Creating more opportunities for college-bound Cherokees

The Cherokee Nation this year funded a record number of tribal citizens to attend college and pursue their dream of higher education. In the fall semester, our Education Department awarded 4,167 scholarships to Cherokees, and all of those students who reapplied and qualified for a scholarship were offered a $2,000 scholarship this spring semester.   A fact that we can all be proud of is this: There are more Cherokee students pursuing a higher education than ever in our tribal history. Personal opportunities for expanded education lift our...

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Tribal governments: stronger together for Oklahoma

Recently, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes gathered to collaborate and strategize on issues that will be beneficial to the sovereign governments of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Muscogee (Creek) nations.  The Inter-Tribal Council is one of the strongest tribal associations in the U.S. and was established to promote positive relationships among five of Oklahoma’s largest tribes. Collectively, our governments represent more than 650,000 citizens. We are stronger as tribes when we share in one another’s...

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Remembering the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we recognize and remember Dr. Martin Luther King and his legacy of increased hope and fairness for all people in America, regardless of race, religion, gender or creed. It is a good time to reflect on where we are as a country. While we have certainly made progress in terms of positive change for people of color, we still have far to go to meet true equality and opportunity for all. Now more than ever we should make standing for the voiceless a priority in our country and community. We should be an advocate for all people who face injustices...

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Creating new Cherokee speakers

The Cherokee language is one of the most vital elements of our tribal culture. We have invested in preservation efforts and youth education endeavors, including the Cherokee Immersion School, which is a renowned global example for developing youth speakers. Today, there are an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 fluent Cherokee speakers, and many others who are conversational second-language learners of Cherokee. While we have elders who are fluent and...

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Providing Cherokee elders day trip opportunity

It’s not often that we can provide Cherokee Nation citizens free field trips, one that includes a lunch, an education in tribal history and a tour of the modern Cherokee Nation complex. We have started a new program with our 14 senior nutrition sites. Recently, we hosted the first group of about 30 Cherokee elders from senior nutrition sites in Marble City, Muldrow and Sallisaw and the response was great. Our elders are so important to our tribe and culture. They are the anchors of our families and the keepers of our culture, traditions and values....

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