Daniel Mead sworn in as new Cherokee Nation Marshal

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Daniel Mead was sworn in as the new Marshal of the Cherokee Nation during a public ceremony at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex Thursday, Oct. 30. Mead was nominated to be the new Marshal by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and unanimously confirmed by the Council of the Cherokee Nation.

Mead was named Acting Marshal by Chief Hoskin in January 2025 after former Marshal Shannon Buhl's retirement. Mead, 45, of Tahlequah, started his career with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service as a Deputy Marshal in 2006.

"Marshal Daniel Mead has my full faith and confidence that he can execute the oath of Marshal and lead such a historic and storied agency," said Chief Hoskin. "Marshal Mead has the expertise and years of service to the tribe which will prove crucial in the years to come."

Under the Cherokee Nation Constitution, the Marshal is nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Council to serve a five-year term.

"Marshal Mead has the support of our Cherokee people," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "For years, Mead has served the people well. We will continue to pray for him as he continues to protect the sovereignty of our Nation."

Mead is a Marine Corps veteran and led an AVC in Mobile Strike Team II in combat operations in Iraq, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His Marine Corps awards include the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon.

"It means so much to me to be confirmed as Marshal," said Mead. "Thank you to my mother who pushed me to follow my goals and my family who joined to share this special moment with me."

The Cherokee Nation Marshal leads an agency with law enforcement responsibility over the 7,000 square mile Cherokee Nation Reservation. Cherokee Nation has exclusive tribal law enforcement authority over the reservation, as well as cross deputization agreements with approximately 100 law enforcement agencies operating within its reservation.

Speaker of the Council Johnny Jack Kidwell and other Councilors confirmed Mead's nomination during a Council meeting just ahead of Mead's Oath of Office, which was administered by Supreme Court Justice Tina Glory Jordan.

"I'm proud to serve alongside Marshal Mead; we don't take his dedication and service to the tribe for granted," said Speaker Kidwell. "The Council of the Cherokee Nation has unanimously decided Mead is the most qualified man for the job. From one veteran to another I will support him while he holds the watch over our Nation."