The Cherokee Nation is large and growing, America’s largest tribe with more than 460,000 residents. Hundreds of thousands of Cherokees of all ages need world-class facilities that serve their health, education, safety, community life and culture. That’s why we’ve allocated nearly $1.2 billion for more than 60 construction projects, making this the largest single capital investment in our history.
These investments reach every corner of the 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Reservation in northeast Oklahoma. Projects range from community centers to medical facilities, from Head Start centers to expanded headquarters facilities. They all demonstrate Deputy Chief Brian Warner and my dedication to building a stronger, more accessible Cherokee Nation.
I am especially proud of our investments in rural communities across the reservation. Places like Marble City and Kenwood are often overlooked, but are important centers where the Cherokee language thrives and many families live by core Cherokee values.
This isn’t just about building infrastructure; it’s about giving our citizens the tools to thrive in their communities. From our state-of-the-art Head Start facility in Kenwood with heated floors for our youngest learners to our Edna Holland Wellness Center in Stilwell with indoor walking trails, we’re creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging and pride.
The comprehensive investments demonstrate our holistic approach: $551.1 million for health care, $194.4 million for education, $124.2 million for government infrastructure, $83.4 million for health, $76.5 million for humanitarian services, $67.8 million for community projects, $63.2 million for language initiatives, $10 million for career services, $3.1 million for infrastructure, and $2.7 million for law enforcement.
These numbers are more than just numbers. They represent our commitment to improving every aspect of life for the Cherokee Nation.
Cornerstones of this transformation are our new hospital, currently under construction in Tahlequah, and our soon-to-open clinic in Salina. These two new facilities will provide critical medical services and allow residents to stay close to home and family when they need care.
The company is also adding a Public Safety Building, a 61,500-square-foot hub for emergency response, which will house more than 90 employees and include a training center for first responders to help keep the community safe.
Our capital investments also grow our local economy and provide great job opportunities for our residents. Even when we demolish outdated buildings, like the old hotel at the WW Keeler Tribal Campus, we make room for modern facilities that will serve future generations.
The Cherokee Nation is a leader in Indian Country and Oklahoma’s best model for how government can uplift its people. We don’t just build physical structures, we develop connected and empowered people. Our vision is clear: to create an environment where Cherokee people can live, work, play and thrive across the reservation for generations to come.
