayes of Hope, Arkansas, and Francie Fite of McLean, Virginia.
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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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 |
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 |