Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - One of the top officials of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) visited Cherokee Nation facilities during a two-day visit. Claude Allen, the second highest-ranking official in a federal agency with more than 300 different programs, toured several Cherokee Nation sites.
Claude Allen, Deputy Secretary for DHHS, talks to Grace Sherrick during his visit to the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center. 
"I am very excited about being at the Cherokee Nation", said Claude Allen, Deputy Secretary for DHHS, which oversees programs ranging from health care to childcare. "As I was thinking about my trip on the way here I thought what an honor it was to address some of the issues that are involving Indian Country."
"We hope that with his visit he has developed a greater understanding of the top-quality services we offer and what our needs are at the Cherokee Nation", said Chris Walker, executive director of health for the Cherokee Nation.
Allen’s two-day visit consisted of touring the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center, Child Development Center/Headstart, Human Services and the Muskogee Health Clinic. His goals were to listen and provide technical advisement and guidance on how tribes can strive to obtain their goals and objectives.
"We cannot make recommendations to the President of the United States or to Congress on how they impact Indian Country unless we see on a first hand basis, what needs need to be met in order maintain a good sovereign to sovereign relationship", said Allen.
Allen will also visit the Choctaw Nation during his trip to Oklahoma.
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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 |
| 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 |