The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign government of the Cherokee people. It operates under a ratified Constitution with a tripartite government with executive, legislative and judicial branches. Services are administered under the Executive Branch through the Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief and their cabinet members. Laws are enacted by and financial oversite managed by a 17-member legislative body, the Tribal Council. Cherokee Nation Tribal Courts are open to every person or entity within the 14-county jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation in northeastern Oklahoma unless specifically limited by statute. Cherokee Nation’s District Court handles civil, criminal and juvenile matters, while the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court hears cases of appeals and other matters, as may be conferred by statute.
The positions of Principal Chief, Deputy Principal Chief, and Tribal Council representative are popularly elected by the citizens of the Cherokee Nation and serve four-year terms. Supreme Court justices and District Court judges are nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Tribal Council.
The Executive Branch implements Cherokee Nation laws, establishes tribal policy and is responsible for daily operation of tribal programs and enterprises.
The courts serve as the forums to hear and resolve disputes which arise under the laws and Constitution of the Cherokee Nation.
The Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation is comprised of a representative body of 17 Cherokee Nation citizens, elected to serve staggered terms.
Drafted in 1999 and ratified in 2003 by popular vote, Cherokee Nation’s Constitution provides the framework for our tripartite government and tribal laws.
Cherokee Nation’s right to a delegate in the House of Representatives is affirmed by all three of the Nation’s treaties.
The Office of Financial Resources is lead by the Treasurer, who is responsible for administration of all Financial operations of the tribe.
The attorney general represents the Cherokee Nation in all cases in the courts where the Cherokee Nation is a named party.
Natural Resources are the bedrock for the overall health of our tribal citizens, our local wildlife and our native plant species.
The Cherokee Nation Environmental Code establishes a five-person board called the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) to oversee environmental programs.
The Election Commission carries out Cherokee Nation law for the purpose of conducting all Cherokee Nation Elections.
Gaming Commission is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the Cherokee Nation gaming ordinance.
The purpose of the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission is to raise revenue that enables the government to provide needed services to Cherokee Nation citizens.
This group of health professionals actively reviews existing services and resources to enhance the tribe's autism initiatives.
Cherokee Vote began in 2013 to encourage citizen participation in tribal, city, county and federal elections.
Cherokees live in every state, and members of Congress representing the districts in which you live need to hear from you.
The mission of the Institutional Review Board is to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of tribal members involved in proposed research projects.
