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TAHLEQUAH, OK - A Cherokee Nation official, announced that the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma (CNO) will begin working with tribal communities constucting tribal community buildings. The plan is to help get, as many as, 10 community buildings constructed in the northeastern regions of Oklahoma.

The Executive director of the Cherokee Nation's community services program, Diane Kelley, said that the CNO will pour foundations and do the basic electric and plumbing work. The CNO will also be providing all tools and materials through a grant. Community volunteers will be doing the finishing part of the construction.

Kelly said, "We are seeking communities that want to help themselves. We provide the materials and the communities work together to get the job done the way they want it."

A meeting of community representatives will be held Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Cherokee Nation's headquarters to discuss the building project.

The Cherokee Nation also announced the establishment of an educational trust in the names of Glenn L. and Faye V. Gammon. The Gammon's willed $290,000 to the Cherokee Nation higher education program.

The income from the trustwill be used to provide tuition and related education costs, travel and living expenses for Cherokee students with a blood quantum of one-quarter (1/4) or more.