Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Plans to fund a cultural and language program for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) met with some resistance when the tribal council approved pulling $1.1 million from the budgeted $1.6 million to pay a deficit for Sequoyah High School (SHS ). The council, which met Monday night, voted to use another $573,203 from motor fuels contract fund as part of the payment. Tribal Councilor Harold DeMoss defended the action. DeMoss said that the language and culture program would be replenished by other means.

"We’re dealing with deficits," said DeMoss. "We don’t want everyone to overreact. Give the council to do their job." Preserving a strong cultural identity is "centerpiece and heart of the future," and is a goal of the CNO's Principal Chief, Chad Smith and Deputy Principal Chief, Hastings Shade.

District 2 Councilor "Jiggs" Phillips asked whether the cuts would severely impact the program. DeMoss affirmed to the council that the funding cut would not diminish the original program amount.

Funding for the language and culture program is to be replenished by interest made from the self-governance annual funding agreement, which is projected to amount to an estimated $600,000. Any unused funds at the end of each quarter will reallocated to the language and culture budget, bringing the program to full funding originally appropriated in the 2000 budget.

The CNO and Cherokee County will be combining efforts toward road and bridge improvements with, a council approved, $1 million put aside for those projects. The money comes from the motor fuels contract monies, which was earmarked for roads, health, law enforcement and education.

Tribal Council members also approved resolutions appropriating $150,000 for the Community Development Disaster/Emergency Fund; a grant of right of way over Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma tribal lands; authorization to establish a Census 2000 committee and legislative act amending Title 19.

Jerry Holderby, Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CEO), reported success at year’s end, showing a net profit of $5.2 million. Expansion of games offered at casinos has resulted in some renovation of the structures and utilities. CNE’s focus, he said, was on internal controls, to meet or exceed governmental requirements.

The next tribal council meeting will be held December 13, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. in the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex south of Tahlequah.