State Question 777 is bad for Oklahoma communities and farmers

Protecting the environment and our precious natural resources are priorities for me as Chief of America’s largest tribal nation. Through our traditional values we embrace our natural world. It’s so important to me and the Cherokee people that we recently named the tribe’s first ever Secretary of Natural Resources. This will ensure the next seven generations of Cherokee people have continued access to all that we have  today – clean air, abundant fresh water and fertile land where we can grow our crops and raise our livestock. Sadly, State...

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On U.S.Treasury removing Andrew Jackson from the $20 bill

Andrew Jackson defied a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and forced the removal of our Cherokee ancestors from homelands we'd occupied in the Southeast for millennia. His actions as president resulted in a genocide of Native Americans and the death of about a quarter of our people. It remains the darkest period in the Cherokee Nation’s history. Jackson's legacy was never one to be celebrated, and his image on our currency is a constant reminder of his crimes against Natives. It's been an insult to our people and to our ancestors, thousands of whom died...

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Strengthening the American Indian Arts and Crafts Sales Act is important for Cherokee Nation

Cherokee artisans are some of the most talented in Oklahoma and across all of Indian Country. They preserve our culture and heritage through their work across various mediums. It’s critical for us as Indian people to ensure Indian art is truly created by enrolled citizens of federally recognized tribes. That’s why Cherokee Nation, along with the leadership of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole Nations, is supporting Oklahoma House Bill 2261, which is being considered now in the Oklahoma State Senate after passing the Oklahoma...

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“Blue Ribbon Tree” helps raise awareness of child abuse

In an effort to bring awareness of the prevention of child abuse in the Cherokee Nation, a tree in front of the tribal complex has been adorned with blue ribbons. This is in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to build a "Blue Ribbon Tree" state. Cherokee Nation’s blue ribbon tree will blossom throughout the month of April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue ribbon is the international symbol for child...

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New homes will build stronger families, brighter futures

Access to a safe home is critical to make people feel secure.  It improves health and raises hope for a prosperous future. I have seen the way homeownership can positively affect a family, including children who have a secure environment. That’s why I am so proud of our New Home Construction Program. It is improving lives of our Cherokee people family by family and home by home. Recently, in the community of Vian in Sequoyah County, we announced plans to build 30 new homes. This will help 30 Cherokee families become new or first-time...

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