The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Tahlequah, Oklahoma recently held swearing-in ceremony for recently elected officials. Chief Joe Bunch, who had served as interim chief after George Wickliffe was removed from the position in mid-2016, said, “My journey here was a little different, starting 13 years ago as an assistant operations manager. Today, it is an honor and privilege to stand before you as your elected chief.”
Before becoming interim chief, Bunch was named assistant chief in 2014 following a special tribal election after the death of Charles Locust.
Jamie Thompson, who ran unopposed as assistant chief, noted, “In my opinion, our financial situation is due to a couple of factors. Number one: Vile and corrupt leaders of the previous administration who never put forth the effort to generate viable businesses when there were millions of dollars available. Number two: The closing of our casino that should have never happened.” Thompson said the UKB corporate board, which he serves on, is working to establish business relationships to improve the tribe’s finances.
He added he wants tribal members to choose the direction of their lives, not simply accept “what is handed to them.” He stated, “I want them to be able to get health care at a hospital owned by the UKB. We want our own facilities. We don’t want to depend on anybody else. I see opportunities to find solutions for our people. I believe the starting point to finding those solutions is for the tribal administration to work as a team.”
Also sworn in were Treasurer Ella Mae Worley and Tribal Secretary Joyce Hawk.
