New edition of New Testament enhances Cherokee culture

Copies of the New Testament in Cherokee syllabary have been in circulation since 1860. In any language, the New Testament is the most read and sought after publication in the world. That’s why I am proud to announce the Cherokee Nation has reviewed and corrected the text, and has printed new editions of the Holy Bible in the Cherokee language. The completed 1860 Cherokee New Testament was primarily the work of Evan Jones, Samuel Worcester and...

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Open your heart to a Cherokee child this holiday season

This time of year let’s keep in mind those Cherokee children that need a loving, nurturing home. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and make plans for Christmas and a New Year, I hope there are Cherokees families out there that can find a place in their homes and in their life for a Cherokee child who desperately needs a permanent home. We are in need of Cherokee families who are willing to be adoptive parents. This month is national adoption awareness month and our dedicated staff at the Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare department is actively...

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Boys & Girls Clubs play key role for many Cherokee youth

One of the most important things we can do for the future of the Cherokee Nation is to ensure there are ample opportunities for the next generation to thrive. We’re proud to be a partner and financially support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America within our tribal boundaries. These community-based groups play a significant role for our people, providing stable and safe environments for Cherokee youth to learn, play and grow. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a large presence in Indian Country across the nation. Just...

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Updated information ensures timely delivery of Cherokee Nation hunting and fishing licenses

Fall is here, which means many Cherokees look forward to the yearly ritual of hunting deer and other game for both sport and for sustenance. For decades, confusion about jurisdiction and treaty rights has lingered, meaning some Cherokee Nation citizens purchased a hunting and fishing license to exercise their inherent rights as Cherokees, rather than risk possible prosecution from state wildlife officers. Starting Jan. 1, the confusion ends. Last summer I signed a hunting and fishing compact with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin that both upholds...

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New Secretary of Natural Resources will ensure our habitats and environments remain clean and vibrant

At the Cherokee Nation we are committed to protecting our air, water, land and wildlife for future generations. That’s why I recently announced the first ever appointment to an important cabinet level position in my administration. This position was originally established by the 1999 Constitutional Convention. Unfortunately, it was never filled, but this key advisory role cannot go vacant any longer. I have appointed attorney Sara Hill as the new...

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Cherokee Art Market returns to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa for the 10th straight year

Cherokee artists and artisans are among some of the most diverse and talented in all of Indian Country, and you’ll find the best of the best all in one place this weekend. The Cherokee Art Market is returning to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa for its 10th year Oct. 10 and 11. What started as a modest show in the parking lot of the resort 10 years ago has grown into one of the most celebrated shows in the nation. There will be sculptures, woodworking,...

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Recognizing the life and achievements of Jess Sixkiller

The Cherokee Nation and tribal citizens throughout the country lost a true champion with the tragic passing of Jess Sixkiller. He was the first Native detective on the Chicago Police Force and in Phoenix he continued to champion the rights of Indian people. He was a warrior and advocate for Native rights, especially urban-based Indian people. Throughout Indian Country, Jess will be forever known as a man committed to his Native brothers and sisters who suffered as a result of Federal relocation and assimilation policies. As the leader of the National...

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Cherokee Warrior Flight serves as reminder for us all

Honoring the sacrifices and service of our brave men and women who defend this country and our freedoms is a philosophy that’s rooted in our Cherokee history and our Cherokee values. Like most tribal nations, the Cherokee people have always held the highest regard for those who are willing to go into battle to protect and defend all of us. To say thank you, we have coordinated the second annual Cherokee Warrior Flight. Eleven World War II and...

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Record budget benefits Cherokee people and programs

The largest comprehensive budget in the history of the Cherokee Nation means more and better services for Cherokee Nation citizens. In the coming fiscal year, we will spend $767 million on the programs to improve Cherokee lives. The increase of about $35 million from last year’s budget will allow us to put more Cherokees into new homes and help place more of our people in quality jobs. We have allocated more funding to assist Cherokee elders, and we will make unprecedented investments into education and health care for...

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Electronic health records make Cherokee Nation health care easier, more seamless

With today’s modern technologies, it seems almost everything can be done online. Now, count your Cherokee Nation health care among those things done with greater ease, thanks to technology. Transitioning Cherokee Nation data into the modern era is critical for the tribe to be proficient in providing critical services to our citizens. That’s why we’ve made recent digital upgrades a critical priority. The Cherokee Nation health system, the largest tribally operated health system in the United States with more than 1 million patient visits annually,...

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2015 Cherokee State of the Nation Speech

          It is my honor and privilege to stand before you, the Cherokee people, on this beautiful September day.  Joining me today, as they do at every important occasion, is my beloved family. My rock and the first lady of the Cherokee Nation, Sherry Baker. My mother and my inspiration, Dr. Isabel Baker.  My children and their spouses, who’ve supported me in all that I do.  My grandchildren who are the light of my life. My brothers, who’ve been my strongest allies, and my many nieces, nephews, uncles...

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Historic Cherokee council meeting held at Red Clay, TN; first gathering since 1838

History was made on Aug. 28 as elected leaders of the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians gathered for a joint council meeting at Red Clay State Park, Tennessee, a place long revered by our Cherokee people as sacred ground. It's the first time all three Cherokee tribes have gathered at Red Clay in generations. The last meeting there was to make important decisions for the Cherokee people as the tribe was facing forced removal to Indian Territory in 1838. This tri-council meeting was...

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Cherokee National Holiday opportunity for reunion and celebration

This Labor Day weekend, we are planning for another record crowd at the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah. More than 100,000 visitors are again expected to visit the Cherokee capital city for the 63rd installment of our annual homecoming. We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends for the celebration of Cherokee history, heritage and hospitality. The first Cherokee National Holiday was held in 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of...

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New initiative provides free Cherokee Phoenix newspaper subscription to tribal citizens

Informing and educating our citizens about the Cherokee Nation government is crucial to remaining vigilant in our mission to serve the Cherokee people. Open and transparent communication allows Cherokee Nation citizens their inherent right to a government they can monitor and closely follow. To fulfill this mission we have launched an exciting new project, the Citizens’ Access to Transparency initiative. Today, the Cherokee Nation population...

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Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In set for Aug. 15

A fly-in at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is set for Aug. 15, the 80th anniversary of the “crash heard around the world,” when both Will Rogers and Wiley Post died in an Alaska plane crash in 1935. Cherokee Nation Businesses is sponsoring the event. That day and the lives of Rogers and Post are remembered each year on the Oologah ranch where Will Rogers was born. Usually a Sunday event, it was changed to Saturday to...

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Cherokee Nation Inauguration Day: a celebration of our people and our future

Osiyo. It is a time for us all to come together as one nation and move forward collectively to a bright future. Thank you to all Cherokee tribal voters for letting your voices be heard during our recent elections. Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and I deeply appreciate the Cherokee people for placing their faith in our leadership. We appreciate the support and faith in a vision that creates a better quality of life for our citizens and our state.  During our first term, we started building Cherokee homes again, Cherokee Nation Businesses...

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Jacksonland Shines A Light on Cherokee History

Jacksonland chronicles the history of the relationship between Chief John Ross and President Andrew Jackson and tells the story of how traditional Cherokee Nation lands became part of the United States expansion. Author Steve Inskeep has paid incredible attention to detail and his references are impeccable and well researched. History often overlooks, or briefly mentions, that one of Andrew Jackson's major initiatives as President...

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Increased broadband access critical for our rural communities

Last week President Barack Obama launched a new program called ConnectHome, which will expand broadband access for the rural communities and make high-speed Internet more affordable for low-income families. He made the national announcement in Durant, Oklahoma, the headquarters of our neighboring tribe, the Choctaw Nation. I appreciate the president’s keen interest to provide broadband Internet across Indian Country because it will help our Cherokee families and students access the resources they need. I know these struggles with connection...

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