Tribal Council District 2
Jodie Fishinghawk
P.O. Box 1413
Stilwell, OK 74960
Home: 918-696-2893
Cell: 918-207-6757
Jodie-Fishinghawk@cherokee.org
Jodie resides in the Peavine Community with her mother and her son, Hunter. She is a graduate of Stilwell High School and attended Northeastern State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.
Jodies has owned and operated Jodie’s Grill in Westville for ten years. She has also owned Lincoln Tire and Lube in Lincoln, Arkansas
Jodie was elected to her first term on the Council of the Cherokee Nation in 2007, but is no stranger to the Cherokee government. Her family has been involved in the Cherokee community since the days of W. W. Keeler. Her father, Leo Fishinghawk, Sr., served as a Tribal Council Member for many years. Jodie is dedicated to serving the needs of Cherokee citizens and building a sense of community.
The Cherokee Phoenix asked Tribal Council candidates to respond to seven questions of concern to Cherokee citizens. Read the questions and responses below.
- Why do you want to serve on the Tribal Council?
I would like the opportunity to serve the Cherokee people as my father, Leo Fishinghawk, Sr. did. He was a tribal council member for many years and I would like to see Cherokee Nation return to the concept of “Servant Leadership”. That being: a dedication to serving the needs of the tribal members and building a sense of community. The Nation needs to start serving the people.
- What is the greatest priority in your district and how will you address it as a legislator?
I plan to focus on economic development for Adair County. That would include growth in employment opportunities, affordable housing and education as well as other areas. CNI needs to expand and grow as other businesses have.
- Cherokee Nation-owned businesses return 25 percent of profits to the Cherokee Nation as a dividend. Is that amount appropriate or should it be changed and why?
The percentage needs to be increased. I believe this can be done without causing financial hardships to the businesses. Cherokee Nation businesses need to be held accountable to the Cherokee people for every dollar of our money consumed, invested or wasted. I would like to see Cherokee Nation look at developing sources of income other than gaming.
- Should the Cherokee Nation make campaign contributions to local, state and federal candidates and why?
I think reasonable contributions are acceptable, but they shouldn’t be a major part of our relationships with governments. Cherokee Nation is a large enough player that it can stand on its own and cultivate connections other than writing checks. The money we give politicians can better be used on services for the people.
- If a constituent asked about the recent amendment to remove non-Indians from Cherokee citizenship rolls and the public backlash, how would you explain the issue to them?
John Ketcher and I were the proponents of the initiative petition that brought the issue of citizenship to a vote of the people. I, along with others, worked hard to get the needed signatures that allowed Cherokee citizens to vote on this amendment. I strongly believe that you have to be Cherokee by blood to be in the Cherokee tribe. I have not had a single Cherokee in Adair County tell me they were against us on this issue. The amendment passed with an overwhelming majority, I feel the people have spoken and the issue has been settled.
- The Cherokee Nation received a letter from the Department of Interior stating that it did not recognize the 2003 Constitution approved by Cherokee Nation citizens. Do you agree or disagree with that opinion and why?
I disagree. We are a sovereign nation. The people voted on the constitution and it passed. We do not need the approval of the Department of Interior. We, as a nation, follow our Cherokee Nation court rulings when it comes to Cherokee Nation law.
- A Cherokee Nation District Court judge ruled that due to the separation of powers clause only the attorney general can file suit on behalf of the Cherokee Nation. Do you agree or disagree with that ruling and why?
Yes, I agree. Leaving many people with the ability to sue on behalf of the nation encourages misuse of power. Frivolous lawsuits tie up the legal system and waste our money.