Former Cherokee Nation Chief Alleges Censorship by NSU After Canceled Symposium Talk

By Cherokee 411 Staff

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chadwick “Chad” Smith is raising concerns over what he calls censorship and “stonewalling” by Northeastern State University after his presentation at the 52nd annual Symposium of the American Indian was abruptly canceled just hours before it was set to begin.

Smith, an attorney, historian, and author of Cherokee Nation Proceed Undaunted, said he traveled from California to Tahlequah for the April 10, 2025 event only to find his workshop canceled without explanation. A sign reading “Workshop Canceled” hung on the door of his assigned room, while other sessions nearby went on as scheduled.

“There was no scheduling conflict,” Smith wrote in a letter to the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents. “As an academic institution, NSU is censoring critical historical and current commentary about the Cherokee Nation.”

Smith’s book examines Cherokee constitutional history, citing violations, corruption, and what he calls “moments of hope.” He believes his candid assessment of Cherokee Nation governance led to the cancellation.

Attempts to get answers from NSU officials—including Symposium Manager Randilyn Rose, NSU President Rodney Hanley, Provost Carla Swearingen, and university attorney Taylore Riley—have so far been unsuccessful. In June, Hanley sent Smith a letter saying the program was “adjusted … in consideration of multiple factors, some of which were unforeseen.” Smith rejects that explanation, noting his presentation was not adjusted but “canceled outright.”

Smith also alleges he was denied a vendor booth at the Symposium powwow due to “max capacity.” He points out that a booth was made available to the Cherokee Nation Veterans Office during the same event.

Adding to his frustration, Smith has filed a Freedom of Information request seeking records on the cancellation but has yet to receive a response.

“This failure by a public institution to provide a timely, honest, and complete answer breaches the principles of transparency and accountability,” Smith wrote.

He is now calling on the RUSO Board of Regents and the public to demand answers from NSU. Among his questions:

• Who decided to cancel the presentation?

• What was the conflict cited?

• Did the planning committee agree?

• Were there emails or other communications about the cancellation?

As of now, NSU has not provided further details.