The Cherokee Nation announced significant investments in health and housing initiatives during the State of the Nation address delivered by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. on August 30, 2023. As part of the tribe’s ongoing commitment to community welfare, $30 million has been pledged for affordable housing, community spaces, and public safety measures. Additionally, a groundbreaking $244 million outpatient and emergency health center is set to be established in Claremore.
In his address, Chief Hoskin emphasized the importance of unity within the tribe amid a “season of American division.” He called for substantial investments in health and wellness programs, affordable housing, and job training to address the challenges faced by many rural tribal communities.
The Chief proposed increasing funding to the Public Health and Wellness Fund (PHWFA), originally established under the 2021 Public Health and Wellness Fund Act. This fund allocates 7% of the tribe’s third-party health care revenue to support wellness and behavioral health initiatives. Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner suggested raising this earmark to 10% to further enhance health services.
“We do not intend to fail. We intend to take action,” Chief Hoskin stated, underlining the tribe’s commitment to long-term investment strategies. He noted the tribe’s health system has seen significant improvements, with a reported 330% increase in behavioral health services since he and Warner took office in 2019.
Among the capital projects announced was the Claremore Emergency and Outpatient Center, for which $11 million will be immediately invested. Chief Hoskin affirmed that this facility will commence operations on October 1, and plans are underway for seamless obstetric care in partnership with a local provider.
The Chief further revealed plans for the tribe’s first drug treatment facility for adults, set to open in Tahlequah in 2026. In the coming year, he and Deputy Chief Warner will propose an outpatient drug treatment center in Vinita and outline designs for residential recovery centers across the reservation.
In a nod to cultural heritage, Chief Hoskin announced revitalization efforts for the Cherokee Heritage Center, which had been closed since 2020. A proposal to construct a new $50 million center is in the works, aiming to enhance the tribe’s cultural and historical initiatives.
Since taking office, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner have completed over 4,000 housing rehabilitation and construction projects, with plans for five new housing additions. These efforts stem from the Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act they signed upon entering office.
Additional initiatives mentioned during the address included the establishment of a historic cemeteries act, the creation of a Cherokee National Trail System, and a commission for the repatriation of tribal historic artifacts. The Chief also announced the appointment of former Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh as Special Envoy to the U.S. Department of Justice, alongside the nomination of Acting Marshal Daniel Mead for confirmation as full Marshal.
While addressing the financial landscape, Chief Hoskin highlighted the tribe’s loss of $26 million in federal funds, with a potential additional loss of $20 million due to proposed federal budget cuts. He urged the tribe to remain proactive, stating, “The Cherokee people expect the leaders of this government to roll up our sleeves, maintain our priorities and hold the federal government accountable.”
The State of the Nation ceremony also included remarks from Deputy Chief Warner, Attorney General Chad Harsha, Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, and Acting Speaker of the Council Kevin Easley Jr.. Deputy Chief Warner articulated the tribe’s core values, emphasizing the importance of service and community in sustaining the Cherokee spirit.
The annual Cherokee National Holiday, which features a parade and intertribal powwow, took place in Tahlequah from August 29 to 31, showcasing the tribe’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. A full transcript of Chief Hoskin’s State of the Nation address is available on the Cherokee Nation’s official channels.
