Leadership in the Cherokee Nation carries immense responsibility, not only in upholding sovereignty but also in maintaining the trust of the Cherokee people. In Cherokee Nation: Proceed Undaunted, Chadwick “Corntassel” Smith exposes cases where leaders have either upheld or betrayed public trust. His analysis shows that ethical governance is not just an ideal but a necessity for preserving the Cherokee Nation’s integrity.
The Burden of Leadership
Cherokee leaders are entrusted with protecting the Nation’s sovereignty, culture, and future. As Smith argues, leadership must be guided by the Cherokee Constitution, which embodies fundamental principles of governance. The Keetoowah wampum belts, one of the oldest records of Cherokee law, emphasize the “white path” of righteousness—a standard that leaders are expected to follow.
However, as Smith details, some Cherokee leaders have ignored these principles, prioritizing political gain over public service. This erosion of ethical governance has led to internal corruption, mismanagement, and legal battles that have weakened the Nation from within.
Cases of Betrayal
One of the most significant breaches of trust, according to Smith, was the 2021 Cherokee Supreme Court decision to remove the phrase “by blood” from citizenship criteria. The ruling directly contradicted the 2007 constitutional amendment approved by 77% of Cherokee voters, which required at least one drop of Cherokee blood for citizenship. Smith argues that this judicial overreach not only disregarded the will of the people but also set a dangerous precedent where constitutional amendments could be overturned without public consent.
Another case Smith highlights is the 2011 election of Principal Chief Bill John Baker, marking the beginning of what he describes as a kleptocratic shift in Cherokee governance. He details instances where nepotism, political retaliation, and manipulation of legal processes have become common. For example, the Hoskin administration was accused of giving an unconstitutional $175,000 pay raise overnight—an act that many saw as an abuse of power.
In addition, Smith examines how whistleblowers and critics within the Cherokee government have faced retaliation. Cases like those of Pennington and Comingdeer (2016) show how political opponents were targeted for speaking out, raising concerns about the suppression of dissent within the Nation. These actions not only undermine democracy but also weaken the trust of the Cherokee people in their leadership.
The Way Forward: Ethical Leadership
Despite these troubling cases, there are also examples of leaders who have upheld the Cherokee Nation’s ethical responsibilities. Smith praises historical figures like Wilma Mankiller and Redbird Smith, who prioritized the people’s needs over personal or political gain. Their leadership was defined by transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to Cherokee sovereignty.
Smith argues that to restore ethical governance, current and future Cherokee leaders must recommit to the principles of the Constitution. This means ensuring transparency in financial decisions, protecting citizens’ rights, and prioritizing the will of the Cherokee people over political ambitions. Additionally, independent oversight is necessary to prevent corruption and ensure that leadership remains accountable.
What’s at Stake?
The future of the Cherokee Nation depends on the integrity of its leadership. As Smith warns, when leaders prioritize power over principle, they weaken the Nation’s sovereignty and trust among the Cherokee people. Ethical leadership is not just a moral choice—it is a foundational requirement for the Cherokee Nation’s survival.
By learning from both past successes and failures, the Cherokee people can demand better governance and ensure that their leaders truly serve the Nation’s best interests. As Smith concludes, the Cherokee Nation can only “proceed undaunted” if it is led by those who honor their oath, respect their people, and uphold the fundamental values that have defined Cherokee identity for generations.
To learn more about the Cherokee Tribe and its aspects and heritage, we recommend you read Cherokee Nation-Proceed Undaunted, from Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN47D586/
