Baker sworn in as Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Inauguration Scheduled for November 6, 2011

In Tahlequah, OK, the Cherokee Nation held a brief ceremony Wednesday evening to swear in Bill John Baker as the next Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Official inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, November 6, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Sequoyah Schools’ The Place Where They Play activity center.

Former Oklahoma governor David Walters will serve as Master of Ceremonies and the event will feature the world renowned Cherokee National Youth Choir. In an historic first, the current chiefs of the three federally-recognized Cherokee tribes will all be together for an inauguration as Chief  Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Chief George Wickliffe of the United Keetoowah Band will attend.

Baker is a Tahlequah businessman who has served multiple terms as a representative on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. He holds degrees in Political Science and History in Education with minors in Sociology and Psychology. Baker and his wife Sherry have six children and nine grandchildren.

Baker was re-elected to a six-year term on the Council in 2007 and his successful campaign for Principal Chief means that another special election will be held by the Nation to fill his District 1, Seat 1 office. District 1 represents Cherokee County and the eastern portion of Wagoner County. Timelines for that election will be announced soon by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.


Excerpted from a Cherokee Nation News Release of October 19, 2011  See www.cherokee.org

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