Justice Shawna S. Baker, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was nominated by Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. and confirmed to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court by the Tribal Council on August 27, 2020. She is the first 2SLGBTQ+ person to openly serve on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and only the third woman confirmed to the Court since its inception in 1820.
Justice Baker is active in her communities. She previously served as a member of Chief Hoskin, Jr.’s Domestic Violence Task Force and as an advisor to Cherokee Nation Health Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic Committee. She also served as an advisor to Indian Health Services and aided the Ending the HIV Epidemic Committee in the Northwest Portland (Oregon) Area. Outside of Indian Country, Justice Baker’s visibility and active participation ensures a voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For fun, Justice Baker participates in endurance sports such as marathons, triathlons, and bicycle rides. She is currently in pursuit of the Abbott Six Star Medal, given to those individuals who complete all six of the world major marathons.
