Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – In response to the devastating tsunami that forever changed the lives of those in southeast Asia, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council announced the tribe's support of the relief effort."I want to take a moment to express, on behalf of the Cherokee Nation, our deep sadness for the people affected by the December 26th natural disaster in southeastern Asia," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, in his monthly state of the nation address.
"In only two weeks, these besieged nations have begun moving from rescue efforts to the long, arduous task of recovery for their people and their businesses" Smith said. "In our own small way, and the traditional way of our people, the Cherokee Nation joins other world governments to help with a donation."
The tribe's $10,000 donation will come from its general fund budget. That donation, combined with the gifts by Cherokee Casino brings the Cherokee Nation's total donation to more than $30,000.
The Council also unanimously approved an amendment to the Cherokee Nation Motor Vehicle Licensing and Tax Code. The amendment clarifies that citizens who are completely disabled qualify for a free vehicle tag.
"Under current legislation the annual registration fee is free of charge, if the tribal citizen meets two requirements; they must be 100 percent physically disabled and have a vehicle that has been modified to accommodate their physical disability," said Meredith Frailey, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member representing Mayes County.
"The amendment before us (Tribal Council) removes those two requirements and proposes that they be 100 percent physically disabled to qualify for this special rate," Frailey said.
Another resolution passed which authorizes the tribe to initiate bids for the financing of the new Muskogee Health Clinic, an 82,000 square foot facility that will offer extensive health care for Native Americans in the area.
The Council unanimously approved the nomination of Darrell Dowty as a Justice of the Judicial Appeals Tribunal and nominations of Rick Doherty and Jim Briggs as members of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.
The Council also unanimously passed an amendment to the Cherokee Nation budget. The entire January Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting can be seen on the Cherokee Nation's Web site, www.cherokee.org.
The next regular scheduled Council meeting is set for February 14, at 6 p.m., in the Tribal Council Chambers at the W.W. Keeler Complex.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
|
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 |