TULSA, OK – The Cherokee Nation officially opened the North Tulsa Community Center, providing a dedicated space for Cherokee citizens to gather, share Cherokee culture and resources. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and tribal leaders joined Cherokee citizens of the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization (NTCCO) to celebrate the completion of the $2.2 million facility.
The 10-acre property, formerly Greater Sunrise Baptist Church, was purchased by Cherokee Nation in February 2024 and has undergone extensive renovations to serve the community.
“This is a new chapter of the Cherokee Nation’s development in North Tulsa, certainly not the last chapter,” said Chief Hoskin. “This North Tulsa Community Center demonstrates that when there is a need in the Cherokee Nation, we will do our best to meet it. Together, with the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization we have gotten a lot accomplished.”
The center features a full kitchen that will operate as an Elder Nutrition site five days a week, along with meeting spaces, community rooms, and future outdoor amenities including a micro-park, outdoor pavilion, and restrooms. The facility is also equipped with a backup generator for emergency management purposes.
Cherokee community gathering spaces are an important part of Cherokee culture, said Deputy Chief Warner.
“This new building provides the North Tulsa Community a space for community projects, dinners and to share their Cherokee culture and that is so important for our tribal communities,” said Deputy Chief Warner.
The North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, formed in 2020, previously met at the Tulsa Dream Center and will now operate from the new facility, working alongside the tribe to bring additional Cherokee Nation services to North Tulsa residents. The center will host monthly meetings, serve meals, provide fellowship opportunities, and serve as a hub for Cherokee citizens in the greater Tulsa area.
“When I came into office in 2019, we realized we needed more services in the area,” said District 13 Councilor Joe Deere. “Since then, we’ve worked closely with Chief Hoskin and the community to serve this area.”
“There is an excitement in the air that you can feel in North Tulsa,” said District 5 Dr. Ashley Grant. “I know NTCCO will be a great hub for Cherokees in this community.”
The opening continues Cherokee Nation’s commitment to supporting community organizations across its reservation. The tribe currently operates 32 community buildings, with several more under construction or renovation.
In 2019, Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner and the Council passed the Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act (HJSCA), extending the law and making it permanent last year. Although primarily focused on housing, HJSCA also provides millions of dollars annually for capital and operational support to participating community organizations. Cherokee Nation also invested a substantial amount of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the organizations under the tribe’s Respond, Recover and Rebuild Plan.
“I want to thank Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner along with the Council who made this happen,” said Waynetta Lawrie, NTCCO President. “We have a home now and this place will help us share our Cherokee culture.”
