‘Defend the Cherokee Nation'

Smith was first elected in 1999. The tribe has experienced unprecedented growth in federal money and gaming revenue during his two four-year terms, tribe spokesman Mike Miller said.

The ceremony opened with traditional cleansing ceremony and the Cherokee National Youth Choir singing hymns in Cherokee and English.

An empty chair was placed on the platform to honor ancestors. A rose placed on the chair represented the many Cherokee generations to come, said Jay Hannah, master of ceremonies.

Hundreds of Cherokee Nation members gathered on the courthouse lawn. The only empty seats were those not covered by the shade of the courtyard's oak trees.