Bill John Baker: Cherokee Nation helps build tomorrow's leaders

Since 1989, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council has served an important function in building future leaders of our tribe. The Youth Council empowers these young people, giving them a voice for change and inspiring them for public service. For 25 years, Tribal Youth Council alumni have gone on to great success. Former youth councilors have gone on to become White House aides, get elected to the legislative branch of the Cherokee Nation and lead statewide organizations like FFA. Many of the 161 alumni who participated over the years have gone on to work for the tribe or Native people in some capacity. On this 25th anniversary of the formation of the council, 17 young Cherokee Nation citizens were recently sworn in to serve their Cherokee communities.

Participation on the Youth Council is a true honor, and I respect the commitment to our nation these young people possess. To participate is to accept responsibility. It’s just that simple. The Youth Council provides these young people, all 15- to 22-year-olds, an opportunity to be an advocate for their generation and have a meaningful role in our tribal affairs. Students who are selected learn about Cherokee culture, history and language and are role models for other Cherokee youth.

Members attend our monthly Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meetings, maintain high academic standards and volunteer for community service projects. The exposure to and education on issues most pressing to the Cherokee Nation will help prepare them to serve our tribe in the future. Time and time again, we have seen young men and women bloom before our eyes. They grow through achievement and in gaining self-awareness that they can make very real contributions to their communities, to the Cherokee Nation and to Indian Country.