Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker highlighted economic growth, more jobs, and new, affordable housing created over the past seven years in his state of the nation address.
Speaking during the Cherokee National Holiday celebration, Baker said the Cherokee Nation is enjoying greater financial independence.
"Over the past seven years, our economic impact has more than doubled, from just under $1 billion a year to over $2 billion this last year," Baker said.
Baker said the tribe’s economic growth helps better fund cultural programs and services, and it benefits neighboring communities as the Cherokee Nation invests in public education and infrastructure.
Education will continue to be a priority of the Cherokee Nation. Scholarship funding and awards have increased over the past seven years. The tribe is also increasing its investments in science, technology, engineering and math education programs.
Baker said they need Cherokee kids studying to prepare for good jobs in the future.
"We are creating jobs at a record pace, and we need every skill set," Baker said.
More than 11,000 citizens work for Cherokee Nation government or businesses, and the tribe expects more than 800 new jobs when the new W.W. Hastings health center opens next year.
Baker said the tribe isn’t going anywhere, and he wants Cherokee kids to grow up to have good-paying jobs close to home.
"We want them to know this: You don’t have to leave Oklahoma to make a change in the world," Baker said.
Baker said he hopes his administration will be remembered as one that worked to improve health care, education and economic opportunities for Cherokee families while also trying to preserve their language and culture.
