# Joe Byrd

_Cherokee chief_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/joe-byrd
Last updated: 2026-11-01

> Joe Byrd was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1995 to 1999. Byrd is bilingual, with an ability to communicate in both Cherokee and English. He ran for re-election in 1999, but lost to Chad "Corntassel" Smith. He ran again in 2003, but again lost to the incumbent Smith.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 1954 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Muldrow ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P19))
- **Citizenship:** United States ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P27))
- **Occupation:** politician ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P106))
- **Education:** Northeastern State University ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P69))
- **Positions held:** Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1995–1999) ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909#P39))

## Questions

**When was Joe Byrd born?**  
Joe Byrd was born on 1954 in Muldrow.

**What positions has Joe Byrd held?**  
Positions held by Joe Byrd include: Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1995–1999).

**Where did Joe Byrd study?**  
Joe Byrd was educated at Northeastern State University.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Joe Byrd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Byrd_(Cherokee_Nation_Principal_Chief)) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q6208909](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6208909) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- [Image: Entrance to Capt Joe Byrd Cemetery, Huntsville, TX.jpg by Leo1701 (CC BY-SA 4.0)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Entrance_to_Capt_Joe_Byrd_Cemetery,_Huntsville,_TX.jpg)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Joe Byrd, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Entrance to Capt Joe Byrd Cemetery, Huntsville, TX.jpg — Leo1701, CC BY-SA 4.0.

## Cite this page

"Joe Byrd". DigiNepal. Last updated 1 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/joe-byrd. Retrieved 7 November 2026.