Electronic health records make Cherokee Nation health care easier, more seamless

With today’s modern technologies, it seems almost everything can be done online. Now, count your Cherokee Nation health care among those things done with greater ease, thanks to technology.

Transitioning Cherokee Nation data into the modern era is critical for the tribe to be proficient in providing critical services to our citizens. That’s why we’ve made recent digital upgrades a critical priority.

The Cherokee Nation health system, the largest tribally operated health system in the United States with more than 1 million patient visits annually, recently embarked upon an effort to upgrade to electronic health records. This moves our eight health centers and W. W. Hastings Hospital into a new era of ease and efficiency.

The transition from the old system to the new system requires some patience. Change and modernization are not always easy, but in the end we will be more efficient and effective with the delivery of health care. To me, that is one of the most important things we can do.

Once fully transitioned, this will allow patients to access medical records from their computers or even their smartphones. That means faster and more complete access to test results, diagnostic records and treatment history. This makes it easier for patients to actively participate in their health care by creating more direct engagement and better coordination with their caregivers.

Cherokee Nation health centers will soon have portals for self check-in and patients will be able to schedule appointments and view their records online. Patients will also be able to use the system to renew prescriptions, view X-rays, check medical records, review visit summaries and read instructions from doctors.

This is revolutionary compared to the old system. It also empowers our citizens to be more in control of their health care by having direct access to their own medical data.

Health care customer service for our Cherokee people has been stuck in a bygone era, making it hard for patients and health care providers to communicate and share information. This new system conforms to today’s modern, electronic world.

Currently, half of Cherokee Nation’s patient health records are paper and half are electronic, and many patients have multiple charts at multiple Cherokee Nation health centers. That made it difficult to access all of a patient’s files quickly or even to share information between health professionals.

The new electronic health record system creates one universal chart number for each patient, easily shared not just within our health system, but also with outside hospitals for contract health services.

Lab work and radiology results will post electronically as soon as they’re available. Ultimately, doctors will have more accurate data at their fingertips, which means making better decisions for overall patient health care.

We are excited about these changes and hope you, our citizens, are too. Even though culture and tradition are the foundation of our tribe, it is extremely important for us to use technology to bring our people together and to make our services more efficient and convenient.

I look forward to this new system making health care in the Cherokee Nation more navigable, more pleasant and more efficient.

Wado.

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2015 Cherokee State of the Nation Speech

          It is my honor and privilege to stand before you, the Cherokee people, on this beautiful September day.  Joining me today, as they do at every important occasion, is my beloved family. My rock and the first lady of the Cherokee Nation, Sherry Baker. My mother and my inspiration, Dr. Isabel Baker.  My children and their spouses, who’ve supported me in all that I do.  My grandchildren who are the light of my life. My brothers, who’ve been my strongest allies, and my many nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins and a host of family and friends who enrich my life daily.

          Four years ago, our nation was divided. Passion was running high and tensions were flaring on all sides. When the dust finally settled and I was declared the rightful winner as your Principal Chief, I was faced with the daunting task of unifying our nation. I knew the survival of our nation depended on it. I also knew our success would not be based on words, but on actions. So we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, figuring out the best way to provide homes, health and more importantly, hope to our people.

Now, four years later, it is with great pleasure that I announce our actions have spoken for themselves. Not only is the State of our Nation, strong; but it is stronger today than ever before. 

The success we have achieved over the past four years is extraordinary.  I promised 4 years ago to make health care a priority, and I delivered on that promise by investing $100 million dollars of casino profits to better the health and lives of the Cherokee people.  We have successfully completed the expansion and construction of health clinics in Ochelata and Sallisaw.  We will soon open health centers in Jay and Stilwell and begin a major expansion at W.W. Hastings Hospital. 

The Cherokee Nation was one of only seven tribes in the United States to be awarded a joint venture with Indian Health Service. That partnership allows us to make vast improvements and additions at the W.W. Hastings Hospital. When completed, this addition will be almost 470,000 square feet of new space, more than tripling the size of the present facility. And it will contain state of the art medical equipment. We expect IHS to provide upwards of $60 million dollars every year for decades to help staff and operate this new world-class facility. 

The Joint Venture has set us on a path to advance health care for our citizens for generations to come.  This achievement wasn’t by chance, and we didn’t luck into this project. These major accomplishments in our health care system occurred because we have Cherokee people who truly care about the future of our people playing important roles in our administration. 

This new facility will become a bustling hub of training and research, as we partner with OSU to establish a medical school here. This new Cherokee Nation – OSU Medical campus will train and educate Cherokees to become health care providers for other Cherokees.  

These advancements in the Cherokee Nation health care system happened because four years ago this administration had a vision.  The vision became a plan and the plan became a reality.  The past four years have clearly shown this is not an administration that just makes promises; this is an administration that delivers results.

          Four years ago, I also promised more jobs to our people, and through planning and smart decision making, we’ve achieved that goal as well. More Cherokees than ever before are working for our Nation. But economic prosperity doesn’t just mean the Cherokee Nation is employing more Cherokees, it also means we are creating economic opportunities outside the Cherokee Nation through partnerships. This past year we helped lure a massive Macy’s fulfillment center to northeastern Oklahoma. We promised to help build roads and infrastructure, but we also pledged our help in find thousands of hard workers to fill those jobs. I’m extremely proud to say that our career services department is hosting job fairs for Macy’s and hundreds of those jobs will be filled by Cherokee citizens.

          Folks, this is huge.  Partnerships translate to real dollars in the pockets of real people like you and me. We’re also turning dirt and bringing more big plans to reality in Tahlequah. We announced last year that we were developing Cherokee Springs Plaza, a development that will bring dining, retail and more jobs to Cherokee County. If you’ve driven past the site, you’ve noticed the dirt work.

I’m proud to say that our first partners will include a new and larger Stuteville Ford dealership and a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. Tahlequah has long been ripe to attract name brand restaurants and businesses, and this is just the start. Our economic development team is working hard to show the world what a hidden gem Tahlequah is, with its hard working people, limitless outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. We look forward to attracting more diverse retail, dining and entertainment businesses to this area. I can’t wait to share that with you as more milestones are reached.

This past year the protection and expansion of our sovereignty has been unprecedented.  One of the ways we have advanced sovereignty is by reaffirming our hunting and fishing rights, established by tradition and guaranteed to us by treaty. Although our treaties with the United States reaffirm these rights, these rights have been ignored.  

I’m proud to say that our rights to hunt and fish where we please not only in the Cherokee Nation, but in all of Oklahoma are no longer ignored, but are now recognized.   

This year we reached an agreement with the State that not only acknowledges our hunting and fishing rights inside our jurisdiction, but expands those rights throughout all of Oklahoma. 

Now any Cherokee citizen over the age of 16 living in Oklahoma can exercise their time-honored right to hunt and fish in all 77 counties of the state.  Cherokees can trophy fish in Broken Bow or hunt for pheasant in western Oklahoma without fear of prosecution or harassment. And because we are good stewards of our resources, the agreement also helps us preserve wildlife habitat statewide.

The Cherokee Nation is stronger because of this agreement.  This agreement is the first of its kind and is already becoming a model for all of Indian Country.

          I am blessed and honored to serve a second term as your Principal Chief. At the end of my term of office what will I say that we have accomplished?  Will we be able to say that we dramatically improved the health care of our people?  Yes.  Will we be able to say that we have put hundreds of Cherokees in homes that would not have otherwise achieved homeownership?  Yes.  Will we be able to say the Cherokee Nation is stronger than it has ever been in its history?  Yes. But what will endure? What will be our legacy?

As Principal Chief, I work every day to address the needs of Cherokee Nation citizens. And to me, that also means protecting and preserving this place we call home.

Cherokees have long considered the impact of our actions on generations to come - a philosophy grounded in responsibility and sustainability.

Our elders teach us about our connection to the plants and animals, and to all the natural elements - the water, fire, air, and earth. We aren’t only stewards of these resources today, but we have an obligation to protect them for the next seven generations of Cherokees.

It’s not always easy to do the right thing.  We know that many people and companies prefer profit at the expense of future generations. But that is not the Cherokee way.

I will not leave the problems of today to our children and their children. I will not sit back and wait for others to come up with solutions to our environmental challenges. I will protect our natural resources and I am prepared to tackle these challenges head-on. Every decision made at the Cherokee Nation needs to start by asking: How will this action affect our natural resources and our future generations? Is what we are doing sustainable for the future? Are we depleting resources that we cannot replace? Are there better options than the ones we’re considering?

Like our other accomplishments, this effort will not happen by chance, or by luck.  We have a vision to better protect our environment and natural resources and we must take action to ensure we reach our goals. 

As I have said before, this administration does not just make empty promises; this is an administration whose actions match its words. That is why I am announcing today the nomination of a Secretary of Natural Resources, and respectfully urge the Tribal Council to swiftly confirm my nominee.

This is a cabinet position originally established by the 1999 Constitutional Convention, yet has never been filled. Our natural and environmental resources are much too valuable and far too culturally significant to ignore any longer and let this role go unfilled.

The Secretary of Natural Resources will work at the highest level of my administration assuring that we are protecting and preserving our natural resources and environment.  I am also sending the Tribal Council a comprehensive Environmental Code that I urge you to pass. Working together, we will develop laws that will enhance the sustainability of our land, water and air for generations to come. 

The Cherokee people deserve clean drinking water that is plentiful. Fresh air that is abundant. And a healthy environment to live, work and play.

Preservation of these assets is necessary to build a foundation for our environmental sustainability and our long-term health. Every acre of land we gain and every stream we successfully manage are victories for the Cherokee people. 

The Secretary of Natural Resources will not only work to preserve our natural resources, but to maximize them for our economic benefit and longevity.

As I said during my inauguration address, we are embarking on a new “Golden Age”.  This “Golden Age” envisions a stronger economy where more Cherokees are healthy, live in good homes, and earn good wages at quality jobs. 

But most importantly, this “Golden Age” will create a sound and sustainable path for generations to come. 

At the end of my term of office, I want to report that our natural resources are better protected and that our environment is safe and preserved for future generations. 

With God’s grace, and your help, I know we can get there.  God bless each and every one of you and God bless the Cherokee Nation.

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Historic Cherokee council meeting held at Red Clay, TN; first gathering since 1838

History was made on Aug. 28 as elected leaders of the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians gathered for a joint council meeting at Red Clay State Park, Tennessee, a place long revered by our Cherokee people as sacred ground.

It's the first time all three Cherokee tribes have gathered at Red Clay in generations. The last meeting there was to make important decisions for the Cherokee people as the tribe was facing forced removal to Indian Territory in 1838. This tri-council meeting was an unprecedented event, and I was honored to participate as we again came together as one people, from one fire.

The date of the gathering was also significant as it marked the 177th anniversary of the departure of the first detachment of Cherokees who were forced to leave our homelands in the east for modern-day Oklahoma. Red Clay was the Cherokee capital when the removal polices of the federal government were officially enacted and our people began that long and painful trek.

The history of Red Clay is an interesting one. Previously, our capital had been New Echota, Georgia, but sadly the state began passing legislation in 1829 that extended its state laws and jurisdiction over Cherokee territory. These laws, often called the Georgia Harassment Laws, terrorized and displaced many Cherokee families residing in the state. Additionally, Georgia prohibited the Cherokee government and Cherokee courts from functioning. It was an attempt to keep our tribal council from planning, making decisions or protesting federal Indian policies.

To combat this, the Cherokee capital was moved just north of the Georgia state line into Tennessee. There were 11 separate council meetings held here between 1832 and 1837. It was also at Red Clay when the Cherokee people first learned about the Treaty of New Echota, and later, where Principal Chief John Ross made the announcement that the Cherokee people would be removed. Prior to removal, the Cherokee Nation encompassed all or parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Today, Red Clay is a Tennessee state park and a place for remembrance and respect. Seeing the grounds filled with modern leaders from our respective sovereign governments was moving and a memory I will cherish forever. During the meeting, we came together as brothers and sisters and discussed the issues of the day and shared the successes of our people. Although we discussed the issues of today, the fact we were sitting in council at our ancient home, a place where our ancestors made life-altering decisions that shaped our tribe forever, was never far from anyone’s mind.

I can only admire what our ancestors did and the way they kept the Cherokee people alive. The leaders who met at Red Clay ensured we would survive by any means necessary. The burden of leadership in those dark days of our past was immense. They were true Cherokee patriots and statesmen and will be honored for all time.

I want to thank the Eastern Band of Cherokees for being such gracious hosts, and I encourage each of you to visit our ancient homelands if the opportunity arises.

Wado.

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Cherokee National Holiday opportunity for reunion and celebration

This Labor Day weekend, we are planning for another record crowd at the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah. More than 100,000 visitors are again expected to visit the Cherokee capital city for the 63^rd installment of our annual homecoming. We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends for the celebration of Cherokee history, heritage and hospitality.

The first Cherokee National Holiday was held in 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. Every year we gather to honor that event, reaffirm our tribal pride, and reconnect with our fellow Cherokees. As always, a vast array of entertainment and cultural and athletic events are being planned for participants.

This year’s “reunion” theme is one that resonates with all of us. This holiday celebration is a time set aside for family, friends and fellowship. Our reunion will be made up of everything from intimate family gatherings, large-scale activities and cultural ceremonies. This year’s reunion theme is also a reference to the bison herd that has returned to Cherokee Nation soil for the first time in 40 years. Bison are part of our pre-removal history and culture, and they are symbols of our great country. They represent freedom, strength and resiliency—some of the very same traits we identify in ourselves as Cherokee people.

As we come together this year, we celebrate the accomplishments of our tribal government, our people and our bright future. The progress we have made just since our last Cherokee National Holiday is amazing, and I am confident we will build on that momentum in the coming year.

Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and I are humbled and honored to be serving the Cherokee people for another four years. Recently, we took the oath of office for our respective roles. Our administration operates with a simple goal: make the lives of Cherokee citizens better today, tomorrow and for the next seven generations.

I believe our future is brighter than ever. Putting the people first and emphasizing the things that make healthy and strong families are critical for our long-term success. We have more Cherokee Nation citizens working for the tribe and our businesses than ever before. More Cherokees have received academic scholarships than at any time in our history, and we have built more homes for Cherokees in the past year than we did in the 10 years prior.

That’s why when I look around the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation, I realize that we are truly blessed, and we look forward to sharing that bounty with all of our guests during the Labor Day weekend. We assure you that Cherokee National Holiday has something of interest for everyone. From traditional foods, music and storytelling to competitive traditional games, like Cherokee marbles and stickball, there is an abundance of culture sharing. History enthusiasts can explore our local tribal museums, which highlight different aspects of Cherokee history and heritage. Additionally, a car show is planned, as well as a fishing derby for kids and a softball tournament for men and women. Of course, one of the biggest attractions every year is the celebrated intertribal powwow, recognized as one of the biggest and best in the United States.

Cherokee National Holiday will be held Sept. 4-6 and is guaranteed to be a festive celebration that covers the spectrum of Cherokee life—from our traditional roots to our progressive values of family and community. It’s an opportunity to make memories you and your family can cherish for a lifetime.

We hope to see all of you there.

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New initiative provides free Cherokee Phoenix newspaper subscription to tribal citizens

Informing and educating our citizens about the Cherokee Nation government is crucial to remaining vigilant in our mission to serve the Cherokee people. Open and transparent communication allows Cherokee Nation citizens their inherent right to a government they can monitor and closely follow. To fulfill this mission we have launched an exciting new project, the Citizens’ Access to Transparency initiative.

Today, the Cherokee Nation population is close to 320,000 citizens, making us the largest tribe in the United States. However, many of the addresses on file are no longer valid due to citizens moving and not updating their contact information. 

Beginning this week, Cherokee Nation citizens with an updated address on file with the tribe’s registration department will receive a free, one-year subscription to the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper.

This will provide tribal citizens with even more access to our government through the news source many follow closely, the Cherokee Phoenix.  The Cherokee Nation has long been a leader in tribal government transparency, and this is one more way we are working to increase that transparency.

The Cherokee Phoenix is an independent media source whose mission is to inform and educate readers about important local, state and national issues that may affect the tribe and our citizens. It contains information on tribal programs and events, but more than that, it brings the Cherokee people news about people they know, their families and their communities. In print since 1828, the paper has a legacy of providing an unbiased perspective about the Cherokee Nation and that is what we want to share with our citizens with this free subscription. The Cherokee Phoenix is published the first of each month and will be mailed directly to each tribal household.

Maintaining a current address with the Cherokee Nation registration office will not only ensure your household receives the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper, but other important news about tribal services and programs. From time to time we will share additional tribal publications such as annual reports and Anadisgoi, an informative, quarterly magazine created by our communications department.

Additionally, as new tribal services roll out like our statewide hunting and fishing licenses, which are set to be mailed in January, an updated address helps ensure Cherokee Nation citizens receive that information on time.   

I encourage all Cherokee Nation citizens to take just a few minutes to update their addresses and ensure our registration office has correct contact information. Please visit www.cherokee.org and click on “services,” then “tribal citizenship,” then “update information” to print, fill the form out and return via mail, fax or email.

I am proud to offer this service and believe the Citizens’ Access to Transparency initiative improves our capacity to communicate more openly and transparently with our citizens.

Wado.

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Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In set for Aug. 15

A fly-in at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is set for Aug. 15, the 80th anniversary of the “crash heard around the world,” when both Will Rogers and Wiley Post died in an Alaska plane crash in 1935. Cherokee Nation Businesses is sponsoring the event.

That day and the lives of Rogers and Post are remembered each year on the Oologah ranch where Will Rogers was born. Usually a Sunday event, it was changed to Saturday to reflect the anniversary of the deaths.

Born in Oolagah, Indian Territory, on Nov. 4, 1879, William Penn Adair Rogers was son to a prominent Cherokee senator, judge and cattleman.

Airports across the country have been invited to join in a special moment of remembrance at 10 a.m. CST at their respective airports to honor those who have lost their lives in small aircraft accidents.

At that same time, a short program at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch airstrip will pay tribute to the lives of Rogers and Post.

RSU Radio will live stream the tribute on 91.3 FM and on their website www.rsuradio.com.

The popular duo of Lester Lurk and Joe Bacon, aka “Will and Wiley,” will land about 9 a.m.

The fly-in provides an opportunity for the public to get a close-up look at airplanes and meet the pilots. 

Storyteller Robert Lewis also will be sharing traditional Cherokee stories. There will be antique cars, inflatables and games for children and food concessions. Ample parking is provided with rides to the viewing area.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, visit www.willrogers.com.

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Cherokee Nation Inauguration Day: a celebration of our people and our future

Osiyo.

It is a time for us all to come together as one nation and move forward collectively to a bright future. Thank you to all Cherokee tribal voters for letting your voices be heard during our recent elections. Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and I deeply appreciate the Cherokee people for placing their faith in our leadership. We appreciate the support and faith in a vision that creates a better quality of life for our citizens and our state. 

During our first term, we started building Cherokee homes again, Cherokee Nation Businesses earned record profits, and we invested more than $100 million of casino profits into the expansion of a world-class health care system.  We’ve done a lot of positive things for our children to grow healthy, for our elders and women to feel protected, and for our families to flourish with access to education and careers.  

But we have an historic opportunity to accomplish more for our people and our Nation. We can assist our elders and we can inspire more children to pursue their education, we can help create more quality jobs, and we can help our Cherokee people raise strong families.

We look forward to continuing our work to create the best future for the Cherokee Nation.   

I respectfully ask that all Cherokees join us for a celebration of our culture, our strong government and democracy. Please join us for the Cherokee Nation official inauguration on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. The inauguration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Sequoyah High School’s The Place Where They Play, followed by a traditional meal. 

Also being sworn in are Cherokee Nation Tribal Council members Buel Anglen,  Keith Austin, Shawn Crittenden, Wanda Claphan Hatfield, Rex Jordan, Dick Lay, David Walkingstick and Bryan Warner.

Each of us has been given profound responsibility, bestowed upon us by the Cherokee people, and we are all deeply honored by your faith and trust. 

I'm deeply blessed and honored to be the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. I ask that all who can attend the inauguration ceremony do, and all who cannot to pray for the Deputy Chief, our Council, our tribe and me as we move forward.

I promise to keep fighting for our people, developing programs that grow healthy and successful families and enable our tribal nation to flourish. I know that with the help of this Tribal Council, we will make Cherokee Nation a better government for the people.

Today, we live in challenging times, but we also live in an era of emerging technologies and considerable opportunities.  We stand at the beginning of a new era of possibility and security for the Cherokee people.

Our vibrant culture and heritage and our record investments in health care and education have created a foundation for our economic success. That success will serve the Cherokee people and help create a thriving future for the next seven generations of Cherokees. That’s our fundamental mission.

During these next four years, I believe you're going to see tremendous positive changes for the Cherokee Nation—better than anything you've seen before. I give you my solemn oath that I will continue to work every minute of every day to make our Nation as great as it can be.

Wado.

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