TAHLEQUAH, OK – New Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice Amy Page has been sworn into office. Judge Page’s nomination by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., and her subsequent confirmation by the Council of the Cherokee Nation, fills a vacancy left by former Justice Shawna Baker.
Since 2021, Judge Page has presided over criminal, arraignment, traffic ticket, domestic violence review court, adoption and guardianship cases in the Cherokee Nation District Court.
“Justice Page and her leadership and legal expertise while serving as an Associate District Judge for the Cherokee Nation has been exceptional,” said Chief Hoskin. “I know with her experience, along with her deep respect and understanding of our laws and tribal Constitution, will suit her well advocating for fairness and justice, as well as continue to serve as a protector of Cherokee citizens’ rights.”
After the historic U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision, the Cherokee Nation felony and misdemeanor cases increased from 100 per year to over 25,000 cases since 2021, including 10,000 traffic cases. Justice Page’s work within the District Court of the Cherokee Nation was instrumental in expanding the tribe’s justice system.
“Judge Page brings a level of commitment and integrity that will absolutely strengthen our highest court,” said Chief Hoskin. “I appreciate the confidence shown in Judge Page by members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.”
Justice Page said she looks forward to learning from the other Cherokee Nation Surpreme Court Justices.
“They have such a wealth of knowledge and legal expertise in them; getting to be around them and talk with them about legal issues facing our Nation, getting their viewpoint, it’s very exciting,” said Justice Page. “I also look forward to starting us off on our next generation. I think Justice Baker did a great job of that while she was on the court, and I really want to continue down that path.”
She said the Cherokee court history is rich and impactful, and that the next step in the new chapter is a responsibility she holds in high regard.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Page. “It’s really exciting as a step in my legal career, and coming up in Oklahoma, it’s something I would never have the chance to get to do, to serve on a higher court like that, and I love that it’s in the Cherokee Nation. Helping people and showing that the justice system is an important part of the community – it’s not separate from the community, it’s not above the community – this is all of us together. This is how we want to resolve conflict, not out on the street, not violently, but here together in a tribal court context.”
