Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Nation Chief Justice Darrell Matlock (left) administers the oath of office
to new Cherokee Nation General Counsel. Diane Hammons (right) as Hammons’ son Treavor Hammons holds the Bible.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – New Cherokee Nation General Counsel Diane Hammons was sworn in during a recent ceremony held at the tribe’s historic courthouse in downtown Tahlequah.

Hammons, the first female General Counsel of the Cherokee Nation, was given the oath of office by Chief Justice Darrell Matlock of the Judicial Appeals Tribunal court, which is the Cherokee Nation’s highest court.

Nominated for the position by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Hammons was unanimously approved by the Tribal Council.

Smith said the position is one of great importance to the Cherokee Nation, and called it the “backbone” of strategy for the workings of the entire Cherokee Nation.

“Diane has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court as well as cases here in this court house, which is the highest court in the Cherokee Nation,” Smith said. “She is uniquely qualified and has a clear understanding of the value of our Constitutional government.”

Hammons, who was formerly an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma and has successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, called the appointment “awe inspiring,” and said she will work to ensure the Cherokee Nation retains sovereignty.

“It is such an honor to be put in this position of great responsibility. I am grateful to Chief Smith and the Council for this opportunity,” Hammons said.

Hammons follows Julian Fite, who passed away suddenly in June of 2005. At the time, Fite was attending The Sovereignty Symposium, Oklahoma’s annual premier conference on Indian issues.

Chief Justice Matlock said he was pleased with the Chief’s and the Council’s selection of Hammons as General Counsel.

“I can’t think of anyone better. She seems at home in this court house,” he said.

Related Cherokee Nation 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