UKB Tribal Council votes to eliminate administrator position

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council voted Jan. 3 to eliminate the position of tribal administrator following a narrowly approved motion during its regular council meeting.

UKB Tribal Council

The motion passed on a 6–5 vote and took effect immediately. After the vote, Administrator Jennifer Cole-Robinson exited the meeting.

“I make a motion that the position of tribal administrator be eliminated immediately,” said Tribal Councilor Donald Adair of the Sequoyah District. “We want to do away with the position — not the person holding that position, but the position.”

Chief Jeff Wacoche asked how the responsibilities assigned to the administrator would be handled if the position were dissolved.

Assistant Chief Amos Ketcher suggested forming an executive leadership team consisting of the tribe’s four elected officers. Tribal attorney Klint Cowan said under that approach, the chief, assistant chief, secretary and treasurer would assume the duties previously handled by the administrator, along with the assistance of an adviser.

Tribal Councilor Janelle Adair of the Illinois District questioned the motion, noting that eliminating the position effectively removed someone’s employment. She asked Donald Adair to explain his reasoning for the proposal. No explanation was provided before the vote.

The vote occurred amid broader discussion during the meeting regarding governance structure, transparency, and decision-making within the tribal government.

The council did not adopt a formal plan during the meeting detailing how administrative responsibilities would be reassigned following the position’s elimination.

The next UKB Tribal Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at the UKB Wellness Building.