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Cherokee Nation Proceed Undaunted: A legal commentary on Cherokee Nation’s constitutional history, violations, corruption, and moments of hope for the Cherokee people—a case study for nation building.
From the Cherokee Nation’s groundbreaking first constitution in 1827 to the pivotal constitutional changes in 1839, 1866, 1975, 1999, 2003, and 2007, this book explores the evolution of Cherokee governance. It highlights both moments of resilience and the grave consequences of leadership failing to uphold constitutional integrity. Through detailed accounts of political crises, court rulings, and instances of systemic corruption, it sheds light on the urgent need for leaders to adhere to constitutional principles to ensure the survival and prosperity of their people.
The book takes readers inside critical events, such as the 1997 Constitutional Crisis, the Lucy Allen case of 2006, political firings, free speech denials, and election interference, while also exposing issues like nepotism, cronyism, whistleblower suppression, and shocking financial decisions like the $175,000 overnight Principal Chief pay raise in 2021. It reveals how these actions undermined the Nation's trust and governance while inspiring readers with stories of Cherokee Firekeepers and patriots who stood firm for justice and integrity.
Far from being just a historical record, Cherokee Nation: Proceed Undaunted is a call to action for leaders across tribal and non-tribal governments alike. It challenges readers to reflect on the Cherokee Nation’s constitutional principles—deeply rooted in cultural values—and the transformative power of holding leadership accountable. Packed with insights, inspiration, and cautionary tales, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand nation-building and the critical role of governance in shaping a people’s destiny.
About the Author
The author, Chad Smith, is a Cherokee historian and constitutional law attorney and former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1999–2011). Smith wrote Leadership Lessons from the Cherokee Nation (McGraw-Hill, 2013), Building One Fire (University of Oklahoma Press, 2000), and complied the Cherokee Nation Legal History Course