Self-governance compact first of its kind

between tribe, U.S. government

A historic self-governance compact signed with the U.S. Department of Transportation is the first of its kind between a tribe and the federal government. The compact allows the Cherokee Nation to plan and oversee road construction and transit projects without first seeking permission from the federal government. “Signing this compact with the USDOT will mean more and better investments in terms of travel and infrastructure in the Cherokee Nation to the benefit of thousands of citizens,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “The agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation is just the latest example of how Cherokee Nation’s sovereignty brings great benefits for everyone living within our reservation, including our non-Cherokee neighbors. We are building up northeast Oklahoma and investing in rural communities that have had few other sources of support. Cherokee Nation’s forward-thinking policies, backed by our sovereign rights and strong relationship with federal partners, ensure that the future of Cherokee Nation and northeast Oklahoma is bright.”

Patient experience team focuses on helping citizens navigate tribal health system

The Cherokee Nation is utilizing a new “Patient Experience” team to help citizens better navigate the tribe’s expansive health system, which is the largest tribal health care system in the United States. Although the new positions serve the needs of all patients, one goal of the new program is to improve access to health care for at-large Cherokees living outside the reservation, which includes around 300,000 Cherokees. For more information on Cherokee Nation Health Services, visit health.cherokee.org.