The Obama administration congratulated Bill John Baker for winning election as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs threatened to ignore the results of the election after the tribe excluded the Freedmen, who are the descendants of former slaves. But the tribe reinstated the Freedmen in time for the new vote.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Bill John Baker as he is officially sworn in to the position of the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. I also congratulate the citizens of the Cherokee Nation whose actions have honored and upheld the democratic ideals of the Nation. I look forward to working with the Cherokee Nation on a government-to-government basis to strengthen our relationship and meet the Nation’s goals for a prosperous future," Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk said in a press release.

Baker was sworn in on Wednesday evening. His ceremonial inauguration takes place November 6.

Get the Story:
BIA chief congratulates Baker, Cherokees on election (The Tulsa World 10/21)
Former Cherokee chief says he'll still help tribe (AP 10/20)
New chief Baker on the move (The Muskogee Phoenix 10/20)

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Decisions:
Vann v. Salazar (October 11, 2011)
Cherokee Nation Registrar v. Nash (August 22, 2011)

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