Sunday, March 31, 2013

Remembering What Matters Most on Easter Sunday


Today, my family and I will join many Oklahomans and Cherokee citizens nationwide in celebrating the Easter holiday. It marks an annual day to share in the miracle of resurrection and enjoy the blessings of family, cherished friends, and community. This holiday is a joyous time to celebrate our salvation, give praise to our heavenly father and be grateful for new beginnings.  Jesus is a reminder that hope can find its way out of darkness and despair.

Even in these difficult economic times, a renewed sense of hope can be felt at the Cherokee Nation, as we work on issues vital to our people: health care access, new homes, more jobs and educational opportunities. Faith shapes our values, guides our work and gives our daily lives perspective.

As we celebrate this miracle, it is also important to remember our neighbors who may be struggling and give them the assistance and support they need to overcome their burden whether it be financial, emotional or spiritual.

Deputy Chief Joe Crittenden and I will use the day as reflection, to consider the tremendous sacrifices made for all of us to live the lives we lead. We will focus on the things that matter most in our lives – our family, loved ones, country and community. These are our links to the past and to history, but they are also our hope for the future.

On this Easter weekend, let’s celebrate the thread of humanity and compassion that connects every single one of us – Cherokee and non-Cherokee alike. Let’s remember our military men and women, many away from their families at this time. Let’s remember humility and value the grace bestowed on us by the creator.
God bless you. I offer you best wishes for a Happy Easter from my family and Deputy Chief Crittenden’s family.

Wado. 

Monday, March 18, 2013

CNB Secures $4M Contract With U.S. Army


Cherokee Nation Red Wing has been awarded a $4.2 million contract with the U.S. Army to provide logistical management and support services for the precision fire rocket and missile systems at Red River Army Depot.

As Chief, few things make me prouder than knowing our companies are supporting the great servicemen and women of this country. The Cherokee Nation’s commitment to the military spans generations. Many of our citizens have dedicated their lives, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the United States of America.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

U.S. Attorney's Office Visits Cherokee Nation

Today, the Cherokee Nation hosted Danny Williams, U.S. Attorney of the Northern District of Oklahoma.  The Cherokee Marshals and the Cherokee Nation Attorney  General's office joined the conversation about working together, improving the government to government relationship to make a stronger and safer Indian Country.  


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Cierra Fields - A Cherokee Champion of Change


Cherokee citizen Cierra Fields was recently named a “Champions for Change” by the Center for Native American Youth in DC. She was recognized for  raising awareness for cancer prevention.
The Cherokee Nation is proud of Cierra for the passion she displayed to educate our people on ways to live healthier and reduce the risk of cancer. I admire her willingness and honesty to tell her personal story in the hopes that it will effect real change and improve the lives of Native people through prevention. 
The Cherokee people have always been strong in mind, body and spirit, and Cierra is a living example of that.
Read full story here. 


Cherokee Nation in Time Magazine

Read the "State of the Cherokee Nation" profile here.

Making the Cherokee Nation Safer

On Monday, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approved the Cherokee Nation Law and Order Act - an act meant to deter Native Americans from committing crime on tribal land by imposing stiffer fines and jail time.

Cherokees convicted of serious crimes such as manufacturing methamphetamines or child abuse now face up to three years in jail and up to a $15,000 fine in Cherokee Nation District Court. Prior to the act, the law allowed just a one-year maximum sentence and up to $5,000 fine for all crimes.

Stalking, newly added to the code, now carries up to a $5,000 fine or one-year sentence, as does domestic abuse. 

We have a responsibility to protect our people and make the Cherokee Nation as safe as possible. The passage of this new act shows how serious we are about crime prevention and prosecuting those offenders who violate the law within the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdictional boundaries. New penalties to deter crime and reduce victimization will only improve Cherokee Nation’s public safety mission.


Read the full story here.


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Meeting Cherokee citizens in AR


Mykenna, Jacob and Caleb Kirk from Hunstville, AR all got new photo ID cards.


Tommy Wildcat performs traditional flute songs. 


Robert and Patricia Tinnin wait for their photo ID. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Go Sequoyah High - Take State


Congratulations to Sequoyah High School boys and girls basketball teams for making it to the state tournament.  The entire Cherokee Nation is supporting you every step of the way.

The hard work you have put into this season is admirable. By reaching the state tournament, you are continuing Sequoyah’s championship legacy. You represent the very best of what being a student athlete stands for: teamwork, commitment and sportsmanship.

On behalf of all Cherokees, congratulations. We are proud of you and your accomplishments.
Good luck to the Sequoyah Indians and Lady Indians this weekend.