Hollis E. Roberts facts for kids

Hollis Earl Roberts (May 9, 1943 – October 19, 2011) was a Native American politician whose career was highlighted by his 19-year period as Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Hollis Roberts was born in Hochatown to Laura Beam Roberts and Darrell E. Roberts. He attended Holly Creek Elementary and Idabel High School, graduating in 1961. Roberts married Helen R. Rodriguez in 1963. They had three children: two boys and one girl. Following his political career, Roberts died on October 19, 2011, at the age of 68 years.

Roberts remains an extremely polarizing and controversial figure among Native Americans. From crimilnal charges (leading to an eleven-year prison sentence and removal from office), to his then-extravagant $120,000 per year salary and his alleged corruption; all have led to a negative public opinion of Roberts. His 19-year tenure as Chief of the Choctaw Nation came to end in 1997. Nevertheless, he served as chief of the one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. He governed well over 195,000 members, including over 79,000 in Oklahoma.

Early political career

Roberts began his political career as a city council person in Hugo, Oklahoma where he served for 14 years. Following his time in Hugo, Roberts served six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing Choctaw County. Choctaw County was only six percent Indian population, making his dramatic victory that much more captivating. Following his time as a member of the Oklahoma House Representative, Roberts served from 1975 to 1978 as Choctaw Chief David Gardner's assistant.

Election as chief

Following the 1978 death of Chief David Gardner, Hollis Roberts was elected chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. His election into office came at the tail end of the Red Power movement. As a young, energetic, and charismatic leader, Roberts embodied much of the Red Power Movement and became a guiding voice for change at a time when Indian sovereignty was at a countrywide high. Roberts ran against political rival Charles Brown. Brown was a popular, but older politician, who was well respected by Choctaws. Roberts won in a tight election, winning by only 339 votes.

Accomplishments

1983 was big year for both Roberts and the Choctaw. Roberts proposed a new constitution to the Choctaw people. A major component of this new constitution was the removal of blood quantum for tribal membership, which effectively increased the number of members of the Choctaw tribe. The new constitution did not come without controversy; while there was no minimum blood quantum for tribal membership, there was an enforced blood quantum of ¼ to be elected to tribal office. Additionally, women were given the right to vote with the new constitution. This new constitution was voted in 2,253 to 780 on July 9, 1983. As chief, it was Roberts job to appoint tribal judges. In 1983 Roberts appointed Juanita Jefferson, the first female Choctaw judge. Roberts was reelected in 1983.

1992 was another big year: in '92 the Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes signed a compact with State of Oklahoma. This compact equates to Indians paying a fee to the federal government each year instead of paying taxes on tobacco products sold to non-natives on their reservations. The result was that the Choctaw paid 75% less to the federal government and were thus able to increase their profit on products sold on the reservations.

Roberts worked to improve health standards, increase the tribe's population, and promote a healthy economy. During his time in charge, tuberculosis and infant mortality rates among the Choctaw decreased dramatically. Roberts effectively used his influence and abilities to negotiate federal funding and to set up programs for his people.

Under his reign, the Choctaw Nation improved health standards, saw an increase in population, and set forth intensive economic growth campaigns. Today many view Roberts as a criminal, but in his heyday many also viewed him as a charismatic politician who brought much needed change to the Choctaw.