My name is, Chief W. E. Dode McIntosh, fourteen of my ancestors has held the position before me. This is not enough to qualify for the position on its own, since at least 30 other individuals could claim the same lineage. The Candidate for chief must demonstrate good citizenship in both the United States and the Creek nations. My most visible demonstration of US citizenship was my service in World War I, where I continued my Creek/Scottish Clan's traditions we had member's serve in the Revolutionary, War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Once you have obtained the position of Principal chief, the example must be maintained daily with acts of Creek citizenship. As principal chief, I was able to sue the US government for almost $4 Million in reparations for land taken illegally. I was able to return these funds directly to the tribe members. To guarantee the proper distribution of these funds I authorized the first Creek Census in modern times. I am especially proud of the 50 Creek health centers I authorized building, and the 250 homes built for the tribe during my term.

I am particularly proud of my achievements in education, which include: donating over 6,000 books from my personal library to Creek libraries, and Personal attention to each individual Indian that considered drooping-out of school. This attention to the form of personal one-on-one meeting with the parents and the student and the expenditure of over $100,000 of my personal funds when tribal funds were not available to defray the expenses causing the situation. In addition, I was able to secure over $2 million from the federal government for improvements in the Indian Boarding school in Eufaula. Knowledge/ education is very important to the future of the Creek Tribe.

I must have been successful because my associates kept recommending me for positions of responsibility including:
¨ Two terms as President of the Inter-tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.
¨ Member of the board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
¨ Member Board of Directors Gilcrease Museum.
¨ Chairman of the Historical Sites Committee.
¨ Member of the Honey Springs Battle Commission.
¨ Thirty-fifth president of the Pioneers Association.

Acknowledgements I have received include:
¨ A mural in the Tulsa City Hall.
¨ Special Western Heritage Award for contributions to the Betterment of the American Indian.
¨ Recognized as the Indian of the Year.

My heroes include:
¨ Geronimo for standing up for his beliefs
¨ Chief Joseph - in spite of being peace loving, when forced into battle was a great military tactician

I set a good family role model with my marriage to the love of my life Lulu Vance, who I proposed to on a roller coaster at Hyde Park, and eloped with to Arkansas in July 18, 1914. We were married for 72 years and I managed to dance the first and last dance with her at every event we attended.

I found great fulfillment in my contributions to the fields of music and crafts with my Indian Crafts book, design of the Scottish/Indian McIntosh tartan, and musical compositions.

Not bad for a Tennessee immigrant to Oklahoma in 1901. What do you think?