The secretary of state of the Cherokee Nation is a cabinet-level position within the executive branch of the Cherokee Nation government. This role is appointed by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Tribal Council.
| Secretary of State of Cherokee Nation | |
|---|---|
since 2023 | |
| Department of State | |
| Type | Secretary of State |
| Appointer | Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation |
| Formation | 2003 |
History
editThe position of Secretary of State was established in the Cherokee Nation Constitution, which was drafted in 1999 and ratified in 2003.[1] Article VI, Section 12 of the Constitution specifically mentions the Secretary of State as one of the three original cabinet positions, along with the Treasurer and Secretary of Natural Resources.[1] The Secretary of State is appointed by the Principal Chief and must be confirmed by the Tribal Council.[1] As a cabinet member, the Secretary of State serves at the discretion of the Principal Chief.[2]
Duties
editThe Secretary of State is one of seven cabinet positions within the Cherokee Nation's executive branch.[2] The Secretary of State's office includes two Deputy Secretary positions:
- Deputy Secretary of State for Policy and Legislation: This role focuses on working with the Council of the Cherokee Nation and developing policies and legislative initiatives.[2][3]
- Deputy Secretary of State for Community Engagement: This position concentrates on community engagement and grassroots organizing to empower Cherokee citizens.[2][3]
As of August 2023, these Deputy Secretary roles were filled by Taralee Montgomery and Canaan Duncan, respectively.[2][3]
Officeholders
edit- Melanie Knight[4]
- Charles Head (2012-2013)[5]
- Chuck Hoskin Jr. (2013-2019)[6]
- Tina Glory-Jordan (2019-2023)[7]
- Shella Bowlin (2023-present)[8]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Constitution of the Cherokee Nation" (PDF). Cherokee Nation. 1999. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ a b c d e "Cherokee Nation Executive Branch". Cherokee Nation. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ a b c Jason (2023-08-11). "New Cabinet Energized to Continue the Progress of Cherokee Nation". Anadisgoi. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Good Voice, Christina (2010-09-24). "Cherokee Nation assists citizens in and out of jurisdiction". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Chavez, Will (2013-02-06). "CN holds funeral for State Secretary Charles Head". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Murphy, Jami (21 August 2013). "Hoskin Jr. nominated as secretary of state". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- ^ "Cherokee Nation inauguration scheduled for August 14". Indianz. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Hunter, Chad (2023-09-02). "Chief's cabinet picks confirmed". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-09.