Kimberly Teehee

"It is an interesting time. It's also an historic time because we've seen, on one hand, an administration that has prioritized native issues."

"It would be small measure of justice for those who lost their lives on a forced march."

"A Cherokee Nation delegate to Congress is a negotiated right that our ancestors advocated for, and today, our tribal nation is stronger than ever and ready to defend all our constitutional and treaty rights."

"We are a sovereign nation that is capable of exercising a sovereign right to move forward with appointing a delegate to honor our treaties."

"Even though I’d be representing the governmental interests of the Cherokee Nation, I imagine I wouldn’t see myself as any different than being an extra voice to not only represent the governmental interests of my tribe but also to aid in advancing Indian Country generally."

"Extraordinary responsibility and is grateful for an opportunity to serve the Cherokee Nation. This journey is just beginning and we have a long way to go to see this through to fruition."

"That the United States fulfills its treaty rights would send a huge message, not only to the Indian tribes of this country but internationally."

"Allowing me to take up the seat, values its indigenous populations and honors legal documents through the treaties that they signed with the Indians even if it’s nearly 200 years later."

"Teehee’s fingerprints are on a wide variety of policy and laws affecting Indigenous people, from the Violence Against Women Act to the creation of Congress' first Native American caucus"

"We know this is just the beginning and there is much work ahead, but we are being thorough in terms of implementation and ask our leaders in Washington to work with us through this process and on legislation that provides the Cherokee Nation with the delegate to which we are lawfully entitled."

"Ms. Teehee has a wealth of experience working in Washington, DC with representatives from both sides of the aisle."

"She has a storied career of advocating and working on issues for both the Cherokee Nation and Indian Country in general, these two attributes make her appointment as the first-ever delegate an easy decision and I am happy to support her nomination and Chief Hoskin's efforts to exercise our treaty rights."