Cherokee Nation Foundation’s program will increase access to higher education

Pursuing higher education is a financial challenge in this day and age, especially with rising costs and education budget cuts in Oklahoma. However, a new matching program for scholarship endowments from the Cherokee Nation Foundation will create new opportunities for our tribal youth. CNF has agreed to match $100,000 in private donations. The matching program enables donated funds to have a bigger impact and furthers CNF’s commitment to Cherokee students. With so many talented Cherokees pursuing their academic dreams, CNF wanted to expand...

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Women play important roles in Cherokee culture and government

Historically, the Cherokee Nation is a matrilineal society so we have always looked to strong women for guidance and leadership. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, this fact is as true today as ever. As Principal Chief, I have placed talented women within this administration. Cherokee Nation Treasurer Lacey Horn is an award-winning fiscal manager who has ensured positive growth and responsible stewardship. Cherokee Nation Secretary of Natural Resources Sara Hill is raising the profile of our conservation and preservation efforts of our...

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In Support of Senate Confirmation of United States Supreme Court Nominee

This week, President Obama fulfilled his constitutional duty by nominating D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court replacing the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The nomination is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate which should fulfill its constitutional duty to consider Justice Garland by evaluating him on the merits, questioning him during hearings, and then ultimately providing an up or down vote on him. The constitution gives both the President and the Senate roles to work together to ensure a fully functioning...

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Making tribal housing program more efficient for Cherokees

As Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, I have focused our agenda on prioritizing homes, health and hope. For me it’s more than a phrase that’s on a poster or a magazine. To me, it’s the future of our tribe. We have expanded our health clinics and secured a federal partnership for a new state-of-the-art hospital. We have increased hope with more jobs and more opportunities to pursue education. On the homes front, we are being just as progressive. Recently, we shifted our housing rehabilitation program under the umbrella of the Housing Authority...

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IHS partnership will improve health care for generations of Cherokees

Signing IHS Joint Venture agreement. Osiyo. It was a historic achievement for the Cherokee Nation recently as the tribe negotiated, finalized and signed a Joint Venture Construction Program agreement with Indian Health Service to provide a new world-class health facility at our WW Hastings Hospital campus in Tahlequah. Later this spring we will break ground on the new facility, which is planned to be more than 450,000 square feet. Cherokee...

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Remember to vote on Super Tuesday

Dear Tribal Citizens, Today, March 1, 2016, is Super Tuesday in Oklahoma. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are having primary elections that will determine the respective nominees for the November general election. This important day gives us the opportunity to have our voices heard, and to shape the leadership of our great nation and our state. Participating in the election process is an important act. By voting, you exercise your voice...

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