The Cherokee freedmen

[Lamplighter]

This has been a long road, and as Chief Baker said "not always a positive image"
Actually, the US Congress could learn a lot from all this.

Tulsa World
11/7/11

Cherokees come together at Baker inauguration ceremony

TAHLEQUAH - The Cherokee Nation stood largely united Sunday night
as freedmen, state leaders, all the Cherokee chiefs and thousands of Cherokees
welcomed for the first time their new principal chief, Bill John Baker.

Baker's speech at Sequoyah High School promised unity and prosperity among the Cherokees,
who have been split in many ways throughout their modern history.

Baker addressed the recent controversial election and former Chief Chad Smith,
thanking him for his sacrifices and making a better nation during his time as chief.
The crowd applauded loudly despite Smith's absence at the event.
Baker further asked for the nearly half of all Cherokees who did not vote for him to give him a chance.

"If you voted against me, I respect that and only ask that you now give me an opportunity to gain your trust," he said.

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