Latest news with #ChuckHoskinJr
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
CN task force studies impact of slavery
An examination of slavery and the impact on the economy of the Cherokee Nation is the focus of a task force until February 2026. "We celebrated Juneteenth [and] in the Cherokee Nation we created a task force," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "We are going to examine more closely the impact from an economic standpoint; more precisely the use of slaves to construct public buildings across the Cherokee Nation." Hoskin said at the June 14 Tribal Council meeting that this needs to be confronted, to learn the facts, and acknowledge this happened. "We need to measure to the degree we can what happened, so we have the full picture of that part of our history," Hoskin said. "And I think we will be better for it, just as we've been better for having examined other aspects of our history with slavery." Over the course of several months, concluding in February 2026, a task force will look at the issue, and even at the museum to ensure the whole of the story is being told, Hoskin said. "And I think telling the whole of the story is a very important thing to do," Hoskin said. On July 12, a celebration of the "Act of Union" was held, Hoskin said. "We focus a lot, as we should, on the annual Cherokee National Hospital, which memorializes the 1839 Constitution," Hoskin said. More emphasis has been added over the years on the Act of Union, and Hoskin said the ancestors this time of the year in 1839 were facing difficulties with political and personal division, and the trauma suffered during the forced removal. "There were certainly lots of opportunities for our ancestors to give into those things that deeply divided them, divided them to the point there was political violence right here in this capitol area and other parts of the Cherokee Nation," Hoskin said. These ancestors chose a path of determining what was in the collective interest: a shared history and culture and a lot of present concerns that demanded all of the citizens' attention, Hoskin said. "They came together on July 12, in the form of that really important instrument, the Act of Union," Hoskin said. Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced the Cherokee Nation's intent to designate the Illinois Campground site where this pivotal document was signed on the tribe's Registry of Historic Places as the 17th site, as reported in an article titled, "Cherokee Nation Marks 186th Anniversary of Act of Union with Tribe's Historic Registry Designation," published in the Pryor Information Publication, July 14. "After we get the feedback from the Council and public, we will make that official designation," Hoskin said. "That site if you didn't know it, you wouldn't know it, you wouldn't see anything there that would signify what is, I think, one of the most important, if not most important, moments and places in the history of the Cherokee Nation." He said this would allow even more honor be given to the ancestors who participated in this historical moment. Five years ago, the news from the U.S. Supreme Court was the decision on McGirt v. Oklahoma. That was the most important case affecting the Nation for many generations, Hoskin said. "In fact, you would have to go to the era before our removal, to see a time in which the Supreme Court handed down a decision that was that monumental," Hoskin said. Hoskin said that since then, the Nation has been seizing opportunities that have come with the reaffirmation of the reservation, which was the following spring 2021, in which the Hogner case extended this ruling to the Cherokee Nation, further solidifying the impact of McGirt. Students in a new program through the Human Resources Department, the Cherokee Nation Internship Program, were recognized at the meeting, with students introducing themselves, announcing the department each is interning with and what college or university they are attending. In March 2024, Hoskin signed into policy the program to provide internship opportunities and tribal workforce experience for college students, as reported by a CN press release. Two veterans were honored with the Cherokee Warrior's Metal of Patriotism: Steven Leon Donnell and Stephanie Denise Caldwell. In a couple of motions to approve modifications to the budget, Tribal Councilor Candessa Tehee, District 2, declared, "by acclamation," after the motion was made, seconded and approved. "What that means is when there is a legislative act, we are supposed to do a roll call vote, but if we all vote together by acclamation, my understanding is we are all in agreement; therefore you don't have to do the roll call," Tehee said after the meeting. In the announcements, Tribal Councilor Codey Poindexter, District 8, said 20 speakers were lost last month, and in the Caddo Nation, the last speaker has died. "Out of deep respect and in recognition of a profound loss to our Nation, the Caddo Nation Tribal Administration Office will be closed on Tuesday, July 15, to honor the life and legacy of Edmond Johnson, our last fluent Caddo language speaker," stated a press release from the Caddo Nation. Johnson was a vital knowledge bearer of language language and a treasured elder, stated the release. "His passing marks an irreplaceable loss to our heritage, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who mourn with us," stated the release. What's next The next Tribal Council meeting is Aug. 11, 6 p.m., at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation hosts second annual Rare Disease Summit
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Rare diseases affect an estimated 1 in 10 Americans and consist of over 7,000 known conditions. These staggering figures prompted the Cherokee Nation to host its second Rare Disease Summit this week. The summit brought together health care professionals, medical specialists, and the community to better address the unique challenges facing tribal citizens with rare medical conditions. 'Cherokee Nation has always been committed to meeting the health care needs of our citizens, no matter how complex or challenging those needs may be.' Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. According to the National Institute of Health, any disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States is rare, and more than 90 percent lack FDA-approved treatments. 'Our second annual Rare Disease Summit demonstrates our unwavering dedication to ensuring that no Cherokee citizen faces a rare disease diagnosis alone,' Hoskin said. 'By bringing together leading medical experts, patients, families, and advocates, we're building a stronger support network and advancing care options that can make a real difference in people's lives.' He said that this summit represents the Cherokee values of working together and leaving no one behind. This year's summit featured expert speakers across multiple medical specialties, including neurology, rheumatology, optometry, infectious disease, and pediatrics. Attendees participated in an interactive question-and-answer panel and explored a resource fair designed to provide comprehensive information and support. Summit attendees also had the opportunity to take part in various breakout sessions throughout the day that covered the following topics: the Newborn and Rare Disease Screening Program; building partnerships to optimize Cystic Fibrosis care in children and adults; genetic testing for epilepsies; mental health in the perinatal period; rare genetic variants and their role in diabetes and vascular diseases; Pediatric Neurovascular Disease; Ehlers Danlos Syndrome; and Spina Bifida and Chiari. Cherokee Nation's health care system, the largest tribally operated health system in Indian Country, is committed to finding solutions and increasing resources for people with rare disease conditions by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and building a growing support network. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Boxy and rugged returns as Jeep starts teasing all-new Cherokee
Sixth generation moves the STLA platform with a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine options, but seemingly no longer with right-hand-drive. Spied undergoing testing for the first time two months ago, Jeep has disclosed the first official teaser image of the all-new Cherokee ahead of its global unveiling later this year. New everything Set to become the sixth generation, and the first completely new iteration since the infamously panned fifth generation KL went on-sale 11 years ago, the newcomer dispenses with its predecessor's controversial styling for a boxier look and borrowed styling elements from the new Compass. ALSO READ: Next Jeep Cherokee makes debut spy shot appearance More squared off than the KL that rode on the Fiat-developed Compact Wide LWB 4×4 platform, the new Cherokee will reportedly ride on parent company Stellantis' STLA Large foundation and, as confirmed by Jeep, offer fully electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine options. Cherokee it is At the same time, it retains the Cherokee name after a much publicised backlash four years ago by the Cherokee National tribal group over alleged racism against the name first used on the original in 1974. 'The best way to honour us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture and language and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognised tribes on cultural appropriateness,' head of the Cherokee Nationa, Chuck Hoskin, told Car and Driver at the time. The discontinued KL Cherokee received extensive backlash for not being a 'proper' Cherokee throughout its nine year production run. Image: Jeep In a statement shortly after, Jeep stated, 'Our vehicle names have been carefully chosen and nurtured over the years to honour and celebrate Native American people for their nobility, prowess and pride. 'We are, more than ever, committed to a respectful and open dialogue with Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr'. RHD off the table? Reportedly on track to be build at the Toluca Plant in Mexico instead of the Belvidere facility in Illinois where the final KL Cherokee departed from in 2023, the new Cherokee will enter production within the coming months and start arriving at dealership before the end of the year. According to a report by Australia's sales Down Under won't be taking place, suggesting right-hand-drive production has having been ruled-out entirely. The automaker's local arm did, however, approve the new Compass from 2026, which could also be the case for South Africa despite no official confirmation from Stellantis South Africa. As it stands, expect more teasers and an official date of reveal for the new Cherokee to emerge over the coming months. ALSO READ: Jeep boss confirms Cherokee's return in 2025 as a hybrid
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation opens new state-of-the-art Jay Head Start facility
JAY, Okla. — Cherokee Nation recently invested $6.5 million into the tribe's youngest citizens in Delaware County. The new state-of-the-art Jay Head Start Center was celebrated on May 22. The Cherokee Nation established its Head Start program in 1978, and has served more than 900 children. 'Not only does this program help kids, but I've also seen it help mothers who've reached for continuing education after seeing what these children need. The first Head Start in Jay was in an old American Legion building, so comparing that structure to this is unmeasurable.' District 10 Councilor Melvina Shotpouch The 9,300-square-foot facility includes office space, a conference room, two Head Start classrooms, a large outdoor playground, and an indoor gross motor room. The gross motor room serves as a shelter during inclement weather with a FEMA-rated tornado shelter. A rooftop garden is also featured in the project. 'Today, our Nation is celebrating a major investment into the future. The Council of the Cherokee Nation will always have the back of our children. We will continue to follow in the steps of our ancestors, who made major investments into education after removal.' Cherokee Nation Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh. 'Studies show that for every $1 invested in Head Start, we see as much as $9 in societal benefits,' said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. He said that an investment by the Cherokee Nation into early childhood education 'signals that our nation's best days are ahead of us, not behind us. ' The Verna D. Thompson Early Childhood Education Act provided funding for the Jay project. In 2024, Chief Hoskin reauthorized the Act with support from the Council of the Cherokee Nation. The legislation doubled the tribe's investment in Head Start construction from $40 million to $80 million to replace or rehabilitate all of the tribe's Head Start centers with new, state-of-the-art facilities. In November of 2024, the tribe celebrated its first project completion under the landmark legislation with the new Nowata Head Start building. Other Head Start facilities completed through the project will include Tahlequah, Stilwell (combining two facilities in the area), Salina, Pryor/MidAmerica Industrial Park, and Kenwood. The federal Head Start program was established in 1965 and is celebrating its 60th anniversary in May 2025. Head Start serves more than 40 million children and families across the U.S., and more than half of the Head Starts in the U.S. are located in rural communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation injects over $3.1 billion into Oklahoma economy
TULSA, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation pumped more than $281 million into the far corner of the state, in Craig, Delaware, and Ottawa counties. The Tribe released its annual report, which shows that it continually expands its economic footprint through employment, labor income, and production of goods and services, adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the Oklahoma economy. The Economic Impact Group, an Oklahoma City-based research team, said the tribe is also one of the largest producers, employers, income providers, and purchasers of regional production in northeast Oklahoma. The total economic output in Ottawa County is nearly $14.1 million, with 114 jobs and $11.4 million in labor income. Craig County's total economic impact is nearly $25.1 million, with 477 jobs, and nearly $23.3 million in labor income. Cherokee Nation's total economic output in Delaware County is nearly $242.2 million, with 1,082 jobs, and $54.7 million in labor income. 'Cherokee Nation's economic impact is more than dollars and data.' Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Hoskin said it reflects the Tribe's deep commitment to the prosperity of the Cherokee people and the communities we call home. During 2023, the fiscal year studied by the economists, the tribe continued its longtime support of increasing education in Oklahoma. The tribal government provided $17.5 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, ensured more than 1,300 Native Americans received vocational training and educational assistance, and provided $7.8 million in contributions of car tag revenues to public schools across northeast Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation also invested $7.4 million to build or expand its child development centers, provided food vouchers to over 10,000 children during summer, and distributed clothing to over 74,000 school-aged children. 'In addition to illustrating where our dollars go across the reservation and how those investments ripple through our communities, this report reminds us just how far each dollar reaches — creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building a better future for all,' said Hoskin. Cherokee Nation directly and indirectly supports more than 23,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits annually. The tribal government and its businesses purchase more than $536 million in goods and services from local vendors and small businesses in northeast Oklahoma. Economic Impact Group Report Cherokee Nation, the largest sovereign tribal government in the country, provides a wide range of services, including health care, career services, human services, education, and housing. 'Cherokee Nation's $3.1 billion impact is a direct reflection of their roots in northeastern Oklahoma, where they support local businesses through vendor purchases and local communities through grants and economic development partnerships, as well as provide local labor markets with a steady demand for workers,' said Russell Evans, founding partner of the Economic Impact Group. Cherokee Nation funds received through the American Rescue Relief Plan Act generated an additional $189 million impact in Oklahoma. These funds were issued directly to citizens needing hardship assistance or provided to significant programs, including housing construction, community grants, community buildings, employment and vocational training, cultural and language support, first responder efforts, and other priorities. Evans said the nation's strategic use of one-time federal recovery funds is designed to create an additional long-term impact on the region, ensuring even deeper roots and stronger connections for years to come. Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $1.2 billion to the tribe over the last decade, paid as a cash dividend supporting vital tribal services and programs. Additionally, gaming at Cherokee Nation casinos has resulted in the tribe paying the state more than $500 million in compact fees since 2005. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
