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

I’m running for Cherokee Tribal Council because I believe in us. I believe in the strength of our traditions and the power of our future. I believe our Tribal Council should be a place where every voice is heard, every concern matters, and every decision is made with honor.

This is personal. This is passion. This is purpose. Cherokees deserve strong, transparentleadership that listens, acts and puts the needs of our families, elders, veterans and youth first. Idon’t want a title—I want change. I want healing, unity, and progress. This isn’t just a position—it is a responsibility to serve with integrity, action and unwavering commitment to our nation.

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

Too many of our people need better healthcare, stronger job opportunities, and greater access to education. Too many Cherokees struggle to get the medical care they need, especially in ruralareas. The disconnect between leadership and the people they serve continues to grow. We need stronger communication, real accountability, and leaders who show up—not just during election time, but every single day.

These challenges are not obstacles, but a call to action. We have the strength, the knowledge, and the resources. But we need leadership that listens with compassion, speaks with honesty, and fights with everything for all our people.

I will fight to expand healthcare services, including mental health and addiction support. Our families need stable jobs—so I will push for workforce programs, small business support, and economic growth. Education is the key to our future, and I will work to ensure our children have access to learning that strengthens both their minds and their Cherokee identity. I won’t just talk about these issues—I’ll work relentlessly to bring real solutions to our people.

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

The biggest challenges facing our Cherokee Nation right now are our sovereignty, our future, and even our way of life. From healthcare access to education, too many of our people are being left behind. Our elders are facing neglect and isolation, while our youth are struggling to see their place in a world that often feels disconnected from their culture and their heritage.

The real threat is the erosion of trust. Too many of our citizens feel their voices go unheard and their needs unmet. Leadership is about service, not power. It’s about being present, transparent, and accountable to every person in our Nation, no matter where they live.

I believe in the resilience of our people. But resilience isn’t enough on its own. We need action. We need leaders who will fight for access to healthcare, create job opportunities, protect our heritage, and—above all—ensure that every Cherokee has a seat at the table. Our strength lies in unity, and now more than ever, we must come together to rise above these challenges and build the future we all deserve.

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

To face the challenges in my district, and across Cherokee Nation, we need bold, compassionate, and immediate action. No Cherokee should be without a safe place to live. Our housing programs need to be efficient, transparent and accessible to all.

In healthcare, we must expand services and remove barriers. That means more clinics in rural areas, better elder care, mental health and addiction support, and in order to attract and retain top-tier healthcare professionals who will provide consistent, high-quality care to our citizens, competitive compensation is no longer optional—it’s necessary. Our people deserve the best, and that begins with supporting those who care for them.

We need to transparency and better communication between administration and citizens. Our people should feel heard, informed, and empowered.

Economic opportunity is key. We must create good-paying jobs, invest in Cherokee-owned businesses, and ensure that our economic development serves our people.

These solutions are not just ideas—they’re promises I’m ready to fight for. We deserve action, not excuses.

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—because our people matter more than politics or personal pride. I believe with all my heart that true leadership means listening, learning, and building bridges, even when we don't see eye to eye. The needs of my district and the Cherokee Nation are too great for division. Our elders can’t wait for us to agree. Our youth can’t afford our silence. Our future depends on unity, not ego.

I may not share every view with every council member or citizen, but I will always come to the table with respect, open ears, and a full heart. I believe we all want the same thing at our core: a stronger, healthier, more vibrant Nation. If we can keep that common purpose in focus, then we can find a way forward—together.

Working with others doesn’t mean giving up my values. It means standing firm in them while finding common ground to get things done. I will never be too proud to compromise when it benefits our people, and I’ll never be too stubborn to admit when someone else has a good idea.

This is about service, not sides. Our ancestors didn’t survive and thrive by standing apart—they did it by standing together. I intend to honor that legacy by working with anyone and everyone who shares a passion for lifting up our people. That’s the only way real change happens—with unity, respect, and heart.

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

I bring lived experience, heart, and a deep-rooted commitment to serve our people with everything I have. I wasn’t born into privilege—I’ve worked hard, faced struggles, and walked alongside the same challenges so many of our citizens face every day. That perspective matters.

My background in community service, leadership, and advocacy has taught me how to listen deeply, act with integrity, and never back down when people need a voice.

More than anything, I bring heart. I love people fiercely. I carry our history with reverence and our future with urgency. I understand that leadership is not about power—it’s about responsibility. I’m ready to show up, to work hard, to speak truth, and to serve with humility and Strength.

I bring the kind of leadership that listens first, acts boldly, and never forgets where I come from—or who I serve. That’s what makes me ready. That’s what makes me qualified.

7. Why do you think voters should trust you?

Voters should trust me because I carry this responsibility with my whole heart. I’m not running for a title—I’m running to serve, to fight, and to protect what matters most: our people, our culture, and our future. I’ve lived the struggles many of you have faced.

You can trust me because I will always show up—with honesty, humility, and heart. I don’t make empty promises; I make commitments and follow through. I know what it means to listen, to learn, and to lead with integrity, even when it’s hard. I know the weight of our ancestors 'prayers and the dreams of our children, and I carry both with reverence.

I believe in transparency. I believe in accountability. And most of all, I believe in you—in the strength, resilience, and beauty of the Cherokee people. This isn’t just politics to me—this is personal. This is sacred.

I will never forget who I serve or why I’m here. You can trust me to stand with you, to fight for you, and to never stop working to build a Nation where every Cherokee has a voice, a place, and a future. That’s my promise—and I will keep it.

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

Balancing the legislative and executive branches of the Cherokee Nation starts with respect, accountability, and a clear understanding of each branch’s role. As a Tribal Councilor, my job is to represent the people—not to serve the executive branch, but to work alongside it with transparency and purpose.

I will hold the executive branch accountable by asking hard questions, demanding clear answers, and making sure decisions are made in the best interest of our citizens. At the same time, I will work with the executive branch when our goals align—because progress happens when we collaborate, not when we clash without reason.

Balance means staying rooted in the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation. It means making sure laws are fair, budgets are transparent, and power is never misused. I’ll communicate openly with the people, push for transparency in every department, and always remember that the Council's job is to be a voice for the people—not an echo for leadership.

I will lead with respect, but never fear. I will work with others, but never compromise our values. That's how we protect balance, uphold our government, and honor our Nation.

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

To me, balance between the branches of the Cherokee Nation government means each branch respects its role and works together to serve the people—not power. They each have a purpose: to make laws, carry them out, and interpret them fairly. When one branch becomes too powerful or oversteps, it puts our government—and our people—at risk.

Balance means the Tribal Council is not just there to agree with the executive branch, but to ask questions, demand transparency, and make sure decisions are being made for the right reasons. It also means being willing to work together, communicate openly, and find common ground when it helps move our Nation forward.

Our ancestors built a system of self-governance that protects our sovereignty, values, and future. It’s our duty to protect that system by ensuring no one branch holds too much power. As a Council member, I would respect the authority of each branch, but I would also stand firm in the Council's responsibility to be a strong, independent voice for the Cherokee people.

Real balance creates better decisions, stronger leadership, and a government that truly serves its citizens. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in—and the kind I will always work to uphold.

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

Transparency builds trust—and trust is the foundation of a strong Cherokee Nation. I believe our citizens deserve to know exactly how decisions are made, where money is going, and who is being held accountable. If elected, I will fight for clear, honest, and accessible communication at every level of government.

I will advocate for regular community meetings in my district—where leadership doesn’t just talk, but listens. These won’t be photo ops—they’ll be working sessions where we discuss real issues, and I report back on what’s happening in Council.

I support public budget breakdowns that clearly show where tribal dollars are being spent—especially in housing, healthcare, and economic development. Our people should never have to wonder where their Nation’s resources are going.

Lastly, I will personally be transparent—with my votes, my actions, and my time. I will answer calls, respond to messages, and always be available to those I serve. Transparency isn't optional—it’s a promise. And I’m ready to keep it.

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

Transparency in Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) is crucial to ensuring that our resources are being used effectively and in the best interests of our people. I would like to see a more open and accountable CNB structure that holds itself to the highest standards.

This would include publicly available financial reports that show how CNB revenues are being spent—especially when it comes to the distribution of profits back into our communities. Every Cherokee deserves to know how our business ventures are impacting our people and our resources.

CNB being transparent about how it chooses which contracts and investments to pursue. This would include public disclosures of major business deals and partnerships, including the process, the benefits for our Nation, and any risks involved. This ensures that all decisions align with the long-term well-being of the Cherokee people.

Quarterly reports on CNB's progress and community impact—showing where profits are reinvested and how those investments are benefiting education, healthcare, housing, and other critical needs. These reports should be easily accessible to the public and include clear data.

Citizens should be given the opportunity to directly ask questions and provide input on business decisions that affect them. Our people deserve transparency and accountability.

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

We have impressive facilities and a strong network of clinics, but access isn’t equal for everyone. In our rural areas, too many still face long waits, transportation barriers, or lack there sources to get the care they need. Our elders shouldn’t have to choose between a long drive or going without. For example, a citizen with stomach cancer who had to have their esophagus and most of their stomach removed, shouldn’t have to go without necessary nutrition because insurance won’t pay, so Cherokee Nation won’t either. This isn’t acceptable. Those battling addiction or mental health struggles shouldn’t be left waiting for help when they need it most.

I'm grateful for the progress we’ve made—investments in new clinics and hospitals, wellness programs, and even a new addiction treatment center—but we must go further. True care means more than buildings. It means timely appointments, culturally sensitive services, and care that meets people where they are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So no, I don’t believe our healthcare is yet adequate—not while even one Cherokee citizen feels forgotten. We owe our people more. We owe them the best. And I will fight with everything Ihave to make sure no one is left behind when it comes to their health and healing. Our Nation is strong—but we must keep striving to care for our people in the way they deserve.

Cell: 918-401-0060

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Jennifer Blalock Candidate Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, District 15