Yargee is a lifelong resident of Sequoyah County, and is seeking to retain her post as District 3, Seat 2 tribal council member.
"I am a lifelong resident of Sequoyah County, specifically the Notchietown Community in the Gore area. I have four sons, Robert "Buddy", 31, Curtis, 26, and Jason, 26, who also reside in Sequoyah County with their families, and Kenneth, 18, who is a senior at Sequoyah High School. My parents, both deceased, are Betsy Wildcat Jones and Robert Lee Jones Sr.," Yargee said.
She continued, "I attended Notchietown and Gore Public Schools, received my GED in 1979, and attended Connors State College in Warner and Northeastern State University in Tahlequah from August 1979 to December 1983. I received a bachelor of arts degree in education."
Yargee's platform includes the following:
"The safety and future of our children and grandchildren are major concerns for most Cherokee citizens," Yargee said. "They are our most precious resource for our future survival. For 14 years, I have worked with Cherokee youth instituting summer culture camps, initiating the first Cherokee Challenge Bowl and the first Cherokee Language Bowl competitions for Cherokee youth. As a teacher in the tribal Adult Education Program, I have visited with families, taught Cherokee adults and tried to connect families to resources in the tribe.
"I know and understand the needs and problems," of Cherokee communities Yargee said.
"In addition to the regular legislative duties of a council representative, I believe a tribal council member should represent the interest of their communities and the Cherokee Nation; give priority to the welfare of our children, youth, and elders; communicate effectively within the community by meeting regularly with tribal members; listen for community consensus and be considerate of all views; understand the policies, responsibilities, and roles of Tribal Council members; be supportive of the Cherokee Nation employees and Cherokee Nation programs, and Cherokee Nation tribal members; and be willing to deliberate and consider all decisions."
Yargee said she will, "...take a look at ways to work with local, state, and the national governments to make the most efficient use of resources and territories."
Yargee said, "The biggest challenge facing any tribe today is the loss of cultural identity through its language. I truly believe that we must pass our language to the next generations in order to preserve our culture as Cherokee people.
"One of these days, I would like to see the day to day and formal business of the tribe conducted in Cherokee. One simple way to start is to just do it! Then, I believe we will truly understand our challenges as Cherokee people and will be able to accept our responsibility."
