Cultural tourism is important to Cherokee Nation

Cultural tourism is important for Cherokee Nation and all of northeast Oklahoma because, while it showcases and preserves our rich culture and tradition, it also creates jobs and economic opportunities for so many of our citizens. As the global interest in Native culture grows, it is important for tribes to realize the benefits of sharing our unique heritage with travelers from around the world. Our tribal culture, heritage and history matter and always will. As chief, I have taken an oath of office to preserve and defend those things. It’s...

Read More

Stewards of land means promoting clean energy

At Cherokee National Holiday this year, I spoke of a renewed effort for Cherokees to become stewards of our land. To advance that effort, I appointed the first ever secretary of natural resources. We also established the Cherokee Nation Fish and Wildlife Association. Now, we’ve expanded that effort into another arena: clean energy. The Cherokee Nation owns about 4,000 acres of agricultural pastureland around the site of the former Chilocco Indian boarding school near Newkirk in Kay County in north central Oklahoma. After more than 10 years of...

Read More

Youth Summit focused on culture, leadership skill development

Cherokee Nation is hosting the first ever Cherokee Nation Youth Summit on Saturday, Oct. 22, inside the ballroom at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.  It’s designed to ensure tribal youth have access to the tools and resources that will positively impact their families, schools and communities. The summit has about 150 allocated slots for teens and is free to any Cherokee or Native youth. We have a responsibility to invest in our young people and give them every opportunity to succeed. We have a chance to build a brighter future,...

Read More

Youth Summit focused on culture, leadership skill development

Cherokee Nation is hosting the first ever Cherokee Nation Youth Summit on Saturday, Oct. 22, inside the ballroom at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.  It’s designed to ensure tribal youth have access to the tools and resources that will positively impact their families, schools and communities. The summit has about 150 allocated slots for teens and is free to any Cherokee or Native youth. We have a responsibility to invest in our young people and give them every opportunity to succeed. We have a chance to build a brighter future,...

Read More

Moving away from Columbus Day and embracing Indigenous Peoples Day

Oklahoma, our people and our communities are ready for a bold move that would rename the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day rather than Columbus Day. As the Principal Chief of the largest tribal government in Oklahoma and in the United States, I believe it is something that would honor the tribal people and tribal governments of Oklahoma. We do not and will not recognize Columbus Day. The National Congress of American Indians has spearheaded the shift to Indigenous Peoples Day, and I applaud that effort. It is a truer and more...

Read More