"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - O’Connor to Visit Cherokee Nation

"Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will speak at the Cherokee Nation Leadership Forum Saturday, June 2, at the Place Where They Play on the campus of Sequoyah Schools. Public is invited."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will receive a visit from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor during a Leadership Forum for Indian Youth and Families on Saturday, June 2, from 1-3 p.m., at the UDoTlveTsuNaNeLoDi (Place Where They Play) Center, located on the campus of Sequoyah Schools in Tahlequah.

“The Cherokee Nation would like to extend an invitation to the public to come out and listen to this forum,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We feel it will be a learning experience for both participants and spectators. We are honored to have Sandra Day O’Connor to help us explore the idea of leadership and provide insight into her own life experiences and accomplishments.”

O’Conner was raised on a ranch in rural Arizona. In her youth she felt that she would someday operate a ranch of her own, but then discovered a passion for law. Upon earning a law degree from Stanford Law School, O’Connor faced a profession dominated by men. The only position within a law firm that she could fill was that of a legal secretary. Determined to succeed, O’Connor entered into the legal field through public service and became a deputy county attorney in San Mateo, California. In 1981, she became the first woman to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court and served until January, 2006.

Other speakers on the panel will include former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller, current Tribal Council Speaker Meredith Frailey, and Principal Chief Smith. U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge and former Oklahoma Attorney General Robert Henry will serve as the panel’s moderator.

“The Leadership Forum for Indian Youth and Families provides a valuable opportunity to discuss leadership skills and to gain advice from a distinguished panel of experts,” said Dr. Neil Morton, Education Group Leader.

Entertainment for the forum will be provided by Litefoot, a Native American rapper, actor and entertainer. Litefoot was awarded the Best Male Artist award in 2003 by the Native American Music Awards and has received the Best Rap/Hip Hop Album award four times. Through his music, Litefoot is on a mission to give hope, empower and inspire young Native Americans across Indian Country.

During the Leadership Forum, the Cherokee Nation will also honor three distinguished Cherokee citizens, Marion Hagerstrand, Marie Wadley and Lizzie Whitekiller, for their contributions to Cherokee people and Cherokee culture.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to recognize these three outstanding women,” said Smith. “Their work and dedication to Cherokee communities is something that each of us can learn from and something that each of them and their families should be proud of.”

For more information about the Leadership Forum for Indian Youth and Families contact, phone: 918-453-3841.