[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING PRINCIPAL CHIEF MICHELL HICKS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARK MEADOWS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2015

  Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal Chief 
Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who is retiring 
on September 26, 2015. I am proud to call Chief Hicks a good friend and 
thank him for his dedicated service as Principal Chief.
  After graduating from Western Carolina University, Chief Hicks served 
for twelve years as the Principal Chief for the Eastern Band of 
Cherokee Indians, and prior to that served eight years as the Chief 
Finance Officer for the Eastern Band. During his tenure as Principal 
Chief, Chief Hicks was instrumental in the completion of several vital 
service facilities, such as the Shawn Blanton Emergency Operations 
Center, the Snowbird Youth Center, the new Justice Center and Jail, and 
a new Cherokee Hospital, scheduled to open in October of this year.
  Additionally, Chief Hicks spearheaded many educational efforts in the 
region. He developed and implemented a reading program for kindergarten 
children in the region, he oversaw the development of a financial 
literacy program for Cherokee youth, and he helped rekindle an interest 
in the Cherokee language by including it as required curriculum at 
Cherokee schools.
  Chief Hicks is known by his friends as a kind, compassionate man who, 
while cherishing the old Cherokee traditions, is a visionary for a 
better future for his people. His tremendous passion and vision earned 
him the Tribal Leader of the Year Award from the Native American 
Finance Officers Association.
  The exemplary leadership and vision of Chief Hicks is something that 
all of us can admire and respect. As such, I am proud to honor 
Principal Chief Michell Hicks on his faithful service to the people of 
Cherokee and congratulate him on his retirement.

                          ____________________