Steve Russell: Tribal traditions don't always make for good policy

Wednesday, August 10, 2011  

"Many of us just vote for our relatives. While my living relatives are many, and one even holds high appointive office, I have not been faced with that prospect. Judging from history, voting for my relatives would not have gone well for my current opinions.

My birth namesake, Stephen Teehee, was Deputy Principal Chief in the Downing Administration, which did not reflect my views of good policy.

My great-grandfather, Henry Teehee, was a prominent Cherokee Baptist minister. The Cherokee Baptists do not reflect my views of good policy, and the reasons do not differ as between Indian and non-Indian attempts to govern by religion.

When a non-Indian starts claiming Divine authority for his or her policy preferences, hang on to your wallet.

When an Indian claims tribal tradition, do the same. Traditions are habits and how have your habits been working out for you?"

Get the Story:
Steve Russell: A Cherokee Perspective on Voting in Tribal Elections (Indian Country Today 8/10)