Our Sovereign Land
The Cherokee Nation is committed to protecting our inherent sovereignty, preserving and promoting our culture, languages and values, and improving the quality of life for our citizens and for all of Indian Country.
Ensuring we do what’s right for Tribal Nations
The Supreme Court’s McGirt v. Oklahoma decision recognized what Indian Country has known all along: that our land is our land. Now, the Cherokee Nation is hard at work to protect our sovereignty while fighting for the public safety and legal cooperation we need in the wake of the historic decision.
Visit our resources page for important documents about the McGirt case and Indian sovereignty over our land.
Latest News
Cherokee Phoenix: Cherokee Nation responsible for law enforcement on CN reservation, AG says
TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation officials explained to the tribe’s council that within its 14-county reservation, the United Keetoowah Band has no law enforcement authority and that UKB Lighthorse attempts to respond to calls and make traffic stops are not within the...
KTUL: Cherokee Nation Marshal Service opens satellite office in Pryor
The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service expanded its presence within the reservation with a new satellite office at Cherokee Heights in the Mayes County community of Pryor. This new office will provide Cherokee citizens living in the northern portions of the reservation...
The Oklahoman: Cherokee chief tells OK Legislature about health, education efforts
Despite political conflict in recent years over the McGirt decision at the U.S. Supreme Court, Hoskin called on lawmakers and the Oklahoma state government to work together with tribes, saying, "We have to recognize that we don't do it alone."
KTUL: Cherokee Nation celebrates milestone of 450,000 registered citizens
“I really commend our Registration Department for meeting the needs of our citizens. COVID-19 taught all of us that there is a great need out there in terms of broadband, food insecurities and vital services that our people need,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck...
KOSU: Cherokee Nation opens new shelter for those experiencing domestic violence
The Cherokee Nation celebrated the opening of a new domestic violence shelter in Stilwell on Tuesday, Dec. 20, to help families and children who suffer at the hands of violence.
MSNBC: Supreme Court Ruling Chips Away at Rights on Native American Land
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's Castro-Huerta ruling on MSNBC's Symone.
Huffpost: Once Again The Supreme Court Breaks America’s Promise To Tribes
In April, Justice Neil Gorsuch asked his colleagues on the Supreme Court if they would “wilt today because of a social media campaign.” The case was Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, in which the state of Oklahoma claimed it holds jurisdiction to prosecute certain...
NBC News: The Supreme Court gave states more power over tribal land. Tribes say that undermines their autonomy.
In a decision that stunned legal experts, the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that state governments have the authority to prosecute certain cases on tribal lands, effectively undermining centuries of legal precedent by expanding the power of states. The court’s ruling...
The Oklahoman: Oklahoma tribal leaders hopeful after Supreme Court hearing linked to McGirt decision
Tribal leaders in Oklahoma were encouraged Wednesday after hearing arguments in a Supreme Court case tied to McGirt v. Oklahoma that justices would land once again on the side of tribal sovereignty. After listening to the state’s arguments, Cherokee Principal Chief...
The Atlantic: Where Is Oklahoma Getting Its Numbers From in Its Supreme Court Case?
To prove that McGirt wreaked havoc in Oklahoma, the state is claiming that it has lost jurisdiction over 18,000 prosecutions a year, many of which are now “going un-investigated and unprosecuted, endangering public safety.” The problem is that this number seems to...