Redistricting maps being reviewed by Tribal Council

May 14—Cherokee Nation's district maps have been generated and were made available in the packets supplied to the Tribal Council this week.

In a special Rules Committee meeting May 13, Attorney General Chad Harsha announced there were difficulties in the past with litigation by members against one another when redistricting happened in 2013, and he wanted to avoid that problem.

The redistricting is based upon population and represents "one Cherokee, one vote." Growth and the moving around of the population has necessitated the remapping. A new district will be created from District 5 over to the north part of north Tulsa, Harsha said.

"Population growth along the north Tulsa corridor, Wagoner County and Muskogee County is extensive, requiring these changes," Harsha said.

The redistricting determination is made on registration in the tribe, not whether a person is registered to vote or gets medical services, Harsha said. The registration "snapshot" is Dec. 31, 2023.

"Once the final maps are approved by the body, the [redistricting] becomes effective with the 2025 election," Harsha said.

The Sequoyah High School Lady Indians won the 3A high school girls' state golf tournament for the first time and team members were recognized at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting.

Jaycee Gideon, Macy McCrary, Beans Factor, Amelia Pritchett and Kodee Pritchett shook hands with the councilors at the May 13 meeting and were applauded for their achievement.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. updated the council on the achievements of the Nation, one being the contribution of $476,000 to 136 rural fire departments.

"Last year, the council provided funding and we launched a program called "[2023 Cherokee Nation] Public Safety Partners [Grant]," Hoskin said. "Fire departments were among the agencies to receive funding under that program."

The Nation is in the midst of negotiations with Gov. Kevin Stitt on the car tag compact. Hoskin said it doesn't mean the proposal Stitt put out on social media is a good one, but he assured the council it would be kept updated.

Plans to expand the W.W. Keebler Complex necessitated the demolition of the old motel structure that has been there since the 1960s. Hoskin said a $35 million, 75,000-square-foot building will be built to hold the growing CN workforce.

Ground was broken May 13 on a $50 million building to house public safety agencies, Hoskin said.

"That is part of what is the biggest period of capital investment in the history of the CN," Hoskin said.

The Joint Venture Program to construct new health care facilities makes sure tribes that can build do so, but it doesn't let the U.S. government off the hook for operating dollars, Hoskins said.

"We will continue to advocate for that program," Hoskin said. "We advocated for other aspects of appropriations including making sure funding to help Indian Country in Oklahoma meets the challenges and opportunities under the McGirt case."

Cherokee Warrior veterans awards were presented to Henry Carey Jr. and Frank Alexander Wright. Carey had several deployments in the North Atlantic and Middle East. Wright, the father-in-law of Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright, served in the Navy during the Korean War.

"I did this to serve my country because I'm Cherokee. This is our land and we have to serve," Carey said.

CEO Chuck Barrett reported the application period for the Arkansas Racing Commission reopened on May 12 and will remain open until June 12, and then a 30-day review period will begin.

"During that period, they will evaluate our application. Last time around, we did an interview for the racing commission — a pretty formal setting," Garrett said. "We are sort of in uncharted waters but excited about that process beginning."

The Russellville site was one of four where casinos could be built. Three other casinos have already been constructed.

McGills Prime Steaks and Seafood restaurant in Tulsa has been closed and will reopen as Carter's, Garrett said.

"We are rebranding that and will reopen next Tuesday, [May 21] as Carter's, with a new look, new feel, some great food and great service, but a little bit different feel for our customers and guests," Garrett said.

What's next

The next Tribal Council meeting is June 10, 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation complex.