Cherokee Nation Rules Committee approves NSU partnership, archival and code amendments and a pay change

The Cherokee Nation Rules Committee on June 25 approved a resolution recognizing Northeastern State University as a Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Higher Education Partner and passed three acts amending tribal code and compensation rules.

Chair called the meeting to order and Councilwoman Sasha Blackfox Quals moved the NSU partnership resolution, describing it as support in principle for a memorandum of understanding between NSU and Cherokee Nation. The Chair said the motion was seconded and, with no discussion, it passed.

Councilman Clifton Hughes introduced an act to amend Legislative Act 2020 to clarify the official archival repository for the Cherokee Nation. Clerk Shelly conducted a roll-call vote; Hughes’ measure passed unanimously, 15-0. "That motion is adopted," the Chair declared after the vote.

Councilwoman Candace Teehee moved an amendment to Title 31 of the Cherokee Nation Code to enact a permanent reauthorization (moved and seconded); the roll call again returned a unanimous 15-0 vote and the Chair announced adoption of the motion as amended.

Councilwoman Dora Patskowski brought forward an act amending Legislative Act 24-09 to conform Supreme Court compensation to Legislative Act 18-24. During the vote the committee experienced technical difficulties with Councilwoman Julia Coats’ remote connection; Coats later texted the clerk that she intended to vote 'no' because she had been trying to move to table the item. The Clerk recorded the roll call and the motion passed 14-1.

The committee handled routine business and community announcements following the votes and adjourned later in the session. The measures taken at this meeting will be forwarded for any further processing required under Cherokee Nation legislative procedure.