Cherokee Nation Doing Well Financially Despite Tough Economy

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Native Brief: TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - While many municipal, state and federal governments are faced with budget shortfalls and spending cuts, the Cherokee Nation is proposing a budget that keeps much-needed services.

Aron Dunlap started working with the Cherokee Nation Day Training Program and as a result he was hired for a full-time position in information systems

Cherokee Nation's administration presented a budget of $579 million to the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council for review and approval at the next general meeting.

"As many of you know the national economy is currently full of uncertainty and state budgets have been drastically cut," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We are pleased that by making good financial decisions the Cherokee Nation can present a budget that prevents cutting services to the Cherokee people. The economy is tough out there and we are doing well here in Cherokee Nation."

The proposed budget continues expansion in health care, growth in Cherokee Nation's immersion school and programs that are helping Cherokee citizens with jobs.

The proposed budget sets aside of $1.2 million for the Day Training Program. This program provides unemployed Cherokee Nation citizens with temporary employment along with practical training at tribal facilities, including the tribe's businesses. They earn a daily stipend of up to $50, are acquiring practical experience, and the opportunity to showcase their skills to potential employers.

The budget also funds the construction of the new health center in Vinita. The tribe broke ground on the 90,000 square-foot facility this past year. When built, the health center will serve as the tribe's comprehensive health center for the northern part of Cherokee Nation. Cherokee Nation will use projected revenue from third'party billing and Indian Health Services for the construction and operations. The budget also calls for $2.7 million to be used for providing dentures, eyeglasses and contract health services to our citizens.

The Fiscal Year 2012 budget request includes funding for the Cherokee Nation immersion school. This past year, Sequoyah Schools filed an application for the school to become the first tribal charter school in the state. In the fall of 2011, the immersion school will start a 6th grade class making Sequoyah Schools pre-k through 12th grade for the first time since 1956.

The Cherokee Nation's fiscal year ends September 30. Cherokee Nation law requires the proposed budget be submitted on time and balanced, with expenditures that do not exceed projected revenues.

posted August 4, 2011 8:30 am edt