Guest Opinion. The Cherokee Nation is large and growing, with more than 460,000 citizens, making us the largest tribe in America. The hundreds of thousands of Cherokees of all ages deserve world-class facilities that serve our health, education, safety, and community life and culture. That’s why we’ve made the largest single capital investment in our history, with nearly $1.2 billion allocated to more than 60 construction projects.
These investments reach every corner of the 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Nation Reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. Projects range from community centers to healthcare facilities and from Head Start centers to an expanded headquarters complex. Altogether, they exemplify Deputy Chief Bryan Warner’s dedication and my dedication to building a stronger, more accessible Cherokee Nation.
I am especially proud of our investments in rural communities across the reservation. Places like Marble City and Kenwood have often been forgotten, but they are essential centers where the Cherokee language flourishes and so many families live by core Cherokee values.
It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about providing our citizens with the means to thrive in their hometowns. State of the art Head Start Facilities in Kenwoodwith heated floors for younger students, while Edna Holland Wellbeing Center in Stilwell With its covered walking trail, we are creating spaces that promote a sense of belonging and pride.
Comprehensive investments showcase our holistic approach: $551.1 million in health; US$194.4 million in education; US$124.2 million in government infrastructure; US$83.4 million in welfare; $76.5 million in human services; US$67.8 million in community projects; US$63.2 million in language initiatives; $10 million in career services; US$3.1 million in infrastructure; and $2.7 million in law enforcement.
These numbers are not just numbers; they represent our commitment to improving all aspects of the lives of our Cherokee people.
One of the pillars of this transformation is our new hospital in Tahlequahwhich is under construction now, and the next clinic in Salina. Both new locations will provide crucial healthcare services and allow citizens to be closer to home and family when they need care.
We are also adding a public security building, a 61,500 square foot center for our emergency operations. The facility will house more than 90 employees and include a training center for first responders who help keep our communities safe.
Our capital investments also grow the local economy and provide excellent job opportunities for our citizens. Even when we demolish outdated structures such as the old hotel on the WW Keeler Tribal CampusWe are making room for modern facilities that will better serve future generations.
The Cherokee Nation is the leader of Indian Country and the best model in Oklahoma for how a government can uplift its citizens. We are not just building physical structures, but creating a connected and empowered citizenry. Our vision is clear: to create an environment where Cherokee citizens can live, work, play and thrive across our reservation for generations to come.
Chuck Hoskin Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
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