Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation’s finances are in order and the Cherokee Nation has reached record levels for both revenues and expenditures on services, according to the recently released comprehensive financial report and independent audit.The report also shows an all-time high for net assets, and healthy, positive balances in the general fund as well as major service fund accounts like health, human services and roads.
"The Cherokee Nation has a larger budget and more revenues than at any point in its history", said Principal Chief Chad Smith. "This report shows how the Cherokee Nation receives funding and how we spend it. It also shows the Cherokee Nation continues to be on sound financial footing as we move forward."
The audit covers fiscal year 2002, which ended September 30, 2002. The Cherokee Nation won the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2001, the first time the Cherokee Nation won this award since 1995.
"With this audit and report we hope to earn a certificate of excellence again this year", said Callie Catcher, Controller of the Cherokee Nation.
Smith commended Cherokee Nation employees for the results of the report and the audit.
"Our staff actively seeks additional funding sources and revenues, and it shows by the increase in money for services", Smith said. "Our finance staff deserves a lot of credit for their hard work getting these reports done accurately and quickly."
Other highlights include an increase in net assets by $5.9 million, keeping the Cherokee Nation’s overall liabilities at a constant level and $1.5 million in unrestricted assets available.
The independent audit firm of Deloitte & Touche issued an unqualified audit opinion, which means the financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Cherokee Nation.
Copies of the Cherokee Nation’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report are available for review at the Cherokee FIRST Welcome Center at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, located on Highway 62 south of Tahlequah.
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Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671 |
51st Cherokee National Holiday Cherokee Communities "The Strength Of Our Nation" Held Annually on Labor Day Weekend |
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |