Statement of Bill John Baker, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is disappointed in and denounces the disrespectful actions of staffers and supporters of
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown. The conduct of these individuals goes far beyond what is appropriate and
proper in political discourse. The use of stereotypical “war whoop chants” and “tomahawk chops” are
offensive and downright racist. It is those types of actions that perpetuate negative stereotypes and continue
to minimize and degrade all native peoples.
The individuals involved in this unfortunate incident are high ranking staffers in both the senate office and
the Brown campaign. A campaign that would allow and condone such offensive and racist behavior must be
called to task for their actions.
The Cherokee Nation is a modern, productive society, and I am blessed to be their chief. I will not be silent
when individuals mock and insult our people and our great nation.
We need individuals in the United States Senate who respect Native Americans and have an understanding
of tribal issues. For that reason, I call upon Sen. Brown to apologize for the offensive actions of his staff and
their uneducated, unenlightened and racist portrayal of native peoples.