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. More than one visitor to the Cherokee Nation capitol in Tahlequah, Oklahoma has expressed disappointment when they see no tipis or tribal people dressed up in buckskin. When these crestfallen tourists ask, ‘Where are all the Indians?’ I sometimes place my tongue in cheek and respond, quite truthfully, ‘They are probably at Wal-Mart.’

I like my body when it is with your body.