TAHLEQUAH, OK – Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. delivered his seventh State of the Nation address on Aug. 30 during the 73rd annual Cherokee National Holiday, emphasizing major investments in health, wellness, housing, and community development.
Calling this a “season of American division,” Hoskin praised the tribe’s unity and urged increased funding for the Public Health and Wellness Fund, originally established in 2021. He and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner proposed raising its share of third-party healthcare revenue from 7% to 10%, which would help fund wellness centers, behavioral health services, and drug treatment facilities. Hoskin committed to using this increase, along with existing surpluses, to invest $30 million over three years in affordable housing, community buildings, recreation spaces, and public safety.
Hoskin highlighted progress in the tribe’s healthcare system since 2019, noting a 330% increase in behavioral health services and ongoing capital projects totaling more than $1 billion. He announced a $244 million outpatient and emergency center in Claremore, slated for completion before his term ends in 2027, along with an immediate $11 million investment in the existing facility and a new agreement with a local provider to ensure seamless obstetric care.
The tribe’s first adult drug treatment facility will open in Tahlequah in 2026, with an outpatient center planned for Vinita and residential recovery center designs to be unveiled in the coming year. Cultural initiatives include a new $50 million Cherokee Heritage Center to replace the site closed since 2020. Hoskin also cited more than 4,000 housing rehabilitation and construction projects since 2019, with five new housing additions planned. Additional proposals include a historic cemeteries act, creation of a Cherokee National Trail System, and a commission for repatriating artifacts and remains.
Public safety measures featured the appointment of former Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh as Special Envoy to the U.S. Department of Justice and Senior Advisor for Public Safety, along with Hoskin’s intent to nominate Acting Marshal Daniel Mead for confirmation.
Acknowledging the loss of $26 million in federal funding, the potential loss of $20 million more, and the threat of broader budget cuts, Hoskin urged action over resignation: “We can throw up our hands or we can roll up our sleeves. The Cherokee people expect leaders to maintain our priorities and hold the federal government accountable.”
The ceremony also included remarks from Deputy Chief Warner, who emphasized Cherokee values of service and community, as well as Attorney General Chad Harsha, Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, and Acting Speaker Kevin Easley Jr. Holiday activities ran Aug. 29–31, featuring a downtown parade, community events, and a two-night intertribal powwow.
