Chad Smith (politician)
Chadwick "Corntassel" Smith was elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1999. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin and a Juris Doctorate, Law, from the University of Tulsa. Prior to being elected Principal Chief, he worked as a lawyer in various capacities.
Chad Smith is a descendant of Redbird Smith, famous Cherokee Statesman and spiritual leader of the Keetoowah Nighthawk Society.
Career
Principal Chief
Chief Smith is currently serving in his second term as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The Principal Chief is the head of the executive branch of the tribal government. The position is responsible for the execution of the laws of the Cherokee Nation, establishment of tribal policy and delegation of authority as necessary for the day-to-day operations. [1] Before his election to this position, Smith served under two Cherokee Nation Chiefs as Director of Tribal Planning, Legal Historian, Attorney, Cherokee Nation Prosecutor, Director of Justice and Advisor to the tribal tax commission. [2]
The modern Cherokee Nation's recent expansion in economic growth, prosperity, and equality for its citizens came under the leadership of Principal Chief Chad Smith. During his tenure, significant agricultural growth, and business, corporate, real estate expansion occurred, including numerous highly profitable casino operations.The Cherokee Nation controls Cherokee Nation Enterprises, a very large defense contractor that creates thousands of jobs in Eastern Oklahoma for Cherokee citizens.
The Nation has constructed health clinics throughout Oklahoma, contributed to community development programs, constructed learning facilities and universities for its citizens, instilled the practice of Gadugi and self-reliance in its citizens, revitalized language immersion programs for its children and youth, and is a powerful and positive economic and political force in Eastern Oklahoma due to the leadership of Chad Smith.
Today the Cherokee Nation is a leader in the environmental protection field. Since 1992 the Nation has served as the lead for the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC).The mission of ITEC is to protect the health of Native Americans, their natural resources, and their environment as it relates to air, land, and water. To accomplish this mission ITEC provides technical support, training and environmental services in a variety of environmental disciplines. Currently, there are thirty-nine (39) ITEC member tribes in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.
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