Cherokee Messenger June 1997

June, 1997

Calling All Garden Lovers

The Organic Plant Institute, Peaceable Kingdom Foundation, P.O. Box 313, Washington, TX 77880-0313
A source for certified organic, heirloom and modern open-pollinated vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Varieties are tested for suitability for organic and low-input cultivation methods. Free catalogue available.

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, P.O. Box 2209, Grass Valley, CA 95945
An excellent selection of cover crop seeds available in small quantities and many gardening/farming accouterments, plus seed saving supplies.

Seed Saver’s Exchange, Route 3, Box 239, Deborah, IA 52101
A nonprofit organization rescuing traditional open-pollinated varieties from extinction. Members enjoy three publications yearly on news in the seed saving world. $25 annual membership. To preview prior to membership, send $1.00 to above address for a four-page brochure on projects and publications.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, P.O. Box 170, Earlysville, VA 22936 This family-owned and operated seed company is a source for hard-to-find seed saving supplies. Send stamped self-addressed envelope to address above for details.

Bright Spot in Cherokee Capitol Attracts International Visitors

The Cherokee Heritage Center has one-day tours during spring and summer to highlight the Tahlequah area. Conducted by a Cherokee guide, it includes Northeastern State University’s Seminary Hall, built by Cherokees in 1888; the Cherokee Nation Headquarters; lunch at the Restaurant of the Cherokees; the Murrell Home built in 1845; the Cherokee Heritage Center with Tsa-La-Gi Indian Village, Adams Corner Rural Village, National Museum and gift shop; Cherokee storytelling and a unique outdoor buffet; and concludes with "The Trail of Tears Drama." For reservations and information, call (918) 456-6007.

Controversy in Tahlequah

The following background is excerpted from articles appearing in the Tulsa World. (See editorial comment on May Messenger). March 1, 1997 "Conspiracy Alleged as Chief Asks for FBI Investigation"

Chief Joe Byrd charged Friday [February 27] that their legal branch of the Cherokee Nation is engaged in a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing his administration. He asked for an FBI investigation, claiming that the director of the tribe’s marshal service, the tribal prosecutor and possibly a Cherokee Nation judge were involved.
Earlier in the same week the marshal service armed with a search warrant, raided the chief’s office and seized records in connection with payments to a law firm and the loan of an employee to the Democratic National Committee. Pat Ragsdale, director of the marshal service, called for an FBI investigation; the FBI declined comment.
The main accusation concerned legal services payments in which the tribe allegedly used monies from an unauthorized funding source not designated for attorney fees. Tulsa law firm Pezold, Richey, Caruso and Barker, one of whose partners, Terry Barker, is a brother-in-law to Chief Byrd, represented the tribe in two cases. The firm no longer does business with the tribe.
Two tribal justices, Ralph Keen and Dwight Birdwell, issued orders in the controversy. Keen issued the marshal’s search warrant and Birdwell signed orders blocking firing of Ragsdale and the removal of a prosecutor for the raid case.
Several council members and Northeastern State University president Roger Webb defended Chief Byrd at a February 28 press conference.

Cherokee Flap Continues Over Funds Paid to Firm

Wednesday, March 5: Cherokee Nation Superior Court Judge Ralph Keen met behind closed doors with attorneys from both sides of the controversy. Briefs had been filed in the tribal district court. Attorneys were under gag orders but Keen said the possibility of a truce "looks hopeful."

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