United Keetoowah Band votes to start banishment efforts against Cherokee Nation chief

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The United Keetoowah Band tribal council has voted to begin banishment proceedings against the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chad Smith.<br/><br/>The council first approved

Monday, August 15th 2005, 6:23 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The United Keetoowah Band tribal council has voted to begin banishment proceedings against the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chad Smith.

The council first approved a draft of the banishment and impeachment codes before deciding to use them against Smith, who is dually enrolled.

Keetoowah Councilor Woodrow Proctor Smith has caused nothing but hardship and financial burden to the tribe's members.

Smith says he's questioned the Keetoowahs' priorities. Smith says the tribe closed a Head Start center that served over 73 kids. He says that's hardly the priority of a government that cares about its people.

Smith can appeal the matter and appear before the council to protest the proceedings.