RSU To Host Debate Between Candidates For Cherokee Nation Chief

Rogers State University is hosting a debate Thursday evening between the four candidates who want to be chief of the Cherokee Nation.

News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson will moderate the debate, which begins at 7 p.m.

The debate will be streamed by RSU-TV, the Cherokee Phoenix, the Native American Network and NewsOn6.com.

The debate will feature incumbent Bill John Baker, as well as challengers Chad Smith, Charlie Soap and William Fourkiller.

Baker was elected chief in 2011, after serving 12 years on the Tribal Council.

Smith was Principal Chief for 12 years before that.

Soap was the community service group leader for the Cherokee Nation.

Fourkiller taught and coached in Adair County schools for 12 years.