Cherokee Nation chief shifts an adviser in employment dispute

Wednesday, August 29, 2012  

Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker has shifted another one of his non-Cherokee advisers to a different position within his administration.

Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw Nation, was serving as Baker's general counsel. Now she's working for Cherokee Nation Businesses, The Cherokee Phoenix reported.

Baker has faced criticism for hiring several non-Cherokees for top positions. That prompted the Cherokee Nation Council to pass a bill requiring citizens to hold six specific positions -- including the general counsel.

Baker and Cherokee Nation Attorney General Todd Hembree say the bill is unconstitutional.

Get the Story:
Act regarding ‘key positions’ not in effect (The Cherokee Phoenix 8/29)

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Cherokee Nation chief disputes legality of employment law (8/21)
Cherokee Nation Council bars non-Cherokees from top positions (8/15)