Kidwell selected as new Speaker of the Council, Sam to serve as Secretary

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - At-large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell, of Tulsa, was unanimously chosen to serve as the new Speaker of the Council during the Council's monthly meeting Sept. 15. District 7 Councilor Joshua Sam was also unanimously chosen to serve as the new Secretary of the Council.

Kidwell's selection as the new Speaker marks the first time in Cherokee Nation history an at-large Councilor has been chosen to serve in the leadership position.

"Councilor Kidwell and Secretary Sam are both dedicated servants of the Cherokee people," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Together, along with Deputy Speaker Kevin Easley Jr. and all others who serve on the Council, I know this leadership team will continue to serve the Cherokee people and strive to uphold their duty to preserve, protect and defend the Cherokee Nation Constitution. Congratulations to both of them on their continued service to the Cherokee people and the new leadership roles for which they have been chosen."

Speaker Kidwell and Secretary Sam were both re-elected to serve second terms on the Council of the Cherokee Nation during the tribe's June General Election. During the Council's Rules Committee in August, Councilors nominated Kidwell and Sam to serve in their respective leadership roles pending the full vote of the Council that took place during the Sept. 15 monthly meeting.

Following formal approval Sept. 15, Kidwell was immediately sworn into his new role by Cherokee Nation District Judge Luke Barteaux. As Speaker, Kidwell will preside over Council meetings, chair the Council's Rules Committee, and serve in other capacities during his term.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by my fellow councilmembers' trust and confidence. As Speaker, I am committed to fostering a cooperative environment where every member can fully contribute as we serve the needs of our districts and the Cherokee Nation," said Speaker Kidwell. "I approach the work ahead with humility and a deep respect for the responsibility my colleagues have placed in me."

Speaker Kidwell and Secretary Sam will serve alongside Deputy Speaker of the Council Kevin Easley Jr., of District 14.

The Council has also selected committee leadership, with some leaders continuing in their roles and some newly selected due to the mid-term elections. Committee chairs include:

• Kendra McGeady, Community Service Chair

• Melvina Shotpouch, Community Service Co-Chair

• Candessa Tehee, Education Chair

• Julia Coates, Education Co-Chair

• Sasha Blackfox-Qualls, Health Chair

• Ashley Grant, Health Co-Chair

• Speaker Kidwell, Rules Chair

• Deputy Speaker Easley, Rules Co-Chair

• Codey Poindexter, Culture Chair

• Uriah Grass, Culture Co-Chair

• Dora Patzkowski, Executive and Finance Chair

• Danny Callison, Executive and Finance Co-Chair

• Lisa Hall, Resources Chair

• Clifton Hughes, Resources Co-Chair

The Council of the Cherokee Nation is comprised of 17 Councilors including 15 representing districts inside the Cherokee Nation Reservation in Northeast Oklahoma, and two who represent Cherokee citizens living outside the tribe's reservation boundaries.