Candidates for principal chief of the Cherokee Nation will participate in a series of historic debates in three cities, starting at Pomona College, on Saturday, March 7. The debate will be held in the Bridges Hall of Music (150 E. Fourth St., Claremont, 91711). Doors will open at 3 p.m. and will close promptly at 3:45 p.m. The event is open to all but priority seating will be given to citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

Approximately two-thirds of the Cherokee Nation’s citizens live away from the traditional tribal jurisdiction. This is the first-ever debate series for principal chief candidates with locations outside of Oklahoma.

Confirmed participants are:

Cara Cowan Watts

She has served on the Cherokee Tribal Council since 2003, including as deputy speaker (2007-2011) and as tribal speaker (2011). She has worked on all six Standing Tribal Council Committees and has represented the Cherokee Nation and Native American community on the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Advisory Group, at the National Congress of American Indians, and as Chair of the American Indian and Alaska Native Health Research Advisory Council.

Chad Smith

He served the Cherokee Nation under former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller’s administration as the tribe’s director of justice and tribal prosecutor. He also worked as the tribe’s director of planning, during Ross Swimmer’s term as principal chief. Smith was principal chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1999-2011 and oversaw positive initiatives to design a tribal management system that is not only efficient and effective, but also culturally Cherokee.

Charlie Soap

A bilingual Cherokee and pow wow fancy war dancer, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1969 and was honorably discharged. He served as the community service group leader for the Cherokee Nation, overseeing a $100 million budget; as director of the Cherokee Nation Community Development Department and as the Oklahoma area director of the Christian Children’s Fund. Soap was former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller’s husband and community development partner for more than 30 years.
 
The debates are sponsored by the Cherokee At Large Leadership Network (CALL Net), an independent, nonprofit, apolitical organization. In addition to Claremont, Calif., debates will be held on April 4 at Arizona State University Law Center, in Phoenix, and on April 18, in Dallas.