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Overview
Cherokee Nation is the federally recognized government of the Cherokee people, exercising sovereign authority granted by treaty and law. Its operations are centered at the W.W. Keeler Complex in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where the tribal government and affiliated agencies conduct governance, services, and programs for enrolled Cherokee citizens. The Nation’s role includes lawmaking, public administration, and cultural and economic development within its territory. Unlike typical corporations or non-profits, the Cherokee Nation functions as a self-governing political unit with a government-to-government relationship with the United States. Its goal is to sustain Cherokee sovereignty, support its citizens, and promote cultural preservation and community well-being.
About Cherokee Nation
Industries
Government & Public Sector
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$13.1M
Headquarters
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Claremore's $400 million health center broke ground August 19, 2026, expanding specialty care.
- Tahlequah's new wellness center opened August 2026, adding free citizen access and memberships.
- Education Services gained Aaron Emberton, while Cherokee Immersion and Sequoyah schools expand.
What critics are saying
- The Claremore project ties up $400 million through 2029 before any operating payoff.
- A bad Eighth Circuit ruling could undercut Cherokee Nation Businesses' casino licensing model.
- Federal wildlife and jurisdiction litigation against Oklahoma officials keeps sovereignty disputes active into 2026.
What makes Cherokee Nation unique
- Cherokee Nation funds major services with tribally generated cash, not federal debt, in 2026.
- It operates sovereign health and justice systems, including Claremore and Tahlequah expansions.
- Education, culture, and trails are governance priorities, not side philanthropy.
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Funding
Total Funding
$13.1M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
2 Rounds
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 14%1 year growth
↑ 14%2 year growth
↑ 14%CN breaks ground on $400 million health center. * BY D. SEAN ROWLEY Senior Reporter * Aug 20, 2026 CLAREMORE, Okla. - Cherokee Nation officials ceremoniously broke ground Aug. 19 for a $400 million outpatient and emergency health center, a facility expected to nearly double the local health workforce and expand specialty care in the reservation. The anticipated opening of the 400,000-square-foot Claremore Outpatient and Emergency Health Center, fully funded through CN general funds and no borrowed or federal money, is summer 2029. It will replace the current Claremore health center, of which the Cherokee Nation took control from the Indian Health Service in October 2025. "We are building a $400 million facility in this community with an emergency room, with state-of-the-art outpatient care," Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr said. "Isn't it something that the Cherokee Nation can make a $400 million investment... because we have those dollars." Hoskin said the project is the result of an extensive push for control over healthcare delivery to Cherokees in the region. "Success has a thousand parents," he said. "Failure is an orphan. But in this case, it's not an exaggeration." The new facility will be the yield of "thousands of people who've served this Nation, who've worked in our health system, who perhaps was a patient in the health system," Hoskin said. The health center is projected to employ about 750 people, a significant increase from the 375 working at the existing Claremore location. Wayne Coldwell, chief operating officer for CN Health Services, said the design process took shape through the input of current Claremore personnel. "We wanted to hear directly from those people who work in the facility every day and who often receive feedback from the patients we serve," Coldwell said, adding that the current outpatient and emergency center would remain a priority with completion of the new construction three years away. "We are going to modernize our existing campus, improve patient flow and create a better environment for both patients and employees," Coldwell added. Deputy Speaker of the Tribal Council, Kevin Easley Jr., whose district includes Claremore, said he urged Hoskin early in his term to prioritize taking over the facility from IHS. "My very first conversation I had with Chief Hoskin, he said, 'Councilor, what do we need to accomplish in Claremore?'" Easley said. "I said, 'Chief, we've got to take over Claremore.'" Easley said he received a firm commitment. "He promised me we would get that done before I'm out of office," Easley said. Since assuming operations last October, CNHS has reported increases in patient volume in Claremore - including more than 13,000 patient services in January alone. Hoskin said such growth indicates optimum outcomes when the CN steers healthcare service for its citizens. "Health care gets better - it gets more accessible," he said. "We get to decide rather than the government of the United States who gets health care, when it's delivered, how much is delivered. The best days of this community and this health system are ahead of us." The new facility will include an emergency department, expanded specialty clinics and a 29,000-square-foot wellness center, with room designated for a future in-patient unit. Construction is being handled by Crossland Construction, with Childers Architects serving as the design firm.
Cherokee Nation celebrates healthcare milestone in Claremore. The Cherokee Nation broke ground on the new $400 million Claremore Outpatient and Emergency Health Center Tuesday, Aug. 18. The four-story, 400,000-square-foot facility will expand the Cherokee Nation's healthcare offerings in Rogers County and add many new services. Expanded services will include increased audiology appointments, pediatric and adult dental, an expanded cardiology clinic, 24/7 ultrasound, an eyeglass dispensary, increased surgical podiatry through partners, evening MRI appointments and breast biopsy services. The new health center comes after the Cherokee Nation assumed control of the former Claremore Indian Hospital from the federal government in October 2025. It was an accomplishment that took years in the making. Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Kevin Easley Jr., whose district covers Claremore, said during his first conversation with the principal chief, Hoskin asked him what needs were in Claremore. "I said, 'Chief, if we don't ever accomplish anything else, you can tell me no to everything else, but we've got to take over Claremore [hospital],'" Easley said. Easley said prior to the tribe's acquisition of the Claremore facility, there was a gap in Rogers County when it came to Cherokee healthcare. While the Claremore Indian Hospital was run by the Indian Health Service, Easley said the Cherokee Nation could not assist its citizens in need as well as it could if the tribe ran the facility. Easley said whenever he spoke with Hoskin about the tribe's running the Claremore hospital, Hoskin made a promise. "Chief Hoskin gave me a direct answer: 'We will make it happen,' that's the kind of leader he is," Easley said. "And here we are, Chief, three years later, and you made it happen." The new facility will be at 1820 S. Scissortail in Claremore, and is expected to be completed by summer 2029, according to the Cherokee Nation. Hoskin said the new facility has been a dream come true for many Cherokee citizens and healthcare workers. "It's an understatement to say that the success we're enjoying today as not only 1,000 but thousands of people who served this nation, who've worked in our health system, who perhaps was a patient in the health system, who aspired that we would come to a day when the Cherokee Nation would be running the health system here in Claremore," Hoskin said.
Cherokee Nation launches survey to collect community input on trails across reservation. * Aug 17, 2026 Updated 3 hrs ago The Cherokee Nation is inviting the general public, including citizens, residents, trail users, and community members across Northeastern Oklahoma to help shape the future of trails across the reservation by participating in the Cherokee National Trail System Community Survey, open through Sept. 10. "We want to hear directly from the people who live, work, and recreate throughout the Cherokee Nation reservation," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Whether you currently use trails or would like to see more opportunities in the future, your feedback will help guide a long-term vision for trail planning, partnerships, and investments across Cherokee Nation communities." The Cherokee Nation is developing a comprehensive, community-guided plan for the Cherokee National Trail System to help guide the future development of pedestrian and bicycle trails across the reservation, as well as connections to existing trail systems within and near the reservation. In November 2025, Hoskin signed into law the Cherokee Nation Trail System Act, which calls for the ultimate development of an interconnected trail system to enhance community connectivity, public health and wellness, cultural preservation, and natural resources conservation. The community survey provides an opportunity for all residents across Northeastern Oklahoma to help guide the development of future trails within the reservation. Through a series of questions, participants can share their perspectives on trail use, recreation, transportation, safety, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and future priorities. "When people have opportunities to connect with nature, it strengthens both personal wellness and our shared commitment to protecting natural resources. Feedback provided through this survey will guide us in building trails that are not only used but genuinely valued by the communities throughout the reservation that they serve," Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice said. In addition to the survey, the public can participate through an interactive comment map by dropping pins at locations across the reservation to identify trail needs, suggest future connections, highlight areas of concern, and share ideas for enhancing trail access, recreation opportunities, and community connectivity. The feedback collected will help ensure the strategic plan reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of the communities served by the ultimate trail system. Community members are encouraged to visit the project website to access the survey and interactive map, learn more about the planning effort, stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities, and access project information and resources throughout the planning phase. The survey takes approximately 5-6 minutes to complete and will remain open through Sept. 10. - Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation awards top honors at 31st annual Homecoming Art Show. * Aug 10, 2026 In a special reception on Friday, Aug. 7, Cherokee Nation recognized more than 30 artists in celebration of the 31st annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show. The show is open to the public and runs through Sept. 12 in the gallery at 3397 Cherokee Springs Road. "The Cherokee Homecoming Art Show is a shining example of the importance of the preservation and promotion of Cherokee culture," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "As you walk through the gallery, Cherokee traditions and stories are on full display, telling not only our history, but that the Cherokee Nation is still thriving here today." The juried show and competition features 117 pieces by 78 artists, including the following six Cherokee National Treasures: Roy Boney Jr, Richard Fields, Tonia Horner-Weavel, Ron Mitchell, Harry Oosahwee and Troy Jackson. This year's Best of Show was awarded to Hattie Lee Mendoza for her mixed media piece, "Homeplace: Her Memories, Our Heritage (White Oak)," composed of photos, glass beads and embroidery thread on a giclee print of an antique document. Artists competed for their share of more than $18,000 in prize money in two divisions, traditional and contemporary, alongside various specialty awards. The traditional division is defined as "arts originating before European contact" and consists of three categories: basketry, pottery and traditional arts. The contemporary division is defined as "arts arising among the Cherokee after European contact" and consists of nine categories, including sculpture, pottery, basketry, beadwork, jewelry, textiles, painting, photography and digital art, as well as drawing, graphics and mixed media. First-place winners in each category are: Traditional Arts, Grant Morris, "Bad Medicine"; Traditional Pottery, Crystal Hanna, "I'm From the Underworld"; Contemporary Pottery, Karla Blackfish, "Strength"; Traditional Basketry, Vicki Coppedge, "Stillness After the Rush"; Contemporary Basketry, Kristy Owens, "Bird Clan"; Painting, Robin Stockton, "Devouring the Sun"; Sculpture, Ernie Poindexter, "Pileated Woodpecker at Work"; Textiles, Paige Hart, "Unity"; Jewelry, Phyllis Sixkiller, "Ancestors"; Beadwork/Quillwork, Carolyn Pallett, "Creatures of Courage"; Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media, Robin Stockton, "Stickball Rabbit - Monoprint"; and Photography & Digital Art, Laura Petty, "Way of the Wind." Other special awards include the following: Bill Rabbit Legacy Award, Micah Brooks, "Guess Who's Back From Mexico"; Betty Scraper-Gardner Elder Award, Charlie Nichols, "I WANNA BE"; Mary Ellen Meredith Award for Humor, Robin Stockton, "Tales of the Fox"; and Emerging Artist Award, Micah Brooks, "Guess Who's Back From Mexico." All artwork is available for sale, and the public is encouraged to vote for the People's Choice Award. For a complete list of award winners, visit HomecomingArtShow.com. - Cherokee Nation
CHIEF CHAT: Back to school means investing in our future. * By Chuck Hoskin Jr. * 3 hrs ago Before children across Northeast Oklahoma walk through the school doors on the first day of a new year, Cherokee Nation has already been at work investing in their future - whether that child is Cherokee or not. That is how I have always understood education should be. It does not begin when the first bell rings. It begins long before that, when we make sure kids are healthy, prepared and surrounded by people who believe in them. It continues with strong schools, dedicated teachers, access to language and Cherokee culture, and the kinds of opportunities that help young people figure out who they are and what direction they want to go. Investing in education is one of the most important things a government can do. As the school year commences across the Cherokee Nation reservation, I am proud of what our Nation has built and will keep building when it comes to nurturing and developing our young people at every stage of their life. Just days before classrooms are reopening, Cherokee Nation welcomed educators from across Oklahoma to our annual Teachers of Successful Students Conference. More than 200 teachers and school staff came together to share ideas, sharpen their skills and prepare for the students who will soon fill their rooms. When we invest in teachers, we invest in and support every child they teach. We also continue one of our most meaningful partnerships with public education - sharing Cherokee Nation motor vehicle tag revenue with schools throughout the reservation. Since 2002, that investment has contributed more than $107 million to public schools in Northeast Oklahoma, including $7.26 million distributed this past year. Those dollars go directly to school districts, allowing them to fill critical gaps. The partnerships reinforce a core belief: when public schools succeed, our communities succeed as well. Our direct cash assistance to public schools does not end there. For the second consecutive year we have provided over $1.8 million in Public Health and Wellness Fund Act grants, a number of which went to help schools with wellness, health and safety infrastructure needs from ball courts to outdoor classrooms to improved water systems. At the same time, we are expanding educational opportunities for Cherokee families directly. The Cherokee Immersion School is entering a new era, strengthened by legislation that secures its independence and long-term future. Construction will soon be complete on the new immersion middle school campus, so more Cherokee children will have the chance to learn their language every day. At Sequoyah High School, our $65 million capital improvement plan is transforming the SHS campus and creating modern facilities so that our students have a learning environment that matches their potential. Our youngest learners also remain a priority. Cherokee Nation has completed a historic Head Start capital plan through the Verna D. Thompson Early Childhood Education Act, modernizing early childhood facilities across our 14-county reservation. Soon, we will celebrate the opening of the newest Child Development Center brought online under the Hoskin-Warner administration, this one in Catoosa. It will ensure access to quality early learning for more working families. Education, of course, does not stop when school is out. Cherokee Nation's Education Services brings Cherokee history and language into classrooms through cultural enrichment programs. During school breaks, our cultural tourism programs offer students and families hands-on learning at historical sites, museums and cultural locations. And this fall, first lady January Hoskin's Youth Public Service Career Program will once again introduce Cherokee youth to careers dedicated to serving others. Some of the work we do outside of school addresses a need even more basic than education: hunger. Hungry kids cannot reach their potential, in school and otherwise. That's why, year after year, we bring home millions of federal "Summer EBT" dollars for ALL eligible low-income students across the reservation. The Cherokee Nation's partner nonprofit, the Cherokee Nation Foundation, also offers K-12 programs and opportunities, including Junior Achievement of Oklahoma's BizTown and college-readiness workshops. All of this comes back to a belief I hold firmly: Education is one of the most powerful expressions of sovereignty we have as Cherokee people. Every scholarship awarded, every classroom improved, every teacher supported and every child introduced to the Cherokee language is an investment, not just in one individual, but in the future of our tribe. As students head back to school this year, I want them and their families to know that the Cherokee Nation is already in their corner. We are investing today so that tomorrow's leaders are prepared to succeed. Chuck Hoskin Jr. is principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
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About Cherokee Nation
Industries
Government & Public Sector
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$13.1M
Headquarters
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Founded
N/A
There are no jobs for Cherokee Nation right now.
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today