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Pictured, left to right: Cherokee Nation employees Tony Matthews, Jack Butler, John Sparkman, Ryan Callison, Dewayne Beavers, Principal Chief Chad Smith.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation’s strong commitment to protecting the environment received recognition from the highest environmental authority in North America, the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA honored the Cherokee Nation at the regular scheduled Tribal Council meeting on Monday night. The award was for the Cherokee Nation’s exemplary efforts in air quality and monitoring.

"The Cherokee Nation has always prided itself on taking the utmost care with our environment," said Principal Chief Chad Smith. "We’ve developed an expertise in monitoring water and air quality because of our strong sense of responsibility for the quality of life for everyone who lives within the Cherokee Nation."

Smith also thanked the Cherokee Nation staff that received the award on behalf of the Cherokee Nation: Dwayne Beavers, Tony Matthews, Ryan Callison, Jack Butler and John Sparkman.

"These guys have very impressive credentials, with advanced degrees and years of experience protecting the environment," Smith said. "I’m glad they are committed to working with the Cherokee Nation to protect the environment."