Making history by curing hepatitis C

At our world-class Cherokee Nation health care centers, we are committed to the well-being of our patients. One of the most progressive initiatives we have today is the Hepatitis C Elimination Project. This is a pilot program to screen patients for the disease, with an end goal to cure all those who test positive. I am proud our tribal health department is doing everything possible to eliminate this debilitating disease many of our Cherokee families face. We are committed to fighting this disease because it touches so many here in the heart...

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On the passing of Bill Rice, legal scholar

With the passing of renowned attorney and law professor Bill Rice, we have lost a tireless warrior and advocate for tribal sovereignty and the rights of Indian people to determine their own paths. Because of Bill's work, Indian Country and all of us are forever changed.  It was Bill who successfully argued one of the most important tribal sovereignty cases in modern history-- Oklahoma Tax Commission v. Sac and Fox Nation, which made its way all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. The high court ruled 9-0 in favor of tribal...

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Investing in local schools and a brighter future in northeast Oklahoma

As the son and grandson of lifelong educators, I know how important investing in public education is. It’s critical for young Cherokee students so they can grow into everything God intended them to be. It’s also important for all of northeast Oklahoma to continue developing a diverse economy with an educated workforce.   Expanding the sale of Cherokee Nation license plates to Cherokee Nation citizens statewide has created a lifeline for public education in northeast Oklahoma. As the state allocates fewer dollars to education, the Cherokee...

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Challenging legislative session ahead for Oklahoma

The new state legislative session is one we will all be watching closely. Our policymakers in Oklahoma City have a challenging task ahead as they try to create an operational budget for the state while being millions of dollars in the hole. Unfortunately, most state agencies remain funded at more than 20 percent below pre-recession funding levels because budgets have not kept up with inflation. It’s a tough situation, and state leaders must make difficult decisions to balance the budget. Consecutive years of making tax reductions, coupled with...

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Newest Cherokee Casino will create jobs, build up destination community

Cherokee Nation Entertainment will soon break ground on the tribe’s 10th gaming complex when work begins this spring on the Cherokee Casino near Grove. By constructing this new facility, we will create more than 175 quality jobs in Delaware County.  The tribe’s minimum wage is well above the federal minimum wage and full-time jobs come with insurance, retirement and a full benefits package. As the new dollars circulate in the community it will improve the lives of so many people in the area. Our...

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