Video courtesy Anasidogoi / Cherokee Nation: Chief-Elect Chuck Hoskin Jr. announces increase in minimum wage

Cherokee Nation inauguration scheduled for August 14

New leaders of the Cherokee Nation will be sworn into office on August 14.

Chuck Hoskin Jr. won election as chief of the Oklahoma-based tribe on June 1. He defeated Dick Lay, a member of the Cherokee Nation Council, for the post after David Walkingstick, another council member, was disqualified for violating tribal campaign finance law.

“Being elected your Chief is one of the greatest honors of my life. It is a responsibility that I promise to never take lightly,” Hoskin said after the results showed he secured 57.51 percent of the vote. “We have a tremendous foundation, but there is more work to do to improve the livelihood of our people. I pledge to be a voice for all Cherokees and work hard on their behalf to make our great Nation stronger.”

Posted by Hoskin Warner on Friday, May 31, 2019

Bryan Warner, who ran on a ticket with Hoskin, won election as deputy chief. He defeated Meredith Frailey, the speaker of the Cherokee Nation Council, for the post.

“I am very humbled and honored to have been elected by the Cherokee people for the office of Deputy Chief,” Warner said. “I want to thank Deputy Chief [Joe] Crittenden for his exemplary service in his capacity as Deputy Chief. I look forward to continuing my service to the communities and people that make up our great Nation.”

After being sworn in next week at the Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah, the tribe's capital, Chief-Elect Hoskin plans to issue his first executive order. He will be raising the tribal minimum wage to $11 an hour, up from $9.50 per hour.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief-elect Chuck Hoskin Jr. spoke to more than 100 employees Wednesday to announce the tribe’s minimum wage is increasing from $9.50 to $11 per hour starting October 1, 2019. Photo: Anadisgoi / Cherokee Nation

“Our 3,850 Cherokee Nation employees are the backbone of our government. Raising the minimum wage is going to be life-changing for them and their families at a time when the costs of goods and services continue to rise,” Hoskin said on Wednesday. “For months, I have listened to the concerns of our tribal employees and sought guidance from the Council of the Cherokee Nation. I promised them I would put together a plan that is both fiscally responsible and allows employees to rest easier knowing they will be able to better make ends meet. I’m proud this will be one of my first acts as Principal Chief. This pay increase is absolutely the right thing to do, and this is the right time to do it.”

Hoskin also announced plans to pass and implement the Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act. The proposal calls for $30 million to be invested in home improvement, repair and construction projects throughout the tribe's 14-county jurisdictional area.

“Having $30 million will help so many of our Cherokee elders meet their housing needs. This will be a great program and help so many communities,” said Bonnie Sixkiller Wells, who waited several years for a replacement home. “This alleviates so many worries.”

Hoskin and Warner announced members of their cabinet on July 11. The team includes: Secretary of State Tina Glory Jordan, Treasurer Tralynna Scott, Attorney General Sara Hill, Secretary of Natural Resources Chad Harsha, Chief of Staff Todd Enlow and Marshal Shannon Buhl. Jordan, a former Speaker of the Cherokee Nation Council, has been leading the transition over the summer.

Additionally, Hoskin announced Martha Ketcher will serve as his senior health advisor. Michael Lynn will serve as executive director of Cherokee Nation Community Services.

Hoskin is the 18th constitutionally elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in tribal history, and seventh elected Principal Chief in the modern era. He succeeds Bill John Baker, who served two terms in office.

The inauguration ceremony is being held at the Chota Conference Center, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported. Eight members of the Cherokee Nation Council are also being sworn in, the paper said.

Read More on the Story
New Cherokee Nation officials to be sworn in (The Tahlequah Daily Press August 8, 2019)

Cherokee Nation Inauguration - August 14, 2019

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