"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - New Supreme Court Justice Sworn In

"With his wife Elizabeth Poteete looking on, Troy Wayne Poteete is sworn in as a Justice of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court by Principal Chief Chad Smith during a special ceremony in Webbers Falls."

WEBBERS FALLS, OK - Affirming his oath and desire to uphold the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation, Troy Wayne Poteete was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court. Justice Poteete was sworn in during a special ceremony held recently in Webbers Falls.

“This is a significant role in the Cherokee Nation,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We have faced trials and tribulations, but through it all the Cherokee Nation has upheld its Constitution.”

According to Smith, the position of Associate Justice is an important one, and one that Poteete was chosen because of his passion for the Cherokee Nation and its citizenry.

“This role is important to the Cherokee Nation because it a role that requires more than interpretation of the law. The Associate Justice must understand the history of the Cherokee Nation and envision the future of our government and its citizens,” said Smith.

Poteete, a popular two-term Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member from 1991 – 1999, has been active in Cherokee affairs for most of his adult life. His activities have included a long record of service to various Cherokee historical organizations, including successfully serving as the executive director of the Cherokee Historical Society for more than two years, and most recently the vice-president of the National Trail of Tears Association.

“It is a great honor to be appointed to this post of responsibility by the Principal Chief,” said Poteete. “I am honored to be supported by the Tribal Council and to be in a position to serve the Cherokee Nation.”

Poteete earned his juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2001, and was in private practice until 2005. He is a current member in good standing of the Cherokee Bar Association. He currently serves as executive director of the Arkansas Riverbed Authority, with the responsibility for joint administration with the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations of the tribally owned bed and banks of the Arkansas River between Muskogee and Ft. Smith, Ark. Poteete also brings with him an additional 20 years of experience in the banking and insurance fields.

“I want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated this event with me,” said Poteete. “Once again, I have to say that I am honored to be appointed to this position.”