1. What or who inspired you to run for office?

I was inspired to run for Tribal Council by the countless At-Large Cherokee citizens who feel disconnected from the services, culture, and representation they deserve. As someone raised in Tahlequah and now living away from the reservation, I understand what it's like to love our Nation deeply while navigating the distance. My family, mentors, and the powerful Cherokee women who paved the way before me have all inspired this journey. Now living outside of Oklahoma, I see firsthand how many citizens long for deeper connection and clearer communication from our government. We deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and acts with integrity. I’m also deeply inspired by the matriarchs in my family. Their stories, strength, and resilience guide my every step. I want to honor their legacy by ensuring every Cherokee (regardless of zip code) has a voice at the table. I’m running to be that bridge between our people and our government. To serve not just with a title, but with purpose.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your district right now?

The biggest challenge facing the At-Large district is access—to cultural resources, language programs, healthcare, and representation. Many At-Large citizens feel like an afterthought, not because they lack pride in being Cherokee, but because they face logistical and systemic barriers that make engagement harder. There’s a real hunger for connection, and we need a Tribal Councilor who shows up, listens, and takes action to close those gaps and bring the Nation closer to our people—no matter where they live.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the Cherokee Nation right now?

With any Nation, clear and correct communication can be one of the biggest challenges. I believe our government and tribally owned entities can do better at relaying important updates, decisions, and opportunities to citizens in a timely, accessible, and transparent way. Many Cherokees—especially At-Large citizens—struggle to find reliable information on programs, services, or decisions that directly affect their lives. We, as Cherokee people, are storytellers. Our history, values, and culture have been preserved through intentional, thoughtful communication. I believe it’s time we bring that same level of care and clarity to how we engage our citizens today. That means strengthening public outreach, improving online platforms, and ensuring that no citizen—regardless of location, age, or internet access—is left in the dark. We are strongest when everyone is informed, engaged, and empowered to participate in shaping our Nation’s future.

4. What solutions do you want implemented to address the challenges facing your district and the Cherokee Nation?

For At-Large citizens, I support expanding mobile and telehealth services, increasing digital access to cultural and language resources, and simplifying how we deliver existing services beyond the reservation. Across the Nation, we need strategic investments in infrastructure, broadband, and small business development—especially for Cherokee-owned ventures. I also want to strengthen partnerships with satellite communities, fellow Tribal Nations, and Indigenous-led initiatives where our citizens live. We must meet our people where they are.

5. Can you work with others who do not share your views to help remedy the needs of your district and the Cherokee Nation? Please provide examples of past experiences where you worked with others who disagreed with you then or in the past and created a positive outcome.

Absolutely. I’ve spent my career collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds—including federal agencies, tribal leaders, and private industry—to get things done. In one role, I partnered with organizations that initially resisted opportunities for Tribal and Native contracting. Through open dialogue and mutual respect, I helped educate stakeholders and secure successful contracts for Native-owned businesses. Working through differences requires listening, empathy, and a shared commitment to solutions—qualities I’ll bring to the Tribal Council. As a millennial, I’ve also learned to navigate and unify multiple generations. I regularly help older generations learn how to use digital platforms for cultural engagement and government services, while also learning new tools and shortcuts from younger citizens. Bridging those generational gaps is critical—especially when technology is a growing part of how we stay connected. Whether it’s modernizing communication or respecting traditional knowledge, I believe we move forward when we work together with curiosity and care.

6. What experiences do you feel you bring to the table that make you qualified for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council?

I bring a strong background in economic development, federal contracting, and Indigenous advocacy. I earned my degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management from Northeastern State University, and I’ve used that foundation to drive impact in both the public and private sectors. Understanding how resources move—whether it's materials, funding, or information—has helped me support tribal businesses and strengthen economic sovereignty. As Director of Business Development for a Native-owned firm, I helped Native and tribally owned businesses thrive by securing federal contracts and navigating complex regulatory environments. My work has focused on building pathways to success—especially for communities historically excluded from opportunity. I also served with Tulsa Young Professionals (TYPROS), a leadership organization under the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, where I helped lead initiatives that amplified diverse voices, supported emerging leaders, and built bridges between generations.

7. Why do you think voters should trust you?

Because I lead with transparency, humility, and a servant’s heart. I’m not running for a title—I’m running to be a bridge for our people. Trust is earned through consistency, honesty, and follow-through. I will provide regular updates, stay responsive to concerns, and remain accessible. I want to build meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability. You can trust me to listen with empathy, speak with honesty, and act with integrity on behalf of Cherokee citizens everywhere.

8. How will you balance the legislative and executive branches of the Cherokee Nation?

By advocating for transparency, accountability, and clear boundaries between governance roles. The Council should serve as a check and balance—not a rubber stamp—and ensure that decisions made by the executive branch reflect the will of the people. I will champion legislation that improves oversight, expands citizen input, and strengthens the Council’s ability to serve as a legislative body that truly reflects our citizens’ voices.

9. What does balance between the branches of the Cherokee Nation government mean to you?

By advocating for transparency, accountability, and clear boundaries between governance roles. The Council should serve as a check and balance—not a rubber stamp—and ensure that decisions made by the executive branch reflect the will of the people. I will champion legislation that improves oversight, expands citizen input, and strengthens the Council’s ability to serve as a legislative body that truly reflects our citizens’ voices.

10. Please provide examples of how you would want to improve transparency in the Cherokee Nation government.

Transparency begins with communication. Tribal Council meetings are already livestreamed, which is a great foundation—but we can do more to help citizens stay engaged. I support enhancing communication through regular digital updates from Councilors, such as newsletters, video recaps, and virtual town halls that explain the “why” behind key decisions. I also believe we need more accessible summaries of legislation, budgets, and Council actions, written in plain language and available online. Additionally, I’d advocate for a centralized digital platform where citizens can easily find contact information for their Councilors, upcoming meeting dates, and program updates without navigating multiple websites. It should be easy to know what’s happening in our government—and how to get involved. Transparency isn’t just about access to information, it’s about clarity, consistency, and trust.

11. Please provide examples of how you would want transparency improved in the Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) is a vital economic engine. I believe citizens should have greater insight into CNB’s performance, investments, and community reinvestment. I support publishing annual reports, hosting public town halls with CNB leadership, and improving communication around how profits support tribal services. I’d also advocate for metrics showing how CNB creates jobs, invests in citizens, and aligns with the Nation’s long-term goals. Financial success and accountability can go hand-in-hand.

12. Do you think the Cherokee Nation is providing adequate health care for its citizens? Please provide examples.

We’ve made progress, but access gaps still exist, especially for At-Large and rural citizens. Wait times, provider shortages, and distance from care centers remain major issues. I’d support mobile health clinics, expanding telehealth, and increasing funding for satellite partnerships. Citizens shouldn’t have to choose between identity and proximity to care. We need a healthcare system that reaches every Cherokee, no matter their zip code.

Brandi Ross

Candidate Cherokee Nation Council,

District At-large

Cell phone number: 918-319-9328

Email address:[email protected]

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