Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States, with over 450,000 citizens globally and extensive services in northeastern Oklahoma, including health care, education, and economic development.
About the Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States, encompassing over 450,000 tribal citizens globally. Of these, more than 141,000 reside within the reservation boundaries in northeastern Oklahoma. The tribe's mission focuses on protecting inherent sovereignty, preserving and promoting Cherokee culture, language, and values, and enhancing the quality of life for future generations. The Cherokee Nation had an economic impact of over $2.16 billion on the Oklahoma economy in fiscal year 2018 and employs approximately 11,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
Services Provided by the Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation offers a broad array of services to its citizens, including health and human services, education, employment, housing, economic and infrastructure development, and environmental protection. It operates various departments such as Career Services, Child Care and Development, Child Support, Commerce Services, Communications, Community & Cultural Outreach, Education Services, Emergency Management, Health Services, Housing Authority, Human Services, Indian Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Language Department, Marshal Service, Office of Veteran Affairs, Real Estate Services, Tag Office, Tribal Registration, and Wildlife Conservation.
Cherokee Nation Health Services
Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) is the largest tribally-operated health care system in the United States. The system includes a hospital and nine health centers offering optometry, audiology, physical rehabilitation, behavioral health, radiology, lab services, pharmacy, primary care, and dental care. Recently, in October 2019, the Cherokee Nation opened a four-story, 469,000 square-foot outpatient health center on the Tahlequah campus. Additionally, the W.W. Hastings Hospital, a 60-bed facility, was taken over by the tribe on October 1, 2008. A new state-of-the-art hospital on the Tahlequah campus is currently under construction, funded by $400 million legislation signed in December 2020.
Educational and Cultural Initiatives
The Cherokee Nation is committed to preserving its culture and supporting education. One of its notable initiatives is the annual Remember the Removal Bike Ride, which retraces 950 miles of the northern route of the Trail of Tears. Additionally, the Cherokee Nation distributed a record $7.9 million to 107 school districts as part of its Public School Appreciation Day initiative. The Cherokee Nation operates the Cherokee Arts Center, providing a place for artists to meet, share knowledge, and learn new techniques. The tribe also offers products through the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop, including fine art, books, music, and gifts.
Economic Development and Employment Programs
The Cherokee Nation actively supports economic development and offers extensive employment programs. The Career Services department provides employment training opportunities and job assistance through programs like TERO, Summer Youth Employment Program, Job Corps, Adult Education Program, vocational training, and Reentry Program. These initiatives enhance the employment prospects of tribal citizens, aiming to improve their quality of life and foster economic stability within the Cherokee Nation.