A significant number of people believe tribal people still live and dress as they did 300 years ago. During my tenure as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, national news agencies requesting interviews sometimes asked if they could film a tribal dance or if I would wear traditional tribal clothing for the interview. I doubt they asked the president of the United States to dress like a pilgrim for an interview.

Individually and collectively, Cherokee people possess an extraordinary ability to face down adversity and continue moving forward.

If you argue with a fool, someone passing by will not be able to tell who is the fool and who is not.

The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.

Women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities.

Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it - and gets through it quicker. Whenever I’m confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment, I become the buffalo.

Every single person has leadership ability. Some step up and take them. Some don't. My answer was to step up and lead.